Any extensive data on 6.5x55 SE?

[koger]

I posted on this 2-3 months ago. I have a Savage LA all trued up, bedded in a Boyds stock and a Criterion/Krieger barrel 1-8 twist, 26"varmint taper, arriving tomorrow. I want to push this setup to its top velocities while keeping safe. I have been shooting and loading the 6.5x55 for over 30 years, and one of my best loads is 1 grain over the max in Sierras Manual for 120 grs. The only data results I got here before, was the starting load should be the max load for the SE data. By the way, my most accurate loads, in my 96 Swede build was all using IMR-3031. I did load workup over 2 years using 4 different primers, 12 powders and Sierra and Hornady bullets. This was around 30 years ago, and it was not the preferred powder in the load manuals, but using Winchester WLR primers 85, 120 and 140 gr Sierras, all 3 bullets shot a 3 shot group in the .300's. This was a hunting rifle, not a bench gun and still shoots 3 rounds under an inch at 300yds. All feedback appreciated, powders and bullets have changed a lot since then.

 

[SweaterDood]

If using Lapua brass you can push well above book pressures in a modern action.

What bullets are you intending to use with the new setup? That will help with guidance. It will also be good to know your OAL to know how much case capacity you have to work with.

 

[koger]

142 Sierra sand 123 Sierras.

 

[johara1]

in a savage action you can load it up and go past a 6.5 Credmo like a bum getting past by a freight train. With better accuracy..... you do get case stretch but that was cured by the improved case..... jim

 

[DiffEQ]

in a savage action you can load it up and go past a 6.5 Credmo like a bum getting past by a freight train. With better accuracy..... you do get case stretch but that was cured by the improved case..... jim

6.5 Swedemoor
Have your had your bolt face opened to .485?

 

[johara1]

Never need it, you are wrong......They are under .479 and bolt face on a Bat and Borden are .480.... jim

 

[357Mag]

Koger -

Howdy !

IMHO - A powder less susceptible to temperature changes should make a good choice.
H4350, 6.5 Staball; and Hybrid 100V come to mind. There are other possible choices, that feature slower
" burn rates " ( H4831 example ).

6.5 Staball and H100V also " ball " powders, which will help you get good load density; and good velocities.
Staball gave the highest vel in Hodgdon's load data for 140gr bullet from a 24" barrel



With regards,
357Mag

 

[johara1]

Koger -

Howdy !

IMHO - A powder less susceptible to temperature changes should make a good choice.
H4350, 6.5 Staball; and Hybrid 100V come to mind. There are other possible choices, that feature slower
" burn rates " ( H4831 example ).

6.5 Staball and H100V also " ball " powders, which will help you get good load density; and good velocities.
Staball gave the highest vel in Hodgdon's load data for 140gr bullet from a 24" barrel



With regards,
357Mag

that data is a starting point only and it is held to 45000 lb. for the old actions. it is nowhere near what you can get in a modern action..... jim

 

[koger]

I have 200 rounds of New Lapua brass to feed this thing with. I have several #'s of H 4350. I also have large quantities of IMR 3031, BLC2, H 335, H4895, H4831

 

[dc.fireman]

I found this.

 

[koger]

Nothing there.

 

[koger]

I have some 140 and 123 BTHP's coated in BHN and loaded up with a slightly higher than max load to start with. If the BHN works out, I may never put a uncoated round in the barrel. Now just waiting for a nice day with some good temps and low wind.

 

[Exercion]

I have shot F-Open for years with a Remington 700, 30" tube 8 twist. My go to powders are RL22 and H4831SC. Better velocity with the RL22. Current load is launching 140gr-class bullets @2900fps. Lapua brass of course. Slow powders seem to work best, I wind up with a full case. Now for certain I do not run this load through my beloved M96's.

 

[koger]

I run H4831 in my 6.5x284's, great accuracy, good speed, no pressure signs.

 

[FilippoMo]

Rifle reloading data | Handloading | Rifle calibers | Centerfire Rifle bullets | Reload your own ammo - Vihtavuori

Vihtavuori offers rifle reloading data for numerous calibers and bullets for match and hunting purposes. Never exceed maximum loads.

www.vihtavuori.com

 

[6x284 win lover]

I have shot F-Open for years with a Remington 700, 30" tube 8 twist. My go to powders are RL22 and H4831SC. Better velocity with the RL22. Current load is launching 140gr-class bullets @2900fps. Lapua brass of course. Slow powders seem to work best, I wind up with a full case. Now for certain I do not run this load through my beloved M96's.

Reloaded 22 does not work for this cartridge

 

[Exercion]

Reloaded 22 does not work for this cartridge

Perhaps in your rifles. However, all the empty 5lb RL-22 jugs at my place beg to differ. As do the local deer. YMMV.

 

[wbm]

By the way, my most accurate loads, in my 96 Swede build was all using IMR-3031.

My M96 was with Varget.

 

[Liven The Dream]

My Two Swede 30" Barrels ran on Winchester Brass, CCI BR-2's ,H-4831 SC 142 Sierra or Best 149 Bergers.
As I remember tried to stay below 2900 ? Barrel Burners for 1000 yard prone rifle.

 

[joshb]

The last time out with my new build, I shot H100V with Sierra 120s and Lapua brass. This is only my second time testing this gun. I went up to 41.6 grains my second time out, with no pressure signs. I was going to try H4831 or IMR 4350 next.