I think the 6.5X55 is sort of an odd-ball cartridge because of its slightly bigger head size. My Remington 700 action/bolt face will not accept 6.5X55 rounds. The 6.5X55 is a fine cartridge and I have read that BAR rifles have been chambered for it, but its peculiar head size makes it non-standard or "funny". Apparently the millions of military rifles and long term use of the 6.5X55 in Nordic countries ensures that the cartridge will continue to exist. Today, in Cabela's I thought I saw some Winchester 6.5X55 brass. The differences in ballistics among 6.5X47 L, .260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmore and 6.5X55 are not enough to draw my attention to one or another but there are other considerations. Lapua could have designed the 6.5X47 Lapua with 6.5X55 head size dimensions but they did not.
6.5x55 imp?
- Thread starter moondog
- Start date
The difference between the "standard" .473 and the Swede is .005. I've had my Panda bolts opened up to accept the larger base dia. but they work fine for .473 cartridges. for your shell holders, you might have a #1 that is oversized and will work fine, but a #2 is the correct one. In regards to velocity, before the advent of the 150 class bullets, I was driving 140-142 bullets at 3,055 fps with great accuracy and good brass life. I've settled on 2,980 fps. with the 150 SMK and I'm relatively sure no 6.5X47 L, .260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor can achieve those numbers without trashing brass and being dangerously over pressure.
I've had the 150's over 3,100 fps with no pressure signs in the GWI, but brass life suffered. I believe there is another accuracy node above 2,980 but I'm content to shoot it at the lower node for the time being.
I hope this helps,
Lloyd
I've had the 150's over 3,100 fps with no pressure signs in the GWI, but brass life suffered. I believe there is another accuracy node above 2,980 but I'm content to shoot it at the lower node for the time being.
I hope this helps,
Lloyd
wboggs
Gold $$ Contributor
Lloyd
Are you using the standard or improved case? What is your case capacity and what powder and barrel length do you use to obtain these velocities with the 150smk?
Thanks
Bill
AckleymanII
Gold $$ Contributor
For a hunter with a long action, the Sweeeeeede is a sweet. I am shooting a 130g Accubond at 3150 with R#26, Rem 700 with a 26" brux 8T.
Bill,
I'm using the GWI variant. Greg Walley Improved. The H2o capacity is 66.65 gr. and I'm shooting a 32" 5R Bartlien bbl.
I hope this helps,
Lloyd
wboggs
Gold $$ Contributor
Thanks
Bill
wboggs
Gold $$ Contributor
Where do you get your dies?
Lloyd,
Isn't that simply the 6.5x55 Ackley with a 30 degree shoulder? Or am I missing something?
Last edited:
Greg Walley
thekriebles
Gold $$ Contributor
A reamer print of the original Bob Jourdan Ackley version (from Loon Lake) shows the body length to be over 0.080"+ longer in the GWI. That would account for the 4+gr water capacity difference between the BJAI and the GWI....if I am seeing things correctly. I have a 62gr water capacity on my Lapua BJAI cases versus 66gr on Lloyd's GWI cases.
BTW...congrats, Lloyd, on getting your HM classifications!
Yeah, I mean, I have to ask...and don't get me wrong, I know this round has been around a long time and it seems very well liked.......but honestly, what does it really have on the 260????? Help me out here to get it. If I wanted to build another hunting rifle and had a nice action and an unchambered .264" barrel blank, why would I choose this over the 260?? There are many varieties of very good 308 brass cases...seems to stear me to the 260.
swd
Silver $$ Contributor
A little more speed with just as good of accuracy. The 2920-2950 node with 150SMK's is easily obtainable. But there are no fleas on the 260AI either.. Just a little more capacity with the improved 6.5x55 case. But the x55 is really a LA cartridge on a repeater, especially with heavy bullets.
I don't know what the 6.5 addiction is, but I run mine in a SS short action Panda. I then have my smith throat the barrel accordingly to what bullet I plan on shooting. I know I can't remove a live round without releasing the bolt latch and moving the bolt back a little.
I hope this helps,
Lloyd
NV_Dmax
Gold $$ Contributor
Here’s my reamer. Hoping to run the 150smk. Panda fclass, Brux 7.5twist. Still waiting on McMillan to send my Kestros with Z rails.
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