The Ultimate 6.5x55 Load Thread - Page 2

azsixshooter · March 23, 2009, 06:23 PM

Has anybody worked up any accurate, hard-hitting loads with these new 160 grain Woodleighs yet? They look promising, BC-.509/SD-.331!

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=199598
http://www.woodleighbullets.com.au/Whats%20New3.html

Snow Dog · March 23, 2009, 07:45 PM

I can't take credit for this - my buddy shot this 5 round group from his Tikka Varmint in 6.5x55.

Wildalaska · March 23, 2009, 07:49 PM

Need I point out RL22 here

WildthekingofswedepowdersAlaska ™

Some OAL data, chronograph data, brass and primer would be nice

Snow Dog · March 23, 2009, 08:33 PM

If memory serves he would be using either Norma or Lapua brass and Federal GM210M primers. Chrono data I couldn't tell ya but I know he sets the bullets 20 thou off the lands.

azsixshooter · March 31, 2009, 12:09 AM

I got drawn for AZ Bull Elk this year (unit 4A) so I will be working up a load using the Woodleigh 160 grains. If anyone has any experience with those or thoughts on a 6.5x55 elk load I'd love to hear your constructive input. I was going to look at the mega's and naturalis heavy bullets but these Woodleighs have me excited, I love the numbers.

azsixshooter · April 23, 2009, 09:33 PM

I came into some N160 and was thinking of using it to work something up with these 160 grain Woodleighs. Do any of you have opinions on this powder for the swede or even better any load data? The VihtaVuori data only lists it for 155 grain bullets, I'm not sure if I need to reduce their min/max loads for using with 160 grain bullets. Thanks for any thoughts. I will probably end up using RL22 in the end, but I got this N160 and I've been liking the N560 and 130 grain combination so I'd like to at least give it a day in court

azar92 · April 24, 2009, 10:39 AM

AzSixShooter,

I have never used any VV powder (too cheap

) so I can't help you there. I would, however, very much appreciate it if you would keep us updated on how well those 160g Woodleighs shoot out of your gun and the best load you find. I also own a CZ 550 American in 6.5x55 (and love it). About two years ago I planned to develop a good 160g elk load with it, but I ran out of time and life got in the way.

I would still like to develop a "premium" 155-160g elk load. My top choices would be the 160g Woodleigh, the 155 Lapua Mega, and the 156g Norma Oryx. It's now more of a curiosity as I purchased a 7mm Remington Magnum last fall for an "elk gun". But I'd still love to take the Swede as a backup rifle with an appropriate load, or even as my primary rifle on a cow elk hunt.

I'm very curious how well the CZ 550 will stabilize that longer, high BC bullet with it's 1:8.66" twist.

azsixshooter · April 24, 2009, 12:43 PM

I did find some older load data from VV that lists a max of 44.9 grains of this N160 with the Hornady 160 grain round nose bullets for a velocity of 2510 fps and a pressure level of 51500 psi. It says to reduce that load by 10% and work towards it in the VV tech notes.

Also, on the Woodleigh website they have a Reloading Tips page that says you can use anyone's data for equivalent caliber/weight soft points, but to reduce that data by 5% and work up towards it. So I am tentatively planning to start at 38.4 grains of N160 and work up to 44.9 grains (if I even need to go that high to reach my goal). If I don't find a sub-MOA combination then I'm going to probably be trying RL22 next. I've seen some promising numbers with that and it seems like everyone is getting good results with RL22 out of their Swedes.

These bullets have a recommended impact velocity range of 1900 - 3000 fps for best terminal ballistics. If I can get an accurate load that achieves close to 2500 fps at the muzzle I will have a MPBR of 285 yards where the bullet won't rise or fall more than 4" and the impact velocity will remain within the suggested range so that is my goal for now.

I loaded and shot 20 of these bullets with some varying charges of AA3100 and got between 1.5 and 3.0 MOA. I think that powder might produce some acceptable groups and velocities for hunting, in case that would be more in the range of what you'd want to spend. I didn't put much effort into it, mostly I was just wanting to try them out and I had this AA3100 leftover from something else.

