6.5 X 55 Swede max loads for 140 grain nosler

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NormSC

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Hey folks,

I have been reloading for my Sako 85 Finnlight. I am partial to 140 grain bullets as I think they will do the trick for large game. The Nosler manual shows that max load for RL-22 is 46.5 grains for a 140 grain bullet. I was only getting around 2510 fps or so from this load. I went up to 47 grains and velocity moved to 2540 fps. This is way lower than the manual which shows I should be getting over 2600 fps with just 46.5 grains of RL-22. I was thinking of going 47.5 grains or higher which may mean a compressed load, but the Sako has a long throat and I can seat the bullets way out. The cases so far at 47 grains of RL-22 show no excessive pressure signs. Why are all the manuals so anemic for this cartridge. I have always found that velocity is the best measure for pressure.

Anyone have any experience here?

Norm
 
The manuals are very conservative in regards to the 6.5x55 mainly due to all the century old Swedish mausers out there. In my T3 I'm currently running 1.4gr over max published data and have seen zero signs of over pressure after over a thousand rounds down the pipe. I wouldn't be too concerned. Build up your load slowly and watch for pressure signs. Great cartridge.
 
Every gun if different, but in my 26" barrelled M98, using 140 gr Hornady AMAX's - OAL of 3.200" which is about 30 thou off the lands: RL22 - 49.0 grs - 2850 fps

I got higher MV's with full cases of IMR7828, RL25 and H1000, and best accuracy with H4350 (46.0 grs for 2750 fps).
 
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Andy said:
Every gun if different, but in my 26" barrelled M98, using 140 gr Hornady AMAX's - OAL of 3.200" which is about 30 thou off the lands: RL22 - 49.0 grs - 2850 fps

I got higher MV's with full cases of IMR7828, RL25 and H1000, and best accuracy with H4350.
Click to expand...

What's your H4350 load?

Has anyone ever tried any of Vihtavuori loads? The data they provide is conservative in work up, but I have never tried it out.

http://www.vihtavuori.com/en/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/6-5-x-55-swedish-mauser.html

http://www.vihtavuori.com/en/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/6-5-x-55-swedish-mauser--skan.html

 
I reload for a T3 varmint in this caliber and approached it knowing the data was calculated to keep pressure below 45000cup? for a couple models of military rifles.

With H4350 and 4831sc, I achieved velocities about 2700-2750fps (140gr SST, 139gr Scenar) without any pressure signs and the load not being 1gr over published max loads. Because of the superb accuracy there, and for longevity of brass et al, I didn't bother seeking out higher velocity... a game animal won't notice 100fps more, and high velocity gains really don't account for much more as the target distance increases.
 
I drive the 142gr matchking at 2750fps out of a Tikka T-3 using R-22, but I am using 49gr in Lapua cases. In my Sako Bavarian Carbine I drive the 129gr AccubondLR at over 2700fps using 50gr of R-22, but it only has a 20" barrel.
 
I load 47gr of RE#22 for my son's T-3 with 140gr Partitions............no bear,deer ,antelope ,elk or moose has complained or was lost.Fed mag primers and Win brass...............Harold
 
I've been running 45.6gr of H4350 with 140gr bullets and 44.3 behind 160gr RN. No pressure signs at all out of my T3. But again, always start low and work up. Every rifles different.
 
gunzfreak said:
What kind bullets are you guys finding work the best as all around bullet. Deer, elk, moose....
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140 gr partition works great. I also have some 155 gr lapua mega's to try. They look like they have the bc of a bowling ball. but would hit like the hammer of thor.
 
Google IMR7828 and the 6.5x55 in strong, modern actions. There are some very hot loads that are safe available and IMR7828SC works every bit as good in the Swede case as RL22 which is a great powder as well.
 
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