6.5-06 AI Forming

[dakotamike]

I am looking at ordering a new barrel. I also have a pile of 270 brass. Am I going to be able to next size my 270 brass down to 6.5 with a 6.5-06 AI full length die? Do I need to order a Redding bushing die for 270 to neck down my brass? I know that I would be better off with 25-06 brass, but I was hoping to use what I already have.

[bootsmcguire]

Yes you should be able too. If you were going any further than that (say from 270 to 25cal or 6mm) then you would want to step it down, but only going down .013" in diameter it will work just fine.

[SUTTERERMAN85]

I have made a good bit of 243 brass from 308 in 1 step. You should not have any problems. Just make sure you use plenty of lube.

[LHitchcox]

One advantage of using .270 brass is that you can adjust the sizing die to leave a tight shoulder for the fire form loads. That will hold the case in place as the Ackley shoulder is formed so you don't have any case stretch in the web.

[mnbogboy2]

+1 on all of the above....Another advantage of the 270 case is the longer neck....Most always I lose neck length in my AIs while fire forming sometimes up to .020 thou or so....After you form your false shoulder as LHitchcox suggested then trim as long as you can (safely of course) but .020 over book usually works great and after fire forming and resizing you can trim to your final length....When I use regular .257 Bob or 7x57 mauser brass for my 257 Bob AIs and my 6.5 Bob AI I will always end up with "short" necks...That is why I have been forming my cases from .270 & 30-06 cases....Somewhat of a tedious process for me...But for you and your 6.5-06 AI the 270 cases should work out real well and be a lot faster....I think the 25-06 brass will work too but you will probably end up with the "short necks"...
Good Luck,
Randy

[mnbogboy2]

If you use the 270 brass let me know how it works out...I have a Shaw 6.5-06 (std) that will probably open up to AI after I chase the lands a little farther.
Thx,
Randy