I don't own a 97D rifle or anything in 6.5 BRM, but I do have 14" and 21" Contender barrels in 6.5 JDJ. The two cases look to be nearly identical except for shoulder angle. I'd guess the BRM would hold just a tiny bit less powder. If I did own one, here's what I'd do.
FIRST, I would use some of the loads suggested on EABCO's website and get familiar with my rifle and see if it works with these loads, working up to the maximum ones very carefully. Assuming all is well at this point, THEN I would get me a reloading manual with 6.5 JDJ load data for the bullet weights I want. I would reduce powder charges 15% to start and work up very slowly and carefully to within perhaps 2-3% below the 6.5 JDJ max loads, being very careful to note any sticky extraction. Based on my experience with the JDJ, I would be trying RL-15 with the 120 gr. bullet. I would be looking for best accuracy at reasonable velocities, not necessarily absolute maximum velocities. After all, an extra 100 fps isn't going to make much practical difference in the field.
I'm told the the 97D rifle has a fairly weak extraction system and that when you get near max loads the first thing you'll encounter is sticky extraction. If this is true, then I think the procedure I've suggested is appropriate and safe; it's an approach careful handloaders have used for decades. Of course, it's YOUR rifle, YOUR hands and face, so YOU will have to decide if it is appropriate for you.
Once you start working with your rifle, let us know what you think. Hope this helps.
RonF
