6.5x55 Ackley Improved - Need loads

[Swedejohn]

My new long range gun in 6.5x55 Ackley Improved is nearly finished. Barnard Action, Krieger 8.5 twist, 30" barrel. Built for 1000 yd LR competition.
I am looking for fireforming information as well as loads for the improved cases.. I have Lapua brass, Sierra MK 142's, Lapua 139s, and Berger 140 VLDs - all naked at this point but could moly them if that is called for.. Gentlemen, please inform me!

John Giles

 

[Forum Boss]

John,

Is this a 6.5-284, or a 6.5x55 Improved?

 

[Swedejohn]

6.5x55 Ackley Improved.

 

[ConnorExum]

I'd be curious how it performs... Keep the updates rolling in.

 

[rasp65]

I have just got my Ruger No1 rebarrelled with a Krieger #17 heavy varmint with a 1:8.5 back from my gunsmith Sunday. I have been looking for data myself. If I find any I will be happy to share with you.

 

[rasp65]

It is chambered in 6.5x55 AI also

 

[gaintwist]

John,
I just completed 100 rounds of fireforming my no-turn Lapua chamber 6.5x55. Not an AI ..yet. Quadlock,Broughton 32" 1-8" 5C bbl for prone 1K matches. I clock tested H4831SC, H4350, H1000, VV550 and Varget with cheap Nosler 140g bullets to fireform the stiff brass. Don't see a need for the AI extra capacity yet. I have a Manson AI reamer ready with same neck diameter and throat to open it up if I want to.
The second 100 round tests was for accuracy with SMK142. H4350 is the winner in these tests giving 'great' accuracy with SMK 142's in the 2900fps zone. The VV550 pushed the same bullet well over 3K but stretched the cases .005-7 while the others didn't move more than .002,would the 40degree AI shoulder stop this??). My choice is accuracy over blistering speed and I have read of plenty of 6.5x284 shooters claiming this 29xx fps zone as their sweet spot.
The H1000 has been inconclusive as it takes almost a compressed load to get in the velocity zone I want. With what I have read about the 6MM CM and this slow powder I want to keep trying it a little more.
Wish you the best of luck with your project. Keep me posted on your results.
cheers,
-lige

 

[GSP7]

2900fps in a standard 6.5x55 with sierra 142mk and H4350?

Whats your 4350 charge wt?

I have loaded for the 6.5x55 alot, mostly R-22. I just tryed h4831. H4350 is next and I have been studying data to see what powder wght to start with.

Rick

 

[rhino]

From what I have read the steeper shoulder keeps the brass more stable and keeps donuts from forming.

6.5x55 has enough case capacity to launch 140's at over 3000 fps easily.

Somewhere around 2950 + or - 30 fps is where the accucracy seems to be.

VIN N560 is my powder I use. I coat with tungston Disifide now...moly and water made me too weary.

I'll live with the brass stretch...keep the pressure down and iron out or ream out the donuts. I find the 6.5x55 less tempermental than the 6.5x.284 and I don't see any difference in accuracy. Also the brass is $.25 cents cheaper as well.

RHINOUT!

 

[DesertLefty]

John,

I used to load 51.5 gr of VV N560 in my 6.5 Vais, an improved 6.5x55 that is just a tad smaller than an AI,30 degree shoulder, more body taper). This gave me 2980 fps or so using moly-coated Lapua 139s and Sierra 142s. Both bullets shot well for me,0.5 MOA), but were never tested to benchrest standards,not my game).

I was very happy with the improved Swede as a 1000-yd cartridge. Never felt I was giving up anything to the guys with 6.5-284.

Good luck,

Lefty

 

[rasp65]

I have collected some data on my 6.5 AI rifle. The first 2 are fire forming and the last 4 are from fully formed cases. These loads are safe in my rifle.
Bullet Case Chg WT Powder Ave Vel.
140 Sierra WW 48.5 IMR-7828 2688.8
49.5 2768.4
140 Rem Lapua 51 H 1000 2631
52 2710
53 2768.9
54 2831.6