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

51.0 grains of IMR7828 or SC or SSC gives me just over 2800fps, with 140 grain bullets, over CCI magnum primers, from a 22 inch barrel on my Tikka T3.

It also gives me consistent sub half moa groups, right out to 400 meters.

This load is also used by several people I've given it out to, in modern, strong actions.

Other powders I've tried with the 140 grain bullets are H4831, which doesn't deliver results as consistent as 7828

- 54.0 gr RL25 at 2900fps but accuracy wasn't consistent. Always an unpredictable flyer.

- 49.0 gr RL22 at 2800+fps with reasonably consistent accuracy

- 53.5 gr H1000 at 2800+fps, again with reasonably consistent accuracy.

I have a lot of IMR7828 on hand and because it gives the best overall consistencey, I use it.

If I had to use any of the others mentioned, I wouldn't feel deprived.

From what I can find out, the pressures generated by the above loads are all around 60Kpsi.

IMR4350 is appx 5% slower than RL22 and this can easily be transposed for safe loads.

Any of the loads listed in the manuals, unless they're European, will be for the Swede M96 variant rifles and way below the maximum limits of your rifle.
 
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Turkey season drawing almost to a close, I finally got around to shooting my first batch of test loads using IMR4350. Nothing impressive - only 43.1gr performed slightly under MOA. Will try another batch leading up to max and see how that goes and/or if I could proceed further (safely).

Targets @ 100m ....

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mimile said:
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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IMHO, you're loading to HOT for the M96 with that load. What you don't mention, is whether your action is military surplus or one of the "commercial" actions, which seem to be a bit stronger.

Not dissing the Swede 96 actions by any means, but when they blow, they do it without giving an indication something is awry.

I've seen several that shot hundreds of rounds just slightly over the listed max in the manuals for years and then, for whatever reason the top of the receiver ring would get blown off and the stock split between the shooter's hands.

I only saw one injury and that may or may not have been a piece of the rifle cutting the cheek.
 
In the 6th Edition Hornady manual IMR 4350 140gr bullet in a 1896 Swedish mauser MAX 41.4gr/2600fps.........for best accuracy in the long throated Sweds the bullet need to be seated out long just shy of the rifling yet still fitting the magazine.
 
Load data varies a lot among bullet manufacturers. For IMR 4350, Hodgdon gives 41-45 grains with Speer Hot-Cor, While Speer gives 39-41 grains with the same. Hodgdon Claims their data is good for the Mauser 96 also. I load 43.5 grains with Speer Hot-Cor in my Mauser 96 with a mv of 2650 fps and no pressure signs measured with micrometer.
 
mimile said:
Load data varies a lot among bullet manufacturers. For IMR 4350, Hodgdon gives 41-45 grains with Speer Hot-Cor, While Speer gives 39-41 grains with the same. Hodgdon Claims their data is good for the Mauser 96 also. I load 43.5 grains with Speer Hot-Cor in my Mauser 96 with a mv of 2650 fps and no pressure signs measured with micrometer.
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Like I mentioned before, when they blow, they do it without any indication something is awry.

They might give some indication on the fired case previous to the one that blows but otherwise, nothing to indicate there is a problem.

The 6.5x55 case is very strong in its own right. Nothing will show on your micrometer until there is some set back of the bolt, IF THERE IS ANY.
 
I have two rifles chambered for 6.5 x 55, one a new Zastava, the other a "like new" 1900 m96 Oberndorf rifle (original configuration). I have used both IMR and H 4350. Both are hard to meter due to the length of the the extruded granules. I upgraded (or some would say "downgraded" because they are so cheap. to a lee Perfect powder measure; which gives me consistency with these powders of +/- .1 gr.) I had been using a tried and true Lyman 55, which works great with ball powders, but crunches and grinds these extruded powders, causing inconsistent weights (+/- .6 gr.); which gave inconsistent groups.

