6.5-06 opinions

[MarkCO]

How is it faster than a 30cal bullet? Serious question, I really don't know. I would think a bigger heavier bullet would be slower.

300 magnums are faster.

Has to do with efficiency.

[Zombie Steve]

Same reason a .30-06 in the same case can throw a 150 slightly faster than a .270 can throw a 150... or a .30-06 can throw a 120 a couple hundred fps faster than a .25-06.

[jmg8550]

Here's why I'm confused as to why a 338 is faster out of the same case as a 30. The 30 is a smaller hole, thus increasing pressure and pushing the bullet faster. Less volume for the gas to fill. This is my thought process. I could be way off. I guess I'm asking for a scientific explanation.

[MarkCO]

PV=nRT is the explanation.

[Colorado Osprey]

Here's why I'm confused as to why a 338 is faster out of the same case as a 30. The 30 is a smaller hole, thus increasing pressure and pushing the bullet faster. Less volume for the gas to fill. This is my thought process. I could be way off. I guess I'm asking for a scientific explanation.

Actually it is quite simple- more powder volume in the larger caliber due to a shorter bullet, more surface area to push against decreasing pressure with less bearing surface of the bullet touching the bore (less frictional drag) is why larger caliber bullets of the same bullet weight of a smaller diameter can be driven to high velocities in the larger bore. The downfall is less BC so the bullets are not as efficient and loose that advantage usually under 200 yards to the smaller bore bullets. In addition the smaller bore bullets because of their length usually have better sectional density as well. So you might be able to drive a 30-06 120 grain bullet at a higher velocity than a 25-06 with the same bullet weight, but the 25-06 with that same bullet weight will buck the wind better, have a flatter long range trajectory and have more energy at distance as it will retain higher velocity due to BC as well as have a higher sectional density increasing penetration even at the same velocity.

The 338-06 is a great caliber for all of the reasons stated before, but before you decide the 6.5-06 is still a great choice. Another thing to ponder... where you can still get ammo and dies over the counter is the 280 Remington or 7mm Remington Express which is just a 7mm-06. Almost all the advantages of the 338-06 for heavy weight bullets with all the advantages of the high BC 7mm bullets almost as good as the 6.5
Food for thought.

I built a 6mm-06 for a Gee-Wiz. It was a lazer. I also know that the barrel will probably start getting bad throat erosion under 1000 rounds being a serious overbore. Every time I shot it people were surprised how fast the bullet arrived on target at distance. I put it in a 1:9 and it loves 107 MatchKings at a distance. The 60 grain HP's are impressive fast.