I just fixed my chrony this morning so I'm going to try to load up some of these and hit the range next week. If I find anything interesting I'll be sure to post the data here.

NuJudge · April 24, 2009, 03:27 PM

A little under an inch at 100 yards out of a 1899 96B. Very pleasant to shoot. My guess is that if I shot it near dusk I would have a substantial fireball out the muzzle.

This powder used to be very cheap. It is incredibly slow. About the only other caliber I have that is suitable for it is the 7mm Rem Mag.

I tried a range of powder charges, everything from 48 up to 53 grains, and regular as well as magnum primers, and the loads with magnum primers were a bit smaller.

azsixshooter · July 15, 2009, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Also, on the Woodleigh website they have a Reloading Tips page that says you can use anyone's data for equivalent caliber/weight soft points, but to reduce that data by 5% and work up towards it. So I am tentatively planning to start at 38.4 grains of N160 and work up to 44.9 grains (if I even need to go that high to reach my goal). If I don't find a sub-MOA combination then I'm going to probably be trying RL22 next. I've seen some promising numbers with that and it seems like everyone is getting good results with RL22 out of their Swedes.

Woodleighs wasn't kidding about reducing your published data by 5%. I stupidly ignored that and started at the published minimum thinking I would be okay. The data I had from Viht had a 160 gr Hornady RN starting at 41.9 grains and going up to 44.9 grains. I blew a primer at 42.4 grains. I will be pulling a bunch of bullets today and doing it the way I should have to begin with. On the upside, I was hitting my target muzzle velocity even at 41.9 grains. Although it is about 105F today, MV might be different during my winter bull hunt when the temps could be close to zero.

bow shot · September 10, 2009, 11:34 AM

Too easy to reload

. I'm shooting a nothing-fancy '94, and I can't get it to shoot worse than 1" @ 100yd no matter what I did. My current:

Brass: Remington (trimmed to whatever the spec trim length on the Lee chart is)
Bullet: Sierra 85 gr Varminter (seated at whatever the spec length is on the Lee chart)
Powder: 46.8 gr IMR 4350
Primer: Federal 210

'Grouped just as well with IMR 4064, but i ran out and can't find any more.

The groups only get wider than 0.5" if I shoot quite rapidly.

The action has been re barreled, its a sporter countour, but I don't know who makes it. I think it has " :CH: " stamped on it? The rest is Husquvarna hardware with non-matching serial numbers.

beeker77 · October 4, 2009, 07:03 PM

Case: FNM Match Target (second reloading)
Powder: Vihta Vuori N140
Charge: 36.6gr
Projectile: Lapua Scenar 108gr HPBT
Primer: Federal 210M Large Rifle
Firearm: Swede Mauser 1902 Carl Gustafs M96, all original

Iron sights (rear = military tangent leaf, front = military inverted 'V'), from a sand bag forestock rest. Total 10 rounds; first round (not visible) was above the 9-ring; second round in the 9-ring at 11 o'clock. The coin is a quarter.

wbm · January 13, 2010, 09:24 AM

Got a new CZ last week and began working with 130g Berger VLD hunting bullet and Alliant Reloader 17. Bottom line? Everything came together at 45g of R-17.

CAUTION: Alliant lists 38.5 as their maximum load with a 140g bullet. In four 6.5x55 caliber rifles, an M96, M38, Shilen barreled Savage 110 and now the CZ I have found that 38.5g of R-17 will give about 2200-2300fps with the Sierra 140g MatchKing. In all four rifles I worked up to 44g of R-19 without pressure signs. Called Alliant about it and got no real answers.

Lapua Case
Federal 210 Primer
130 Berger VLD Hunting
OAL: 3.150"

5 Shot Group= .385"

beeker77 · January 13, 2010, 01:39 PM

Quote wbm:

"Lapua Case
Federal 210 Primer
130 Berger VLD Hunting
OAL: 3.150"
5 Shot Group= .385"

Wow.

