6.5x55 loads

[GSP7]

Just for fun, what load do you like with your swede?

Ive used R22, H4831, H 4350, with 140s

Ive been playing with other powders for fun like 4064, 4895 with 129 and 140 bullets

Last time out I loaded the published 44gr of H4350 with 140 hornadays and got stiff bolt lift and pretty flat primers. Havent shot the 140s much lately. Think ill load up some R22 again and a lighter h4350 load. Thought about getting some imr 7828

 

[kevinthree]

I love my 6.5x55s but have also found that they have a definite speed limit. I have also seen, and repaired, several .260 Remingtons with blown out extractors and other bolt damage. They seem to inspire ambitious loads. A popular alternative here in Oregon is the 6.5-06 that serves well on paper, and deer, and gets the speed without the pressure problem. I too wonder about the loading manuals when I get pressure signs with less than max loads.

 

[Exercion]

I've burnt many pounds of RL-22 in my Swedes, both military and a Rem 700 Action. My 6.5x55 F-Class Remington is pushing the 139 scenars above 2900 with a 30" tube and RL-22. I don't load the military Mausers as hot, but still get very good velocities and accuracy from them with that powder as well.

Eric

 

[chuck boyer]

I am having good luck with RL-17 and the 140 A-Max. I am using 45gr. Safe in my 96 Swede, but work up to it.

 

[Raptor]

When I built my 6.5x55 I was told the powder of choice was RL22 but mine did not like it.

I finally settled on H4350(Which I was trying to get away from) I wanted to use a very slow burning powder and try to increase barrel life over either my 260 or 6.5x284.

My goal was to push the 139s to around the mid 2700s to 2800 about where my 260 shot but get better barrel life.

I got a good shooting load at 45grs but it was nearly as hot as my 6.5x284 so I found the next accuracy node at 42grs of H4350 and have used that ever since. It gets me right where I wanted to be and is deadly accurate. Will have to see what barrel life will be like. ;D

 

[Laurie]

Viht N160 is probably the most widely used 6.5X55mm powder on this side of the Atlantic. A lot of shooting with the cartridge is Historic Arms using small-ring Swedish M1896 Mausers. 44gn of N160 behind the 140gn SMK gives a very accurate and acceptable pressure load in these rifles. For modern rifles, N160, N560, Re22, H4831.

Laurie,
York, England

 

[1000yardstare]

GSP7, you didn`t mention the rifle you are using. Very important.

The lawyers seem to have firm control of most reloading manuals with regards to the 6.5x55. Small ring Mauser jitters.

I have a Tikka T3 in 6.5x55 and there is no way I would quote a load used in that rifle if I thought it would be used in Pre-WWI metallurgy.

Having said that, my preferred powder in the Swede is IMR 4831.

 

[GSP7]

GSP7, you didn`t mention the rifle you are using. Very important.

M70 winchester, and M96

 

[DukeDuke]

I've used only RL-17, 22 with 139-140 bullets in M96 obtaining great results.
I love my M96 3 consecutive shots at 600 yards

 

[flatlander]

I used N160 with Lapua 139s & S142MKs in a 30" Krieger std. Palma on a Nesika K for several years - velocities ran just over 2900fps with fine accuracy & no signs of excess pressure. Bear in mind that the Nesika is a very strong action, and I was using mainly Lapua brass.

 

[Matt Pitchon]

My load in a modern action is 50gr of 4831, Sierra 142, Wolf Primers, in a 30" Broughton. Velocity is 2900 and accuracy is sub 1/2". No pressure signs.

 

[svellkaldur]

I load my Rifle with vihtavuori N160 and 48.6 grains the accuracy is about 1/2 moa with an unexperienced shooter. It didnt work well untill i got passed 47.5. COAL is 78.6mm just off the lands

 

[boogershooter]

I am waiting for a build now in 6.5x55, So I am soaking this all up. Thanks for posting your loads folks. It may help me out. Stiller Predator rptr/Rifle Basix trigger/Broughton tube/ H S stock.Trying to stay under 10 lbs with scope to travel.