6.5x55 Loads

[HTSmith]

Looks like I've acquired myself a 6.5x55. Hope to pick it up in the next couple of weeks. In perusing various reloading data it appears that top speeds are about 100 fps slower than either the 260 Rem or 6.5 Creedmoor. I've heard that this is in deference to the many older actions out there..?? My rifle is on a Rem 700 Long action. Would it be reasonable for me to at least match 260 Rem speeds in my 6.5 Swede? I'm looking to use 140 Gr Bergers and Lapua brass. Any pet loads you would share? Thank you.

 

[WayneShaw]

Published loads for the Swede are for the old mausers. Work up a load like you would any cartridge in the 700.

 

[joshb]

I built a 6.5x55 custom on a Stiller Tac 300 action. I tested my gun for max load because I knew nobody would suggest going over “book loads”. I found some good results with H4831sc and RL19.
Keep a careful eye on over pressure signs!

 

[HTSmith]

Thanks for the input. PM if you'd rather not post loads.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

H1000. I have not used it. but watch video of milk jug challenge on youtube, 6.5 Swede. good to watch.

 

[ebb]

H1000 would be good if you can get enough in the case to get reasonable speed. Hybrid 100V, N160 or N165. Like josh says H4831. When I was testing I had a lb of IMR 4831 I got in a trade, and it shot slightly smaller groups than H4831. Ive got a short barrel Swede I will be loading for soon, but it won't handle the hot loads, at least not for long.

 

[HTSmith]

Tell me more about N160. I’m trying to wean off Hodgdon powders.

 

[WayneShaw]

N160 sounds about right. Don't blame you for not using Hodgdon.

 

[Will Henry]

I used N165 for a while. I got very good velocities (2920 from a 26 inch barrel on a Model 70) but grouped a bit vertically (about 3/4 moa). With 4831 sc, velocity was lower (2850) but vertical was down around 3/8. I had high hopes for IMR4451 which worked very well in other cartridges, but it became unavailable. I now only shoot 6.5x55 in a hunting rifle and am using IMR 4350. I get 2750 with 140's (23inch gain twist barrel) and that's adequate for the purpose. WH

 

[Exercion]

I run the Swede in everything from all the military Mausers, Ljungman, a CZ550, and custom F-Class rifle built on a 700 Remmy. My go to powders are H4831SC and Reloder 22. Better velocities from the RL, but more consistency from the Hodgdon. Except for occasional experiments, and my deer loads, all I shoot are 140gr +/- weight bullets. I will not load rounds for the military rifles the same as I do for the 700. It is rather warm. Do some reading on the 6.5 SKAN, for some thoughts on that round in modern rifles.

Eric

 

[Bemoni]

Vithavouri has some data intended for the the Scandinavian Target rifle, it is basically a Sauer 200 with heavy barrel and and a way better stock.
But the action is VERY sturdy and can handle high pressures, without any issues and i would consider a Rem 700 action in the same class as the Sauer.
The data is of course with Lapua bullets, but it may give you a direction to go in.

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[Frankm]

H4831 up to H1000 burn speeds with 140-150 gr bullets and you ll easily surpass 6.5 CM and 260 velocities. Probably 50-100 fps. My 24” barreled Fieldcraft does 2800 fps with 147 Eldm.

If you plan to shoot lighter bullets in 120-130 gr range then 4350, R19, Imr4831 burn range might be a little more balanced. Good Luck.

 

[Magnett]

Has anyone used N565 with 145g or heavierbullets?

 

[ebb]

^^^^ never wanted to abuse my equipment that bad, N165 and N160 H1000 and Hybrid100V are all some of the coolest temp powders on the market.

 

[HTSmith]

Vithavouri has some data intended for the the Scandinavian Target rifle, it is basically a Sauer 200 with heavy barrel and and a way better stock.
But the action is VERY sturdy and can handle high pressures, without any issues and i would consider a Rem 700 action in the same class as the Sauer.
The data is of course with Lapua bullets, but it may give you a direction to go in.

Reloading data tool for rifle, handgun and cowboy action shooting - Vihtavuori

VIHTAVUORI RELOADING DATA FOR RIFLE, HANDGUN AND COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING LOADS ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL AND SAFE RELOADING RESULT Vihtavuori has developed a new online search engine to make reloading data even easier to access! Our new reloading data search tool enables you to search for all the...

www.vihtavuori.com

This helps a lot. thanks