If that is at 300yards, I am really impressed!

As you can see above, my all-original 1902 CG could barely get a six-inch group at 300 yards.

tkofoid · January 13, 2010, 05:35 PM

My pet load, may not be yours 49gr. RE22 129gr hornady interlock 2785pfs
Did I say RE22,,,,yes I did. I've had a couple swedes and they both liked this load. Always exercise caution!

wbm · January 31, 2010, 11:51 AM

Got several hundred of the 129 Hornady Interlocks. Definitely will give them a try with your pet load. Thanks.

mustang66maniac · January 31, 2010, 12:31 PM

I think we should also be sharing the rifle twist of our barrels, since bullet weight and rifle twist seem to have a favorite combination.

Wildalaska- what is the twist rate of your modern 6.5x55 rifle?

If memory serves me correctly, the M96 has a twist rate of 1:8" which is why it likes the heavier bullets (139,140,142gr), right?

Stumper · January 31, 2010, 01:02 PM

45gr IMR4350 with speer 120Sp seated to 3.0" OAL. That is a mild load that doesn't strain my 1898 Carl Gustafs M94. It does about 2550fps from the carbine barrel and turns out the lights on deer nicely.

Shorthair · January 31, 2010, 02:52 PM

I have been using 44.5 grains of IMR 4350 with 140 grain Nosler Partitions in my 1921 Gustaf, and getting 3 round groups right about 1" at 100 yards. Winchester brass and CCI300 primers. Wonderful hunting load in the old girl.

I first tried Speer hot core 140 grainers, and couldn't get this thing to group at all, had trouble even tracking shots at 100 yards, until I got this:

You'll notice the 1.5" Partition group above this keyholed Speer. Any ideas why there would be such disparity, why one bullet would keyhole and another group well?

aerod1 · February 5, 2010, 07:42 PM

I have just finished loading my first 6.5x55 Swede rounds. Do you crimp these rounds? I have a Lee FCD and used it to crimp. If you do crimp, how much do you crimp?
I own several old military Swedes.
BTW here is my starting load.
Bullet: 140 gr. Remington CoreLokt (JSP)
Powder: 42.1 gr. of RL19
Case: RP trimmed to 2.155"
Primer: WLR
OAL: 2.985
I have been loading lots of pistol, .223 rifle and shotshells but this is my first with the wonderful Swede cartridge. Of course, I will be working my way up to the "sweet spot".
I am open for criticism.
BTW, this is an awesome thread!!

Thanks,

azar92 · February 5, 2010, 10:45 PM

I have never crimped any 6.5x55 loads (or any large rifle round for that matter). If you want to crimp it and see how it compares to the same load uncrimped, go for it.

azar92 · April 8, 2010, 06:17 PM

CZ 550 American
160g Sierra Semi-Point
43.5g Alliant Reloder 22 (exceeds Sierra's load by 3 grains but safe in my rifle)
PMC Brass @ 2.155"
Federal 210 primer
COAL 2.990" (0.008" off the lands in my rifle)
2,415 fps out of a 23.6" barrel

First three shots @ 100 yards measured 0.171", with shots #4 and #5 opening it up to 0.860". So sad this bullet is no longer available...

RamSlammer · April 8, 2010, 09:33 PM

Opinions on the sweet spot for powder weight of RL22 for a M96? Using 140 gr. Hornady Interlock SP bullets, once fired Privi Partisan cases and Federal 210 LR primers.

Shorthair · April 9, 2010, 05:33 PM

Holy smokes, I see I posted CCI 300 primers in my post. That is a typo of course, CCI 200 large rifle primers are what I and anyone else using CCI should use.

marks655 · April 9, 2010, 10:48 PM

I have a Sako 75, and a 'sporterized' 1914 Carl G. with a new M38 barrel (bought 4 of them from SARCO in the 90's in the whit - beautiful barrels). Ramline stock, updated safety, downturned bolt, bedded. (I had one of those 6.5x55mm Remmy 700's they made in the 90's but could never get it to shoot as well as the others).

