How much free bore?

[BigDad]

As I posted earlier, I just ordered an X-Caliber pre-fit barrel 6.5X55 SE. They told me that the reamer they use will have .266" of free bore, which the guy from X-Caliber said is not a lot of free bore. I ordered a 1:8" twist 5R barrel and I'll be shooting 140-147 gr high BC bullets.

Is .266" about the right amount of free bore?

Will .266" allow me to load theses bullets out to the lands?

[Stumpkiller]

Looks like it is less than this version (but that's a 170 gr cast bullet!). I'd say you're gold.

http://www.tmtpages.com/LinkSkyImages/forum_images/Al%20Nelson/6.5_55mm/6.5_x_55_SE_~_Al_Nelson_Rifle~N.O.E._Design_270-265.Jpg

[SageRat Shooter]

You should be able to get there... My 260 Rem Match CBI barrel has a .190 freebore. I shoot the 143 ELD-X out of mine with a COAL of 2.933 which is .04 off my lands. you'll have .076 more room.

[Evlshnngns]

The saami creedmoor is .188 I believe. If they are measuring it the same way, .266 is more than I want. Somebody setting up for the new 150SMK bullets (in a 6.5x284) is going for .200.... I have read some swede reamers are setup for the massive 160g roundnose bullet for hunting in the old days. I wish I could be of more help,

[Stumpkiller]

Don't tell the guys using the Norma 156 gr Onyx in their 6.5X55mm they are out of touch. ;-) They won't share any moose kielbasa with you.

[Evlshnngns]

Don't tell the guys using the Norma 156 gr Onyx in their 6.5X55mm they are out of touch. ;-) They won't share any moose kielbasa with you.

No doubt they work. Thanks for sharing the reamer print, it will help me read some of my own.

[gbflyer]

Those guys are real sharp. I'd imagine it will be right.

[BigDad]

I've measured freebore on a couple of my other rifles (257 Rob and 300 WM) and they are running about +/- .200", .266" seems like a lot of freebore. I hope I'll be able to reach the lands with 143 gr ELD-X with enough neck to hold the bullet in place.