Best Powders for 6.5x55

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siegehammer63

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Calgary, AB
Just wondering what guys are using. I have 2 pounds of IMR 4350 I was going to play with. I also run h1000 for my .300 and Nosler actually lists a load for 6.5x55 with 140s in H1000, so maybe that'll work out!
I'll be running 143 grain Eld-x for now.
Thoughts? It's a heavy barreled Tikka in a manners stock.
 
IMR4350 is what I use in my heavy barrel target rifle with 140 gr Nosler custom competition bullets with excellent results.
For hunting I use IMR4350 with 140 to 160 gr bullets and Varget with the lighter bullets.
I'm sure you will be able to use up that 2 lbs of powder with the 143 gr bullets and be quite satisfied. You will probably hear from other members that they use different powders and there are better options but since you have the powder on hand I'm sure you will find a load that your rifle likes. Bullet seating length can sometimes be a factor in minimizing your groups depending on the length of the chamber. Good luck and have fun.
 
My rifle runs PPU 139gr out of a 22in M38 at 2400fps, 43gr of IMR4831 with the 143gr ELD-X gives me 2550fps, no pressure signs and under 1 MOA. I was going to try to get it faster but under max, no pressure signs and accurate, works for me.

Not sure what gun you are using but military throats can change some numbers, build up your load and you will be good.
 
RL-22 is my choice... 50.0 grains under 129 SST's....

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Currently working up a load with H4831 under Hornady 140gr Match BTHP for the Tikka Varmint and it's looking very good so far.

Given the amount of space remaining in the case after throwing Hornady's published max charge, I am tempted to pursue a higher node.... but I won't hijack this thread with that discussion.
 
In the last 4 years I have put down range approx. 2,500-3,000 Lyman Cast Lead 150 grain RN bullets using 6 different powders. To this point the best accuracy that I have gotten out to 300 yds with gas checked cast lead bullets is with IMR 4227 at 1,700 fps. I managed to get some 2400 just prior to Christmas so during the spring I plan on giving it a try.
 
Slug, feel free to hijack! All reloading info and tips are helpful to me as I'm relatively new to it. I have plenty of experience with bullets hitting meat but learning interior ballistics is fun too.
 
H4831 has produced sub-MOA accuracy in my Sako 75 and Tikka 695 (both 6.5 x 55) with 129 gr and 140 gr Hornady SP bullets for paper punching and deer. No complaints.
 
I'm loading 129 and 140 hornady sst's in a Sako AIII and getting good results with IMR7828ssc and RL-22.
Next on the list to try is RL-26.
 
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