6.5X55 Swede Build Questions

[Bigdad123]

This is my first post although I've enjoyed reading this forum for a number of years. I’m having trouble finding answers to my questions so I thought I’d ask the experts here.

I’m going to install a new 6.5x55 Swede barrel on my Savage 110 (Stevens 200). I’ve ordered a X-Caliber SS 22”, 1:8” twist, with muzzle brake. I plan on shooting high BC bullets in the 135-147 grn range. I am concerned about freebore as the Swede was originally configured to shoot long 160 gr round nose bullets. I called X-Caliber and they said all their reamers are SAMMI spec and the freebore on the Swede will be .266”.

I measured freebore on some of my other rifles and they are in the .190” to .200” range so .266” seems like a lot. Will .266” of freebore allow 140+/- gr bullets to reach the lands while still maintaining good case neck engagement?

Next concern, the rim diameter spec for the Swede is .480”. My Stevens bolt face (inside the baffle) measures .477”. I’ve read that US manufacture 6.5x55 brass rim is smaller than .480” but Lapua, which I want to use, is 2.80”. Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Bigdad123]

I should clarify that when I'm referring to freebore I mean the distance from the case neck to where the bullet begins to engage the rifling lands. Sorry if I have my terminology wrong.

 

[rardoin]

BD...0.266" will likely be pushing the limit for 140-142's. I would have to measure the length of a neck on virgin 6.5 x55 brass to be certain but my 6.5 x55 BJAI chamber has 0.188" FB and at the lands I have the boat tail junction just at the neck shoulder junction with two different 140 and 142gr bullets. A berger 140 hybrid's boat tail junction will be just above the neck/shoulder when seated 0.020" off the lands. I would think 0.200" FB would be about ideal but 0.266" a bit much unless you are seating them well off the lands.

Yes, Lapua and RWS brass is a little thicker in the rim and wider in diameter than Hornady and Nosler but fits my Borden action without issue. I did have to clearance the Sako extractor with a few strokes of a jeweler's file to get the extractor claw to engage well. I also did have to test different shellholders to find one with more room to fit the wider and thicker rims. Hornady's seem to have the most room to fit the 'bigger' rim.

 

[LHSmith]

Having built a swede improved on a Rem 700 action, I had to modify the Lapua cases in order to get 100% reliable extraction. It was the thickness of the rim that was the issue and not necessarily the head diameter.

 

[watercam]

I have had two Swede's chambered with standard reamers and been very happy with the seating depth with 142s. Remember that the 155-160gr. bullet used in the M96s were round nosed and so not as long as you might think. If you wanted to push the bullet out further that is an easy throating job but in my experience just about all the usable powder space will be available with a standard chamber.

 

[2506]

With many bullets you can find a seating node that does not need to be close to the lands. Having said that I know that I have caught flack from the "experts" but I have found that using a Lee Factory Crimp Die on rounds that are to be loaded into long throat rifles, mainly old military, that it really increases the accuracy. You will never know until you give it a try.

 

[Bigdad123]

Thanks for the feedback folks!

 

[jmm03]

With many bullets you can find a seating node that does not need to be close to the lands. Having said that I know that I have caught flack from the "experts" but I have found that using a Lee Factory Crimp Die on rounds that are to be loaded into long throat rifles, mainly old military, that it really increases the accuracy. You will never know until you give it a try.

2506, why do you think that crimping increases accuracy in the military rifles? Thanks, Jim

 

[KAIFS]

I build one for my wife based on a 111 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E54lrBrJsx8 first outing, breaking in barrel with shit ammo just to get her firelapped).

bought a 270win (LadyHunter), took barrel off, ordered a Krieger 5R 1:8 6.5 (this one is a 6.5x55SE), had it profiled to match contour. Put a Seekins Precision ATC on the 1/2x28, which I opened to 7.2mm (or .284" which, in my opinion, is ideal .020" over the bullet diameter opening) until ThunderBeast Ultra-9 will go on it. Bedded Action (Acraglass). Replaced bolt handle. Barrel is 20" to maintain balance and was cerakote (5R from Krieger only come in SS). Farrell 0MOA base. Burris XTR rings. Bushnell 6500 with DOA glass.
Breaking in took a bit longer than I expected, about 70 rounds until she settled good. it throws 123gr + pills out at sub MOA. did NOT like 85gr bullet at all (surprising a bit, as I was able to get some accurate shooting at 100-200m with 85s in the past from different modern rifles) and I subsequently gave up trying to find a load for it and just moved on to a heavier bullet.
Wife is hunting WhiteTail with this in WI with a 123gr SST handloads which she printed at about 1/2" on paper with ease. Got her a pair of 10rd magazines - little lip work, but now functions great. did not need to open up a bolt at all - takes any and all brass as is. Fits her PERFECT and aside from a trigger I am 150% happy with a finished product. As of this season, hunting has deer has been migrated to 140gr Lapua Naturalis bullet. Little scope adjustment is all it took and we have plenty of meat in the freezer to get us thru 2018....
For a short LOP - this is a great choice (LadyHunter), but actually I am 5'10 and it fits me like a glove too...

Have a second one build (bought a $400 19rds 30-06 LadyHunter donor) right now. this one will be for me, because I am sick of asking my wife if I can 'borrow' hers. Good news, this time around Krieger actually has my barrel in stock so I will not have to wait 7mo as I did with one above.... I am also going to try a same weight but a different profile and 22" vs. 20"

 

[swede69]

Do you need to have a long or short action for this caliber?

 

[okie]

Do you need to have a long or short action for this caliber?

I would go long

 

[swd]

I would go long

I'll second that.

 

[2506]

2506, why do you think that crimping increases accuracy in the military rifles? Thanks, Jim

Most of the military rifles have looooooog throats. I have done lots of experimenting. I have come to the conclusion that using the Lee Factory Crimp Die does in principle what loading a round close to the lands does. Both retard the movement of the bullet from the case for that nano second allowing the pressure to build before the bullet moves on down the bore. All I know is that I get increased accuracy by using the Lee Factory Crimp Die in the long throat rifles.

 

[wi50]

I would go .175-.190 on the free bore for what you are trying to do. That'll work good with the 140 class bullets and allow you to use the 150smk and take advantage of the long action

 

[jmm03]

2506, why do you think that crimping increases accuracy in the military rifles? Thanks, Jim

Most of the military rifles have looooooog throats. I have done lots of experimenting. I have come to the conclusion that using the Lee Factory Crimp Die does in principle what loading a round close to the lands does. Both retard the movement of the bullet from the case for that nano second allowing the pressure to build before the bullet moves on down the bore. All I know is that I get increased accuracy by using the Lee Factory Crimp Die in the long throat rifles.

Thanks 2506, I may try that when I load up for our next vintage military match. Jim