6.5 x 55 + M/38 + Varget, how much powder have you had luck with?

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jcenten

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Hello, I am just starting to reload, and after a successful batch of .303 british, im now on to reloading for my m/38. I have varget as powder and sierra 140 gn gamekings, CCI bench rest primers, winchester brass. I see the loads in my manual are from 32.5-36 grains, but I am wondering if anyone has had good groups with a certain weight. I'm probably going to attempt to mimic the velocity of the standard military spitzer (around 2550) if all else fails.


Thanks for any info you might have. If this really isnt the greatest combo, I might have to change powders.
 
In my swedes using the 140gr bullets I've had much better luck with H4350, H4831 and in one H1000. Varget is a little fast for the heavier bullets, but it works great with the 95gr and 100gr Hornady's
 
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Im also shooting a swede and 140 gr. Sierra Gamekings. Ive been shooting good groups using RL-22 and WLR primers. I believe im using the book max according to Sierra which gives me 2575 fps .
 
I watch my friend shoot his 65x55 at 300 yards off bench 1" group 5 shots he uses Sierra MK 140gr and 4064 powder in a Tika Varmint, he also shot under 2" with same load in a swiss military gun at 100 with open sights uses same load in both guns.
 
Like they said, Varget is kinda fast for the heavier bullets. I suggest 4831, RL22 or H1000.

The bullets have a long bearing area, so pressures cam climb faster than velocity builds up, so start low and work up.

You are in for a treat. You will probably find your rifle is very accurate.
 
I get excellent accuracy from my 6.5x55 CZ 550 with 36.5 gr IMR 4895 behind a 140 gr. Nossler Partition bullet. Muzzle velocity was measured at 2517 ft/sec and I will be hunting Mule Deer with this load this year.
 
Cappy said:
In my swedes using the 140gr bullets I've had much better luck with H4350, H4381 and in one H1000. Varget is a little fast for the heavier bullets, but it works great with the 95gr and 100gr Hornady's
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H4381? Did Hodgdon release a new powder recently?
 
Based on CGN discussion I went with R22 as my first power, with 140gr hornady. 2nd load working up, 44.5gr I believe, it was shooting 1 inch groups at 100.

A bit of fine tuning I am now shooting 1 inch, 3 shot groups at 200 yards, and 2 inch groups at 300. All 3 are touching at 100. Not bad for a military sporter rifle.

Next step is to put a better scope on it (using a Trasco right now) and then try Horn 160gr or 130 TSX


Varget is really good in my 30-06 and decent in my 308
 
the 6.5 bullets are very long. they tend to build pressure quickly. More velocity comes form two scoops of slow powder.

Accuracy comes from a lot of things, but a lot of air space is not good. RL22 is a very slow powder and even it leaves some airspace. The faster powders leave a lot more airspace than I like to see.

In target rifle circles, the fastest powder used is 4831, with H1000 and RL22 being the favourites.
 
I use 45.5gr RE-22 with a 140gr Hornady or 43.5gr IMR 4350 same bullet.Try for bigger game or northbound deer in the thick stuff......42 gr of either N-204 or IMR 4350 and a 156gr/160gr slug.Deadly on deer lengthways and relaxed many moose for me...................Harold *to date I've never recoved a bullet reguardless of angle with the heavies!
 
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