Hodgdon calls for 41-45 gr, my modern action Zastava 6.5 x 55 SE likes 47 gr, the M96 likes 46. No signs of overpressure. I use a firm crimp, and a set-back of 0.010 in both rifles; and they look long like yours.
 
Meroh said:
I have two rifles chambered for 6.5 x 55, one a new Zastava, the other a "like new" 1900 m96 Oberndorf rifle (original configuration). I have used both IMR and H 4350. Both are hard to meter due to the length of the the extruded granules. I upgraded (or some would say "downgraded" because they are so cheap. to a lee Perfect powder measure; which gives me consistency with these powders of +/- .1 gr.) I had been using a tried and true Lyman 55, which works great with ball powders, but crunches and grinds these extruded powders, causing inconsistent weights (+/- .6 gr.); which gave inconsistent groups.

Hodgdon calls for 41-45 gr, my modern action Zastava 6.5 x 55 SE likes 47 gr, the M96 likes 46. No signs of overpressure. I use a firm crimp, and a set-back of 0.010 in both rifles; and they look long like yours.
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When I started reloading, I wanted to acquire a Redding powder measure. However, in view that my involvement in the activity was gonna be a very small time affair, I opted to go first with the Lee perfect powder measure based on the favorable reviews. With careful adjustment, that inexpensive equipment is near accurate and I use it only to dispense the bulk charge and trickle up/down on a scale.

Even seated far out, the SST projectile still has the boat tail section going down almost beyond the shoulder. I intend to play with the seating depth (if necessary) once I get a sense of the requisite charge this rifle may prefer.
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I had pulled the bullet (bottom image) from a factory round, Win 140gr flat base - the bearing surface extends just slightly beyond the case neck. Obviously, the ammo didn't perform well in either of my two rifles (Sauer and CZ).
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Range session 2 using IMR 4350 behind 140gr SST.

I was a bit tied up over the past weeks and only got an opportunity to test a second batch of reloads today. Not much of an improvement over the previous results.

One common observation is the somewhat vertical shot strings. Could be the powder charge, rifle or perhaps shooter technique. The barrel is not touching the stock anywhere. Moreover, I strive to be consistent in terms of handling a rifle at the bench.

Looks like I may need to play around a bit more with the powder and in parallel, try via seating the bullet slightly deeper .....

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Edited to add .....

I've no idea how long the dove species need to sit over it's eggs daily. This bird sat absolutely unflinching like a rock statue while four centerfire rifles were making a loud racket for several hours less than 10 yards away. It sure could do with some hearing protection! :)
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bearhunter said:
51.0 grains of IMR7828 or SC or SSC gives me just over 2800fps, with 140 grain bullets, over CCI magnum primers, from a 22 inch barrel on my Tikka T3.

It also gives me consistent sub half moa groups, right out to 400 meters.

This load is also used by several people I've given it out to, in modern, strong actions.
Click to expand...

Couple weeks ago, I acquired 7828 SSC from Higginson. Will try that after I am able to form some concrete opinion about IMR 4350 involving this particular rifle.
 
Today, I was finally able to resume testing the Sauer 6.5x55 where I had left off last June .....

Compared to previous sessions, used reduced powder loads of IMR 4350 behind 140gr SST - 41.5 gr performed best so far albeit printing a somewhat vertical group (could be a combination of variables).

It is a hunting rifle and my shot distances are no longer than 200 yards. Therefore, I am not too concerned with finesse. :) Besides, I have various few other powders for validation.

Haven't had an opportunity to chrony the loads. I'm assuming somewhere between 2300-2500 region.

Target @ 100m ....



 
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Ahsan, you load development is done. Congratulations. 140 SST is extremely accurate in my rifle with groups like yours at around 0.3-0.5 moa in a Tikka T3x.
 
Thanks.

The vertical shot string is still a question mark - may be resolved via a different powder. At least, I now have confirmation that IMR 4350 will commonly serve well for my 6.5 Swede and 3006 rifles.
 
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