The Sako and the old 1914 rifle shoot similar groups - always under 0.75 MOA, often 0.5 MOA and sometimes smaller with the following handload:

120gr NBT
46gr H4350 - trickle-charged
CCI 200 LRP
Lapua or Norma brass - (neck-size only most of the time).
Seat bullets either just into or just-off the lands - OAL is over 3" but they fit in the magazine and chamber w/o problems.
Interstingly, the Sako actually has a slightly deeper throat than the old mauser, but that may be how it was headspaced.

Chronograph very consistent 2,900+fps with this load - warm summer temps; about 150-200 fps slower in winter.

This a great load to anchor Whitetails. They just drop.

Also load some Hornady 160 GR roundnose at 43 gr H4350 - they impact within 2" of the 120gr NBT.

I love the swede.

March 23, 2009, 06:23 PM	#26
azsixshooter Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Location: Pinckney, MI Posts: 657	Woodleigh 160 grain Protected Points? Has anybody worked up any accurate, hard-hitting loads with these new 160 grain Woodleighs yet? They look promising, BC-.509/SD-.331! http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=199598 http://www.woodleighbullets.com.au/Whats%20New3.html __________________ "Which side are we on? We're on the side of the demons, Chief. We're evil men in the gardens of paradise, sent by the forces of death to spread devastation and destruction wherever we go. I'm surprised you didn't know that." --Saul Tigh http://sargesrollcall.blogspot.com/2...s-no-more.html

March 31, 2009, 12:09 AM	#30
azsixshooter Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Location: Pinckney, MI Posts: 657	I got drawn for AZ Bull Elk this year (unit 4A) so I will be working up a load using the Woodleigh 160 grains. If anyone has any experience with those or thoughts on a 6.5x55 elk load I'd love to hear your constructive input. I was going to look at the mega's and naturalis heavy bullets but these Woodleighs have me excited, I love the numbers. __________________ "Which side are we on? We're on the side of the demons, Chief. We're evil men in the gardens of paradise, sent by the forces of death to spread devastation and destruction wherever we go. I'm surprised you didn't know that." --Saul Tigh http://sargesrollcall.blogspot.com/2...s-no-more.html

April 23, 2009, 09:33 PM	#31
azsixshooter Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Location: Pinckney, MI Posts: 657	I came into some N160 and was thinking of using it to work something up with these 160 grain Woodleighs. Do any of you have opinions on this powder for the swede or even better any load data? The VihtaVuori data only lists it for 155 grain bullets, I'm not sure if I need to reduce their min/max loads for using with 160 grain bullets. Thanks for any thoughts. I will probably end up using RL22 in the end, but I got this N160 and I've been liking the N560 and 130 grain combination so I'd like to at least give it a day in court __________________ "Which side are we on? We're on the side of the demons, Chief. We're evil men in the gardens of paradise, sent by the forces of death to spread devastation and destruction wherever we go. I'm surprised you didn't know that." --Saul Tigh http://sargesrollcall.blogspot.com/2...s-no-more.html

