What 6.5mm bullets for a 6.5x55 Swedish m96

[ptf18]

Fellows: Ive got a Swedish m96 rifle with a Lother-Walther 29" mil-spec barrel.

The rate of twist is 1:8.66 and Im asking for suggestions for an appropriate bullet. I'ld prefer something in the 140ish grain weight.

thanks,

ptf18

 

[2506]

It all depends on what you are going to do with said bullet. 140 gr Sierra Match kings and Nosler's Match, and Hornady A-max are all accurate bullets for target work. For hunting deer size game you can use the Hornady A-max but the Nosler Ballistic tip or Accubond are my pick. The Sierra Game King is also a great deer bullet. If elk size game are in the mix then the Accubond or Partition from Nosler shine. I have had excellent accuracy and velocity with a max load of 45 grs AA 4350 according to the Accurate Manual which says that this load is below 46,000 CUP which is the SAFE pressure limit for the small ring Mauser actions. I average 2800 fps with this load out of my original barreled 96 Swede.

 

[watercam]

For match rounds with the 96 perhaps try 130s or even 123s for added velocity. If you are shooting longer ranges than 600, Sierra 142s work but velocity will be in the 2500-2600 range for that action. H4831, Reloader 22 are good powders to try.

 

[Barlow]

My old 96 likes 120 gr Nosler BT's and 140gr Hornady IL;s. I use 4831. Barlow

 

[tomswede]

140gr Match king or 139gr Lapua Scenar should work well. Those bullets have seen a lot of successful use in Scandinavia.

 

[ebb]

MTM I was under the impression that the reason that Sierra makes a 140 and a 142 in 6.5 match kings is cause the 142 wont stabilize in the Sweed barrel? Am I wrong?

 

[dogdude]

ebb, I'm not saying your wrong, but a 1-8.66 twist should be just fine, thousands of guy's use the 142 SMK in 8.5 twist