Federal GMM 6.5x55

[cfsindorf]

Anybody shot it at distance and how did it do? If not and you would like to do a eval on it I will send you some. I am really thinking about this cart but for now till I get my components together I could by factory if it performs at least moa at more than 100

Craig

 

[Exercion]

Since that's my pet cartridge, I had to look at the specs. And I had trouble doing that since Federal doesn't list it in the match config. I saw a reference to the 140gr load elsewhere, using the Sierra Matchking. That bullet isn't usually used at distance,distance of course being relative) as the 142 SMK has better ballistics.

That cartridge is a very good one, but is certainly one that shines in a modern rifle with handloads that are in line with the pressures a combination of good brass/modern rifle can safely work with. That said, if I were hunting for factory match-grade ammo for a Swede I would get the Lapua 139gr Scenar load,added bonus being the Lapua is the best brass available for the 6.5x55) Other good news is that with a good rifle, it's difficult to not get less than 1MOA from the trusty 6.5x55

Eric

 

[rasp65]

The thing that I don't like about the samples of Federal brass that I have is that the heads measure .473 and the Lapua measures .477. P.O.Ackley mentioned in his book that it was not a good idea to make 6.5x55 brass out of 30-06 brass because of this difference in head size.

 

[F224]

I have several boxes of the 140gr stuff. I use it for "control" ammo testing in my 6.5x55 Blaser's. I can usually beat the groups with careful hand-loads and proper bullets, but it's pretty tough.

I have shot it out to 500 yards and it stays sub .5 moa with my R93 Semi-weight Blaser.

 

[flatlander]

rasp65 - I started out with R-P 6.5x55 brass in an 8-twist Krieger on my Nesika K LR prone rifle. I haven't had any problem,s) using American 6.5x55 cases, since it's only the case rim that's sized to .473" - the case body with both R-P & WW is as large as Lapua 6.5x55 cases. Rim dia. can be an issue when you build a 6.5x55 around a Rem 700 - I had to relieve the ID of the bolt counterbore on a customer's 700 that I'd barreled to 6.5x55 to work with Lapua cases. That may not be an issue with a factory 700 bolt, but this rifle had a custom PTG bolt, and was giving problems with the Lapua brass.

 

[rhino]

I wouldn't mess with factory loads if you want the most out of your swede!

Get lapua brass, good bullets and work up a load.

I found that VIN N560, Reloader 22, and Norma MRP are good powders for the swede.

Use russian wolf primer. I found scenars to be a very accurate and constistent bullet that is less finky than the 140 bergers.

H4381 sc might be a good powder in a tight custom chamber.

H4350 isn't bad, but you'll see the pressure fast using it.

RHINOUT!

 

[8mmMauser]

Rhino - glad to meet another Swede fan . I have a T3 Varmint with a ~22" barrel and find N550 superb with 139 Scenars and Lapua brass. Tiny ES and SD and good from 2,500 to 2,850 fps.

 

[olympian]

Ramshot Magnum has been a superbly accurate powder in my 6.5x55 with 139gr. Scenars, plus the powder meters like a dream.