6.5 Gibbs

[IndyJay]

Dan/Mike... what do you guys know about this cartridge? It looks like it drives a 140gr. pill at a pretty good pace! Is it on a par with the .264 Winchester Mag or is it a bit quicker! Also, can you form brass by necking down a .280?

I really need to work harder....

 

[Calif. Hunter]

If it's formed from a necked-down .280, wouldn't it just be a variation of a 6.5-06?

 

[IndyJay]

That's what it looks like to me Cali, but the .280 has a slightly longer neck than the .270/25.06 to keep it from chambering in a .270.

 

[AA]

I have had one for 10 years now,it's a little work forming cases but it's a good little cartridge.Here is a picture showing the process the case goes through.When I first started I used Mil 06 brass but now use 270 Win so the neck will be slightly longer.

Here is the rifle,it's fast even with stingy powder charges,but this is due to its 31 1/2 inch barrel.

I can try to answer some questions


AA

 

[IndyJay]

Thanks AA.... would you say you're seeing velocities well above .264 WM levels or about even? Dan has got me enamoured w/ the 6.5MM caliber and I'm looking at all my options...

 

[danr55]

Jay, the Gibbs variation on the 6.5-06 performs about the same as the Ackley Improved configuration. Neither of them will equal the .264 Win Mag with good handloads and a suitable barrel length.

A friend in Gilbert is reporting velocities in the 3400 fps range with 140 grain partitions. He is shooting a 264 win mag in a custom rig with a 30" tube. He says the accuracy is not believable out to 500 yards. The kicker is, he's using my old load of IMR 7828 and getting 200 fps more than I was with a 26 inch tube.

I'll try to hook up with him one day over the Holiday shutdown and see if he's pulling my leg. I'll let you know.

 

[IndyJay]

Thanks Dan... I've got this Montana Rifleman M1999 action on order and have yet to decide on a cartridge... at least with a .264 Winchester, I won't have to fashion my own brass....

 

[1_pointer]

Indy- If you want to be a bit different you could go with the 6.5X68. It's ballistically the twin of the .264WinMag, but uses a beltless case. I know RWS makes brass and I think Norma might also. Just a suggestion.