April 24, 2009, 12:43 PM	#33
azsixshooter Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Location: Pinckney, MI Posts: 657	I did find some older load data from VV that lists a max of 44.9 grains of this N160 with the Hornady 160 grain round nose bullets for a velocity of 2510 fps and a pressure level of 51500 psi. It says to reduce that load by 10% and work towards it in the VV tech notes. Also, on the Woodleigh website they have a Reloading Tips page that says you can use anyone's data for equivalent caliber/weight soft points, but to reduce that data by 5% and work up towards it. So I am tentatively planning to start at 38.4 grains of N160 and work up to 44.9 grains (if I even need to go that high to reach my goal). If I don't find a sub-MOA combination then I'm going to probably be trying RL22 next. I've seen some promising numbers with that and it seems like everyone is getting good results with RL22 out of their Swedes. These bullets have a recommended impact velocity range of 1900 - 3000 fps for best terminal ballistics. If I can get an accurate load that achieves close to 2500 fps at the muzzle I will have a MPBR of 285 yards where the bullet won't rise or fall more than 4" and the impact velocity will remain within the suggested range so that is my goal for now. I loaded and shot 20 of these bullets with some varying charges of AA3100 and got between 1.5 and 3.0 MOA. I think that powder might produce some acceptable groups and velocities for hunting, in case that would be more in the range of what you'd want to spend. I didn't put much effort into it, mostly I was just wanting to try them out and I had this AA3100 leftover from something else. I just fixed my chrony this morning so I'm going to try to load up some of these and hit the range next week. If I find anything interesting I'll be sure to post the data here. __________________ "Which side are we on? We're on the side of the demons, Chief. We're evil men in the gardens of paradise, sent by the forces of death to spread devastation and destruction wherever we go. I'm surprised you didn't know that." --Saul Tigh http://sargesrollcall.blogspot.com/2...s-no-more.html

April 24, 2009, 03:27 PM	#34
NuJudge Member Join Date: October 17, 2005 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 86	140gr Hornady, 52.5gr WCC860, PMC case and WLRM primer A little under an inch at 100 yards out of a 1899 96B. Very pleasant to shoot. My guess is that if I shot it near dusk I would have a substantial fireball out the muzzle. This powder used to be very cheap. It is incredibly slow. About the only other caliber I have that is suitable for it is the 7mm Rem Mag. I tried a range of powder charges, everything from 48 up to 53 grains, and regular as well as magnum primers, and the loads with magnum primers were a bit smaller.

March 23, 2009, 07:45 PM	#27
Snow Dog Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2005 Location: Too close to Toronto! Posts: 106	I can't take credit for this - my buddy shot this 5 round group from his Tikka Varmint in 6.5x55.

March 23, 2009, 07:49 PM	#28
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	Need I point out RL22 here WildthekingofswedepowdersAlaska ™ Some OAL data, chronograph data, brass and primer would be nice

March 23, 2009, 08:33 PM	#29
Snow Dog Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2005 Location: Too close to Toronto! Posts: 106	If memory serves he would be using either Norma or Lapua brass and Federal GM210M primers. Chrono data I couldn't tell ya but I know he sets the bullets 20 thou off the lands.

April 24, 2009, 10:39 AM	#32
azar92 Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2009 Location: Utah Posts: 209	AzSixShooter, I have never used any VV powder (too cheap ) so I can't help you there. I would, however, very much appreciate it if you would keep us updated on how well those 160g Woodleighs shoot out of your gun and the best load you find. I also own a CZ 550 American in 6.5x55 (and love it). About two years ago I planned to develop a good 160g elk load with it, but I ran out of time and life got in the way. I would still like to develop a "premium" 155-160g elk load. My top choices would be the 160g Woodleigh, the 155 Lapua Mega, and the 156g Norma Oryx. It's now more of a curiosity as I purchased a 7mm Remington Magnum last fall for an "elk gun". But I'd still love to take the Swede as a backup rifle with an appropriate load, or even as my primary rifle on a cow elk hunt. I'm very curious how well the CZ 550 will stabilize that longer, high BC bullet with it's 1:8.66" twist.

September 10, 2009, 11:34 AM	#36
bow shot Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2009 Posts: 263	too easy Too easy to reload . I'm shooting a nothing-fancy '94, and I can't get it to shoot worse than 1" @ 100yd no matter what I did. My current: Brass: Remington (trimmed to whatever the spec trim length on the Lee chart is) Bullet: Sierra 85 gr Varminter (seated at whatever the spec length is on the Lee chart) Powder: 46.8 gr IMR 4350 Primer: Federal 210 'Grouped just as well with IMR 4064, but i ran out and can't find any more. The groups only get wider than 0.5" if I shoot quite rapidly. The action has been re barreled, its a sporter countour, but I don't know who makes it. I think it has " :CH: " stamped on it? The rest is Husquvarna hardware with non-matching serial numbers.

