can anyone advise an accurate load for my new tikka 6.5 x55 with 139 scenar vlds
- Thread starter PukaD123
- Start date
Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
Just follow the manuals and see what it likes. Every rifle is different.
I will give you this piece of advice though...If planning to use that rifle for hunting, as I assume you are, DO NOT use Lapua Scenar bullets. They are STRICTLY a target bullet.
I went against the grain of numerous bad hunting reviews with the Scenar and let my son try one on a whitetail doe. He was using a 6.5x55 as well, though a custom built rig. His shot placement was good and he killed it with one shot, but only out of luck. The bullet hit a rib right behind the shoulder and split into two large pieces that deflected at a diagonal direction (one downward to the left and one upward to the right) with about a 70 degree perpendicular trajectory from the impact angle. The rearward traveling half hit the liver and luckily the forward traveling part hit the top of the heart. If it would have pentrated strait forward like a normal hunting bullet, it would have hit the lungs. You will find a LOT of similar hunting results online where the Lapua Scenar bullet splits in two. I'll never use it again. Lesson learned. Just fortunate that the outcome was still a good one and we got the animal
I will give you this piece of advice though...If planning to use that rifle for hunting, as I assume you are, DO NOT use Lapua Scenar bullets. They are STRICTLY a target bullet.
I went against the grain of numerous bad hunting reviews with the Scenar and let my son try one on a whitetail doe. He was using a 6.5x55 as well, though a custom built rig. His shot placement was good and he killed it with one shot, but only out of luck. The bullet hit a rib right behind the shoulder and split into two large pieces that deflected at a diagonal direction (one downward to the left and one upward to the right) with about a 70 degree perpendicular trajectory from the impact angle. The rearward traveling half hit the liver and luckily the forward traveling part hit the top of the heart. If it would have pentrated strait forward like a normal hunting bullet, it would have hit the lungs. You will find a LOT of similar hunting results online where the Lapua Scenar bullet splits in two. I'll never use it again. Lesson learned. Just fortunate that the outcome was still a good one and we got the animal
Most load data for the 6.5x55 is for the small ring Mauser and other less robust actions which need under 46000 CUP loads. With your rifle you can bump those loads up some with some powders. Basically with any powder like one of the 4350s and slower burning you can' t get enough in a case to be over pressure for your rifle. It is not hard to find accurate loads for the 6.5x55. One manual I have says something like, "Feed the Swede with any medium to slow burning powder and it will sing a pretty tune." My favorite loads that I use in a sported M-96 Swede Mauser is listed as max loads to stay under 46000 CUP in the Accurate manual but out of the 29" barrel I get serious velocity with outstanding accuracy. With 140 gr Sierra or Hornady SP bullets if used 45 grs AA 4350 for a touch over 2800 fps and with 120 Nosler BT or Sierra SP I use 46 grs AA 4350 and get 3000 fps. I have never shot the Secnar bullet, From my experience in shooting deer with match bullets I have gotten mixed results. Hornady A-Max and Berger (old match later labeled hunting) bullets do work well. They expand violently at closer ranges but do penetrate with the shrapnel and kill well. They work very well at long range where the velocity has dropped off. As for Sierra and Hornady Match bullets it can be a flip of the coin. I have had them work like the Berger VLD and I have had them pencil through like a FMJ. With the 6.5 cal. rifles I have come to the conclusion that either the Nosler BT or Accubond will be my deer hunting bullets.
In two different rifles I have had best accuracy and velocity with H4831SC. Try working up in .5 gr. increments from 43 gr. towards a max. of 47 gr. or so with bullets seated .020" off the lands. Then, using a less than max. load (45.5-46 gr.) try seating depths from .005" off the lands to .040" off in .005" increments assuming you are using non-VLD projectiles. Combine the best of each and see if that works for you.
Reloader 19 and 22 also work well.
If you are unfamiliar with measuring the length to the lands with what ever bullets you want to use, see the Hornady Lock-n-load OAL Gauge online as well as a bullet comparator from Sinclair, Midway, Bruno, etc..
Have fun! The Tikka's are great rifles.
Reloader 19 and 22 also work well.
If you are unfamiliar with measuring the length to the lands with what ever bullets you want to use, see the Hornady Lock-n-load OAL Gauge online as well as a bullet comparator from Sinclair, Midway, Bruno, etc..
Have fun! The Tikka's are great rifles.
http://www.vihtavuori.com/en/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/6-5-x-55-swedish-mauser--skan.html
Not first hand, but it might help you a bit over the other data online inteded for Krags and other vintage rifles that are unsafe at PSI's the case is capable of.
My rifle liked mid to high 40 grains of RE-22 but it was a hunting rifle and that powder isn't ideal for year round consistency.
Not first hand, but it might help you a bit over the other data online inteded for Krags and other vintage rifles that are unsafe at PSI's the case is capable of.
My rifle liked mid to high 40 grains of RE-22 but it was a hunting rifle and that powder isn't ideal for year round consistency.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.