The Ultimate 6.5x55 Load Thread

Great thread, thanks!

I just ordered a new rifle in 6.5x55 and figured that I'd work up some loads while I'm waiting for it to come in. I'm only going to be shooting 100 and 200 yard targets for a while, so does anyone have a good target load using the 123 grain Lapua Scenars or Sierra MatchKings?
 
Never played with either, sorry. Try N150 for the Scenars and 560 for the SMK, and I bet you could get away with 560 for the Scenar too.

WildwhatkindofrifleAlaska TM
 
WildwhatkindofrifleAlaska
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Cooper Model 22 Classic - It will take a few months to come in, which is fine because I haven't done any metallic reloading in 20+ years. That will give me time to stock up on components and set up a reloading bench.
 
Hi Ken,
I know you like your Blaser and I just love mine in 6.5x55 Swede. Can you reload me some 139 grain bullets for deer hunting that will shoot well in my Blaser? Thanks, Rick
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Sorry I cant custom load for anybody. Try that 130 AB load posted earlier, start at 46 grains

Wild48ismysweetspotAlaska TM
 
I can't take credit for this - my buddy shot this 5 round group from his Tikka Varmint in 6.5x55.

GroupP.jpg
 
Need I point out RL22 here :)

WildthekingofswedepowdersAlaska ™

Some OAL data, chronograph data, brass and primer would be nice :)
 
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.
 
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.
 
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 ;)
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
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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.
 
too easy

Too easy to reload :rolleyes:. 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.
 
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.
1902_Swede_CG_M96_TGT300yds21feb09a.jpg
 
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"
 
.385" Group!

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

Wow. :eek:
If that is at 300yards, I am really impressed!

1902_Swede_CG_M96_TGT300yds21feb09a.jpg

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