October 4, 2009, 07:03 PM	#37
beeker77 Member Join Date: July 9, 2006 Location: San Antonio Posts: 96	Lapua Scenar 108gr Case: FNM Match Target (second reloading) Powder: Vihta Vuori N140 Charge: 36.6gr Projectile: Lapua Scenar 108gr HPBT Primer: Federal 210M Large Rifle Firearm: Swede Mauser 1902 Carl Gustafs M96, all original Iron sights (rear = military tangent leaf, front = military inverted 'V'), from a sand bag forestock rest. Total 10 rounds; first round (not visible) was above the 9-ring; second round in the 9-ring at 11 o'clock. The coin is a quarter. __________________ StraightShooter

January 13, 2010, 09:24 AM	#38
wbm Junior Member Join Date: February 26, 2006 Location: Zuni mountains near Ramah NM Posts: 4	CZ-550 6.5x55 Got a new CZ last week and began working with 130g Berger VLD hunting bullet and Alliant Reloader 17. Bottom line? Everything came together at 45g of R-17. CAUTION: Alliant lists 38.5 as their maximum load with a 140g bullet. In four 6.5x55 caliber rifles, an M96, M38, Shilen barreled Savage 110 and now the CZ I have found that 38.5g of R-17 will give about 2200-2300fps with the Sierra 140g MatchKing. In all four rifles I worked up to 44g of R-19 without pressure signs. Called Alliant about it and got no real answers. Lapua Case Federal 210 Primer 130 Berger VLD Hunting OAL: 3.150" 5 Shot Group= .385"

January 13, 2010, 01:39 PM	#39
beeker77 Member Join Date: July 9, 2006 Location: San Antonio Posts: 96	.385" Group! Quote wbm: "Lapua Case Federal 210 Primer 130 Berger VLD Hunting OAL: 3.150" 5 Shot Group= .385" Wow. If that is at 300yards, I am really impressed! As you can see above, my all-original 1902 CG could barely get a six-inch group at 300 yards. __________________ StraightShooter Last edited by beeker77; January 13, 2010 at 02:33 PM. Reason: image

January 13, 2010, 05:35 PM	#40
tkofoid Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2008 Location: N. D. Posts: 149	Cz 550 6.5x55 My pet load, may not be yours 49gr. RE22 129gr hornady interlock 2785pfs Did I say RE22,,,,yes I did. I've had a couple swedes and they both liked this load. Always exercise caution!

January 31, 2010, 11:51 AM	#41
wbm Junior Member Join Date: February 26, 2006 Location: Zuni mountains near Ramah NM Posts: 4	Got several hundred of the 129 Hornady Interlocks. Definitely will give them a try with your pet load. Thanks.

January 31, 2010, 12:31 PM	#42
mustang66maniac Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2008 Location: Sac, CA Posts: 143	I think we should also be sharing the rifle twist of our barrels, since bullet weight and rifle twist seem to have a favorite combination. Wildalaska- what is the twist rate of your modern 6.5x55 rifle? If memory serves me correctly, the M96 has a twist rate of 1:8" which is why it likes the heavier bullets (139,140,142gr), right? __________________ "aerodynamics are for people who can't build engines" -Enzo Ferrari

January 31, 2010, 01:02 PM	#43
Stumper Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 438	45gr IMR4350 with speer 120Sp seated to 3.0" OAL. That is a mild load that doesn't strain my 1898 Carl Gustafs M94. It does about 2550fps from the carbine barrel and turns out the lights on deer nicely. __________________ "Let us speak courteously, deal fairly, and keep ourselves armed and ready." Theodore Roosevelt "If only God has magic, how does Santa get down the chimney?" Natalie Peters age 4

January 31, 2010, 02:52 PM	#44
Shorthair Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 348	I have been using 44.5 grains of IMR 4350 with 140 grain Nosler Partitions in my 1921 Gustaf, and getting 3 round groups right about 1" at 100 yards. Winchester brass and CCI300 primers. Wonderful hunting load in the old girl. I first tried Speer hot core 140 grainers, and couldn't get this thing to group at all, had trouble even tracking shots at 100 yards, until I got this: You'll notice the 1.5" Partition group above this keyholed Speer. Any ideas why there would be such disparity, why one bullet would keyhole and another group well? __________________ Earth First! We can hunt the other planets later.

