Bullet selection for 6.5 Swede build

[the long shot]

I am building a 6.5 Swede on a Savage 110 Action. The intent for this rifle is a long range plinker and maybe a competition gun in the future. My smith wanted to know what bullets I was intending to use and that was one thing I hadn't thought of so he could cut the chamber for them. Since this is my first modern 6.5x55 I have yet to tinker around with bullets. Anything that is seen a lot of in the competition world? Do you have a favorite bullet for the 6.5 Swede? My barrel is going to be 1 for 8.

 

[wwbrown]

139 g Lapua Scenars, but the choice is somewhat dependent upon what twist rate your barrel has. I always use 1-8" twist rate for all of my 6.5mm's so I can shoot the 139-142 g bullets. I have seem some people having good luck with 1-8.5" twist rates, but with Bryan Litz's new information I would lean towards the faster twist.

 

[atkins08]

I'm using 142 smk's in my savage 110 build. They have done me well so far, but honestly I went that route because they are a local company and easy to get advice from if you need it.

 

[KAIFS]

I build a custom Savage 111 for my wife (based on a 111 LadyHunter), 5R Krieger barrel (6.5x55), 20", 1:8. 85gr did not shoot good int. anything 120gr to 160gr that we actually 'developed' did produce 1/2MOA eventually. So, its a matter of what you can find. 140gr Berger Hybrids is something to try too.

 

[KAIFS]

here it is

 

[chalkeye]

I'm enjoying the 140gr Amax, I would assume either of the new ELD flavours would also be worth trying.

 

[Dubya]

I am building a 6.5 Swede on a Savage 110 Action. The intent for this rifle is a long range plinker and maybe a competition gun in the future. My smith wanted to know what bullets I was intending to use and that was one thing I hadn't thought of so he could cut the chamber for them. Since this is my first modern 6.5x55 I have yet to tinker around with bullets. Anything that is seen a lot of in the competition world? Do you have a favorite bullet for the 6.5 Swede? My barrel is going to be 1 for 8.

I would definitely try Berger 140 Hybrids. Shoot great in my 6.5x47L

 

[Rpbump]

My 110 action is used for 6br but my 98 Mauser has a 30" Bartlein barrel and chambered in 6.5x55AI. For fireforming 139 Lapua scenars were used and they
provided sub 1" groups at 200m. The new 130gr bullet should be great in a
6.5x55.

Rpbump

 

[kyreloader]

I am having a 30" 1:8 twist chambered as we speak for 6.5x55 BJAI, I am having it throated to shoot Bob Cauterucio's 155g VLDs.

I also plan to try the 140g Hybrids and 143g ELDs if the 155s don't shoot well enough for me.

 

[the long shot]

I'm enjoying the 140gr Amax, I would assume either of the new ELD flavours would also be worth trying.

I think the 140 Amax has been discontinued but I did find 500 and ordered them.

 

[JamesinAsheville]

I think the 140 Amax has been discontinued but I did find 500 and ordered them.

 

[JamesinAsheville]

Don't forget the 120's....they shoot good

 

[Ringostar]

I would consider anything 130-142. I tried the 136 Lapua this past fall, and really like the consistency and accuracy. If you like the 140 Amax, watch midwayusa when they have blemish specials. Last spring I picked up all they had at less than $20 per 100.

 

[wboggs]

I build a custom Savage 111 for my wife (based on a 111 LadyHunter), 5R Krieger barrel (6.5x55), 20", 1:8. 85gr did not shoot good int. anything 120gr to 160gr that we actually 'developed' did produce 1/2MOA eventually. So, its a matter of what you can find. 140gr Berger Hybrids is something to try too.

Had to beat the 142SMK or 140 Berger. Plenty of velocity with modern loads.

 

[KAIFS]

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/wts-sierra-match-kings-142s-500-round-unopened-box.3893436/ here is something to get you started, not a bad price. Not mine.

I still have these in the big heavy box ready to go, if you want variety to play with http://forum.accurateshooter.com/th...-remington-one-big-lot.3881025/#post-36686005

 

[BOBC]

I am having a 30" 1:8 twist chambered as we speak for 6.5x55 BJAI, I am having it throated to shoot Bob Cauterucio's 155g VLDs.

I also plan to try the 140g Hybrids and 143g ELDs if the 155s don't shoot well enough for me.

Don't forget to try Cauterucio's 6.5 141 or 147 gr. VLD's, they are 100% handmade and used by several "F" class shooters. Very consistent from lot to lot. All his bullets are made by him alone. He is a one man operation and uses the best dies and match quality jackets on the plant. He has been making benchrest quality bullets since 1954.