6.5x55 AI loads

[jdajr]

Not having much luck finding loading data for the Ackley version of the swede. I see from GSP7s thread there are a few regular swede shooters out there. Any 6.5x55 AI shooters out there care to share some of their findings? Having OK luck with H1000 but would like to try a few other loadings to see if there is something better out there. From the other thread it looks like H4350, RL22 and 4831 are the powders of choice. I this true for the Ackley version also? How about RL 17? Anybody using it with any luck? Appreciate everyones input.

Shooting 140 gr JLK & Amaxs from a Bat action wit 1:8 Krieger mainly for 1000 br.

Thanks,
John

 

[LHSmith]

Just built a 6.5 x 55 Vias, 30* Improved.
First load tried after fireforming twice performed awesomely. 50.0/H4350/210 M using Berger 130 Hunting VLD's... I understand the Target version of this bullet mirrors this performance (on a paper target, not on a game animal).
This is a Rem. 700, long throat. Pressure signs OK, but have not shot above 60*F.

 

[acloco]

Check your PM for some info.

 

[fpskills]

Look up forum member wwbrown on here. He should be very helpful.

Adam

 

[wwbrown]

I assume you are using a modern action and not a model 96 or 38 Mauser as the loads below are for modern guns and work well in my improved Swede a 28" 1-8 twist straight 1.25" Brux barrel on a Stiller Predator single shot action.

I have had such great luck with H4831SC that I have tried another powder. To fireform I use 48 grains H4831SC below a lapua 139 Scenar with great accuracy. Max load on the improved case is a little north of 51.5 g H4831 and I use 50.5g in competition with some luck. It shoots much better than I do lately, Adam could tell you that if were not so kind.

Good Luck,

wade

 

[jdajr]

Wade,

Yes I am using a 1:8 tw Krieger barrel on a Bat action.. So far appears to be a awesome round. Surprised it is not more popular. I have a can of H4832SC. Will have to give it a try.

Thanks,
John

 

[flatlander]

I chambered a 30" Krieger hvy. Palma for the 6.5x55AI for my BAT 3LL prone rifle. Haven't tried a whole lot of powders, but plain ol' H4831 seems to work about as well as anything else. N165 is also good with 139-142s.

I've not shot this one very much - too many other irons in the fire - so I don't have much more than an initial impression about the cartridge. Looks to me like 2960fps or thereabouts is going to be about max with the heavies, so 40* shoulder or no, I'm not expecting much more barrel life than I would with a 6.5x284.

 

[1000yardstare]

Watching this thread with great interest. Am getting 2800 fps with 140s in a Tikka T3 Swede with IMR 4831. Very accurate. Great trigger.

Is it worth the hassle in going after custom dies and a custom reamer for the AI to gain 150 fps and shorter barrel life? Guess that is the question that confronts us all.

The F Class season is gearing up with my 6AI. The Fall will tell the tale with the Improved Swede.

Good luck guys.
Bill

 

[wwbrown]

I agree that you should not expect more barrel life than the 6.5 x 284 as the powder used and the velocity is approximately the same. Lately my scores have not been real good with the imp Swede, less than they were in the winter and early spring. I only have about 600 rounds down the tube so either my load is too temperature sensitive or the barrel is shot. I thought it might be me so I screwed my 6.5 x 47 L barrel on and shot a decent score on a windy night.

After a few competitions I will go back testing the imp Swede I find it hard to believe the load that I developed in colder temps is not working at higher temps as the sweet spot was so broad.

wade