February 5, 2010, 07:42 PM	#45
aerod1 Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2000 Location: Garland Texas U.S.A. Posts: 734	I have just finished loading my first 6.5x55 Swede rounds. Do you crimp these rounds? I have a Lee FCD and used it to crimp. If you do crimp, how much do you crimp? I own several old military Swedes. BTW here is my starting load. Bullet: 140 gr. Remington CoreLokt (JSP) Powder: 42.1 gr. of RL19 Case: RP trimmed to 2.155" Primer: WLR OAL: 2.985 I have been loading lots of pistol, .223 rifle and shotshells but this is my first with the wonderful Swede cartridge. Of course, I will be working my way up to the "sweet spot". I am open for criticism. BTW, this is an awesome thread!! Thanks, __________________ NRA Life Member, TSRA Life Member, C&R 03 FFL, Texas LTC Recreational Reloader U.S. Navy Veteran (USS Midway V-1 Division)

February 5, 2010, 10:45 PM	#46
azar92 Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2009 Location: Utah Posts: 209	I have never crimped any 6.5x55 loads (or any large rifle round for that matter). If you want to crimp it and see how it compares to the same load uncrimped, go for it.

April 8, 2010, 06:17 PM	#47
azar92 Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2009 Location: Utah Posts: 209	CZ 550 American 160g Sierra Semi-Point 43.5g Alliant Reloder 22 (exceeds Sierra's load by 3 grains but safe in my rifle) PMC Brass @ 2.155" Federal 210 primer COAL 2.990" (0.008" off the lands in my rifle) 2,415 fps out of a 23.6" barrel First three shots @ 100 yards measured 0.171", with shots #4 and #5 opening it up to 0.860". So sad this bullet is no longer available...

April 8, 2010, 09:33 PM	#48
RamSlammer Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2008 Location: Arkansas Posts: 722	Opinions on the sweet spot for powder weight of RL22 for a M96? Using 140 gr. Hornady Interlock SP bullets, once fired Privi Partisan cases and Federal 210 LR primers.

April 9, 2010, 05:33 PM	#49
Shorthair Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 348	Holy smokes, I see I posted CCI 300 primers in my post. That is a typo of course, CCI 200 large rifle primers are what I and anyone else using CCI should use. __________________ Earth First! We can hunt the other planets later.

April 9, 2010, 10:48 PM	#50
marks655 Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 363	fav 6.5x55 loads I have a Sako 75, and a 'sporterized' 1914 Carl G. with a new M38 barrel (bought 4 of them from SARCO in the 90's in the whit - beautiful barrels). Ramline stock, updated safety, downturned bolt, bedded. (I had one of those 6.5x55mm Remmy 700's they made in the 90's but could never get it to shoot as well as the others). The Sako and the old 1914 rifle shoot similar groups - always under 0.75 MOA, often 0.5 MOA and sometimes smaller with the following handload: 120gr NBT 46gr H4350 - trickle-charged CCI 200 LRP Lapua or Norma brass - (neck-size only most of the time). Seat bullets either just into or just-off the lands - OAL is over 3" but they fit in the magazine and chamber w/o problems. Interstingly, the Sako actually has a slightly deeper throat than the old mauser, but that may be how it was headspaced. Chronograph very consistent 2,900+fps with this load - warm summer temps; about 150-200 fps slower in winter. This a great load to anchor Whitetails. They just drop. Also load some Hornady 160 GR roundnose at 43 gr H4350 - they impact within 2" of the 120gr NBT. I love the swede.