Best Powders in the 6.5x55 SE

[South Pender]

What have you guys found to be the best powders in the 6.5x55 Swede--with a modern bolt action rifle (not an M96 or other military or sporterized military action)? I'm guessing that it can be made more effective--with higher velocities at safe pressures than shown in the various reloading manuals--with some of the newer powders.

 

[joshb]

I’m using H100V in my new Stiller actioned 6.5x55 with good results.

 

[Geezedtee]

Depends on barrel length and bullet weight. I've been using 6.5x55 for over 20 years (not the same rifle).
20" to 22" barrels. For 120gr bullets I use Vit N150 or RL17/RS60. For 139grAB and 140grSST I use Vit N555. Those powders give me a good fill of powder and a clean complete burn.
For a 24" barrel then powders in the 4831/Vit N160 will do the job.

 

[tomswede]

For the 140gr class bullets N160 ( or the same burning rate) is probably the best choice. For 130gr Norma GT R15 has worked well for me up to 1000 yards.

 

[JimPag]

I had real good luck with N560. Performed really well.

 

[Laurie]

With 140gn class bullets Viht N160, Alliant Re22, and Norma MRP have long been regarded as ideal powders, but it's not a fussy eater and you can expect any powder in the 4350-4831 burn rate bracket to perform well.

My personal favourite in a 30-inch barrel F rifle is Viht N165. The two new N500 series powders, N555 and N565, will likely to well in it too for those looking for high MVs. Viht has N555 data in its SE/Skan tables, but not N565. (There are a couple of loads in the lower pressure Swedish Mauser tables.)

 

[NV_Dmax]

RL22
H4831sc
MRP
I have had excellent results with those powders. RL22 being the most accurate (and temp sensitive unfortunately).

 

[1shot]

For 140 class bullets I use either H4831sc or RL16 in a 6.5 GWI.

Lloyd

 

[koger]

H4831 and IMR 3031

 

[wboggs]

I used Norma MRP with 160 Woodleigh gr bullets. 2750 with 24" barrel and excellent accuracy.

 

[Frankm]

+1 to 4831, R22 and I d add R26 and 7828. I m shooting 140 to 150 gr bullets in 24” barrel.

 

[KMart]

For 120/130/140grain bullets, RE-16. Good accuracy and velocity. 130 Berger or JLK, @ 45.0 grains will give you +/- 3020 fps. 27 inch barrel. With the proper seating depth, it will shoot small from 200 to 600
Norma URP does well too.

 

[6bra1k]

go not ignore h4350 with a 140 class bullet

 

[wwbrown]

I have always used H4350 but H4831 was a close second and probably the go to if I used 140 g bullets, in my old Swede I shoot 130 Accubonds as the deer are quite impressed with them, they lie down right after impact. I shoot 140's in my AI in a modern rifle.

Can't go wrong with either especially given how scarce powder is.

 

[MLC]

From the other end of the burn rate, I used Varget with 120 Noslers to great effect.
IMR 4064 with 160's.

 

[South Pender]

All good suggestions, guys. I've been playing with QuickLoad, and Re25 and 26 appear to give higher velocities than other powders at safe pressures. IMR7828ssc does well too according to QuickLoad.
Anyone chronographed loads with these powders?

 

[1shot]

All good suggestions, guys. I've been playing with QuickLoad, and Re25 and 26 appear to give higher velocities than other powders at safe pressures. IMR7828ssc does well too according to QuickLoad.
Anyone chronographed loads with these powders?

If this is for a hunting rifle use whatever gives consistent small 3 shot groups. However, in a comp. rifle I could never get 3-20 shot matches without the bbl. fouling out using RL26.
I hope this helps,

Lloyd

 

[Hankpac]

I'm gonna jump in with Ammolab as I've been using 4831 for years with excellent results. Always shooting 140 grain bullets. I "sporterized" a M38 swede before I knew better, shortened the barrel slightly and added a nice monte carlo walnut stock. Absolutely one of my best shooters !

 

[Liven The Dream]

I shot a 6.5x55 1000 yard prone Rifle for Years . H4831sc was the one .
142/140 gr. Pills .

 

[dc.fireman]

Reloading for a CG 63 Mauser

I have arrived at a load for my CG-63 Swedish Mauser, chambered in 6.5x55 SE, and would like to share some of the findings with anyone who might look for this info in the future. It begins with the Carl Gustaf's '63 (CG-63) competition rifle - which is an 1899 Swedish Mauser M96, chambered in...

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