6.5x55 GW and Ackley improved load question

[mshelton]

I've heard and read that loads for the 6.5x284 can be used for the GW and Ackley versions of the Swede as the H20 capacity of the cases are very close, can anyone shooting these 2 variants weigh in on that.

I'm just starting to work up a load for the Berger 130 VLDs which is an oddball in itself since most prefer the 140/142 class pills but it's something I want to try. I'm up to 48.7 of H4350, Fed primers are showing a little bit of flattening (CCIs show none) and bolt lift is fine. I'm wondering what the top end may be, not really interested in going there unless that seems to be the sweet spot. To be honest I kinda want to stay on the milder side of the load if I can find a spot it like.

 

[wwbrown]

The first chambering I did in 6.5 x 55 AI I starting with stiff loads for a 260 and then worked up. I knew the case capacity was close to the 6.5x284 but I always like to start at a lower case capacity and work up as it seems safer for me.

The other way would be if you had good data for modern loadings in the old Swede and then work up, but I could not find much load data for modern guns.

 

[JRS]

I've heard and read that loads for the 6.5x284 can be used for the GW and Ackley versions of the Swede as the H20 capacity of the cases are very close, can anyone shooting these 2 variants weigh in on that.

I'm just starting to work up a load for the Berger 130 VLDs which is an oddball in itself since most prefer the 140/142 class pills but it's something I want to try. I'm up to 48.7 of H4350, Fed primers are showing a little bit of flattening (CCIs show none) and bolt lift is fine. I'm wondering what the top end may be, not really interested in going there unless that seems to be the sweet spot. To be honest I kinda want to stay on the milder side of the load if I can find a spot it like.

Are you using a chronograph? I won't publish my loads, but will tell you I am getting an average of 2973 fps with 48.3 grains of H-4350. I get much better accuracy and more velocity using NORMA MRP. BTW: this is with the 130 grain NORMA missle.

 

[mshelton]

Haven't chrono'd them yet, been testing them on paper too late in the afternoon and the sun has gone down, chrono won't pick them up.

I plan on trying to get some numbers on them this weekend.

As for the Norma powder, it'd be nice to find some but as it is the H4350 has been hard to come by.

 

[NORTH OF 53]

I have two 6.5x 55 improved. I use one for F class shooting, I run 52.8 gr of n165and get just over 3000 fps with 140 jlks out of a 29in barrel. I use the same load of powder under 130 gr bullets out of my hunting rifle and get just under 3000 ft sec from a 20 inch barrel.
The 140 load is fairly hot but under a 130 it is up there but not that hot.
These loads are loads that have worked in my rifles and may or may not work in other rifle so start low and work up.

 

[mshelton]

Thanks for the load info, chrono's the 130 H4350 loads this weekend, they were a little hotter than I wanted clocking in around 3100. Case still had a good amount of capacity left so I'm thinking I may try some H4831SC which from what I have seen takes about 2.3% more capacity to achieve similar results.

 

[1shot]

4831sc is THE powder in the GWI. This is my 4th season on it and it burns cooler, fills the case more than H-4350 and will give you more velocity not to mention a longer burn time in the barrel which saves the throat.
I hope this helps,
Lloyd

 

[sdeal5]

What 1SHOT says! He convinced me to change from my h4350 load to 4831sc last year in my GWI, and it eliminated several small probs I was experiencing. Glad I tried it----Scott

 

[wwbrown]

All of my 6.5 x 55's love h-4831SC from my deer rifle that is built off of a Model 96 small ring mauser to my modern 6.5 x 55 AI's built on custom actions.

I have found the AI's launch 139 Scenars at 3050 fps with ease, this is on modern actions do not attempt with the Model 96's

 

[1shot]

I will confirm everything Wade just said.
Lloyd