120gr Barnes TTSX in 6.5x55?

kayaker1

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Ok 6.5 nutz, who has experience with this bullet in the Swede?

Barnes list RE22 as the most accurate powder choice with a max charge of 46gr which seems very mild, even by the usual conservative standards for published loads in this cartridge. I used Barnes recommended OAL of 2.95" as I hear these bullets typically like a larger jump into the lands.

Anyway I had mediocre accuracy averaging around 1.5" and normally can achieve half of that with Hornady bullets. I loaded up to 46.5gr RE22 (using CCI 250 mag primers) and this last load gave me a 0.9" group. I am satisfied with that but ave velocity was only 2620fps. I would like to break 2700 which should be quite easy in my Tikka. I am sure I can load a little higher that this? 46.5 had zero pressure signs. I don't need a hotrod but a little more would nice.

I also have N560 on hand which I use to excellent effect with 129gr Hornadys.
Lapua list a start load with N560 of 47gr with a 130gr tsx.

Has anyone used RE22 or N560 with the 120gr TTSX and had good results?

Thanks!
 
the load I settled on last year in mine was 49 grs of RE22 with a 129 gr Hornady.

I wonder two things, first of RE22 might be a bit slow and second of your load is too mild to get good performance. The velocity sounds low.

Old X bullets liked a long jump, most guys now load the TSX to normal lengths.
 
load

I use 48gr with 140gr berger with reloder 22 and I have a super accurate group with this combo/
I have some 130 Berger hunting bullets you could try.

Plus when I tried the 120gr in my 6.5 the groups were poor. FS
 
I've just started using IMR-4350 in mine with 120's. And it works just fine. I haven't shot the TTSX for pressure/groups yet, but in my Savage I am up to 47.7gr with 120gr A-max and 0.53" for group. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have some more data as I've started moving up from there.
 
Thanks guys,

I have been using 46gr RE22 with 140gr Hornday SP's with very good accuracy.

It seems many guys prefer RE19 with the 120gr TTSX but oddly Barnes rates 22 as the best choice for all their bullets??

Cheers
 
48 grains of RL-19 is right around 2900, one grain more is 2940 and same accuracy with no pressure signs. So hunting load is 48, tried this load on a "warm" summer day , and yes , pressure signs. Lucky I can't hunt here in Sask. on warm summer days.
 
Thanks guys,
I don't have a barnes manual but can access one, which I will do before trying the RE19.

Thanks Fasteel for writing that. I was thinking around 48gr would be max (similar to 129gr jacketed data) so 45-49 it is.

Cheers
 
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