Accurate loads in 6.5x55 Mauser using IMR4350 behind 140gr bullets

Ahsan Ahmed

Ahsan Ahmed

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Scanned through all ten pages but was unable to find anything of relevance, hence the thread.

Plenty of info on the web that could be used as high level reference material but I would also much appreciate some insight from folks here, if you please.

Given the current scenario of components availability, I wish to conserve powder and thus utilize IMR4350, which presently I have a bit more than RL-22.

Nevertheless, I would still prefer not to commence at the very bottom of the ladder test as far as that could be helped.

The rifle in question is a modern action - Sauer 100. I intend to test both Hornady 140gr SST as well as SGK 140gr SBT.
 
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I've used 43.5gr of IMR 4350 and a 140gr Hornady in Winchester brass and Fed LRP under an 1" in a Win 70 FWT.........................47gr of RE#22 is best in the 6.5x55 with a 140gr Partition same brass /mag primer in son's T3....velocity unknown as I never chronied either load.
 
I don't know if it helps at all because I'm using Dominion 4350, which seems a fair bit slower than IMR, but I found a pretty good load with 47.6 grains using Lapua brass and 139 grain Scenars at around 2680 fps. This was in a 26" barrel target rifle built on a Sauer 80 action.
Kristian
 
I have been using IMR 4350 for years with 140 gr. bullets. 39 gr. gives me the best accuracy but for hunting I bump that up to 45 gr. which is over published data but with my rifle and components that I am using, I get 2620 fps with no signs of pressure and will still shoot 1" at 100 yds.
 

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Thank you all. The info is pretty much in line with what I had observed in few other forums.

Presently, I've only got three bottles of RL-22. There are actually two rifles that I need to test i.e. the Sauer and a CZ550. Figured may as well use IMR4350 and save the Aliant powder till I can source some more. :)
 
RE#22 is the powder for the 6.5x55 with the 129-140gr............If you ever step up to a heavier moose drilling bullet like the 156 RN or 160grRN 42gr of IMR 4350 is deadly accurate or the same charge of N204. Killed a lot of game with those from many angles.
 
mbogo3 said:
RE#22 is the powder for the 6.5x55 with the 129-140gr............If you ever step up to a heavier moose drilling bullet like the 156 RN or 160grRN 42gr of IMR 4350 is deadly accurate or the same charge of N204. Killed a lot of game with those from many angles.
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That is a very helpful tip. Think I will experiment with the heavier bullets in the CZ550. Obviously, every rifle will be different and will need to run it own course via the testing process ....
 
Well, I got ready my initial test loads with IMR4350 - six groups loaded at 0.3gr increments. At this time, bullets are all seated 20 thou off jam at 2.497" (CBTO) till I validate best powder charge.

Almost half of the bearing surface is visible outside the case mouth. :)
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Great info! Much appreciated the link. I have a few bottles of H4350 and would also like to try that in my two Swede rifles.
 
Ahsan Ahmed said:
Great info! Much appreciated the link. I have a few bottles of H4350 and would also like to try that in my two Swede rifles.
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Note that those loads were developed in a Mauser M98 action. I wouldn't use them in a M96, but would limit myself to what is shown on the Hodgdon website, e.g. max of 44.0 grs H4350 with a 140 gr bullet.
 
My first 6.5x55 I loaded for was a Remington 700 Classic, and I found the max load of IMR 4350 with the 140 gr Nosler Partition, as listed in the Nosler Reloading Manual from 1995 era gave me the best results (1.2" groups for 5 shots @ 200 yards). Sorry, do not recall load at this moment, but can look up for you if you need it.

The max load of IMR 4350 with the older 140 gr X Bullet as loaded in the original Barnes reloading manual gave slightly better groups in that rifle (1" groups for 5 shots @ 200 yards).

I have yet to take the time to work up a load for my latest 6.5x55 in a LH Sako 85 Hunter, as it is shooting the Nosler factory ammo with 140 gr AccuBonds into 1/2" groups @ 100 yards, but still need to do so. Will try the IMR 4350 again, but am also looking forward to trying Re-26 and Staball 6.5 to see how they perform in this rifle.
 
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Andy said:
Note that those loads were developed in a Mauser M98 action. I wouldn't use them in a M96, but would limit myself to what is shown on the Hodgdon website, e.g. max of 44.0 grs H4350 with a 140 gr bullet.
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Absolutely!

Mine are modern actions - even then I would prefer to proceed with caution. Hodgdon specifies 45gr max for IMR4350 with 140gr weight. For now, I have kept my charges below that figure.
 
BlackRam said:
My first 6.5x55 I loaded for was a Remington 700 Classic, and I found the max load of IMR 4350 with the 140 gr Nosler Partition, as listed in the Nosler Reloading Manual from 1995 era gave me the best results (1 1.2' groups for 5 shots @ 200 yards). Sorry, do not recall load at this moment, but can look up for you if you need it.

The max load of IMR 4350 with the older 140 gr X Bullet as loaded in the original Barnes reloading manual gave slightly better groups in that rifle (1" groups for 5 shots @ 200 yards).

I have yet to take the time to work up a load for my latest 6.5x55 in a LH Sako 85 Hunter, as it is shooting the Nosler factory ammo with 140 gr AccuBonds into 1/2" groups @ 100 yards, but still need to do so. Will try the IMR 4350 again, but am also looking forward to trying Re-26 and Staball 6.5 to see how they perform in this rifle.
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Sure. I'd appreciate your findings if you can take the time to post, thanks.

Mine are hunting rifles. I'd be very happy with consistent half inch groups at 100m. Generally, here in ON, not many opportunities are presented at 200 yards or more unless one maybe sitting in a hydro corridor, for example.
 
Nosler Reloading Manual Number 3 (1993) Lists 43.0 gr of IMR4350 as max with 140 gr Partition.

Sorry, I cannot find my older Barnes reloading manual, but since the X Bullets are not easily found today, the Reloading Manual Number 4 lists only up to the 130 gr TSX and does not list for IMR 4350. They list 43.0 gr as max with IMR 4831, and Re-22 as most accurate powder with 44.0 gr as max load.

Hope that helps!
 
No problem, thanks.

I noted the same data in Nosler 9. With this batch of reloads, my top charge is 44.0gr of IMR4350. However, I will closely watch for pressure signs with each group and keep the bolt greased.
 
43.5 grains of IMR 4350 gave moa accuracy in my Swedish Mauser 96 with Speer Hot-cor 140 grains and 2650 fps. Quite decent, and no pressure signs. Max load is 45 grains for Hodgdon with this bullet.
 
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