best way to increase velocity on 6.5x55

fat but funky

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Hi Guys,

I just chrono'd some of my 6.5x55 loads and was a little disappointed at the velocity

Load:

140 SGK
47.0gn H4831
win LR primer
win brass
temp -3C
COAL ~ 3.070"

rifle is Tikka T3 - so nice strong modern action.

Only getting 2580-2600 at the muzzle. Was hoping for closer to 2750 or thereabouts. From what I have read, that seems like a reasonable goal. current load groups about 1 moa - better if I am having a good day.

I'd like to get the velocity up about 100 fps or so.

Should I:

1.) start increasing my existing load (which is already at or above max by my manuals)

or

2.) try another powder - have H4350 and Re22 on hand - I know lots of guys like Re 22 but I'm a little leary of using it in a hunting load - I've heard is quite temp sensitive

or

3.) Try a magnum primer - my search here tells me this is unlikely to get me any increased velocity, and might increase group size, but would it reduce temperature sensitivity in Re22?

Part of the reason I want to increase velocity is I want to give the 140gn Hornady SST's a second try. At first they didn't group very well for me, but now I wonder if I just wasn't pushing that long bullet fast enough

Thanks in advance

Fat

Fat
 
Quickload (with the data you provided) is showing that you should be around 2720 FPS with a 26" barrel. (Not sure what your barrel length is)
Load shows 100% Fill rate and 48,829 PSI

I used the following bullet for both calculations .264, 140, Sierra SPBT 1730

H4350 @ 44gr (with a 26" Barrel) should put you up around 2810 FPS @ 52,847 PSI (91.5% Fill rate)
 
23" Barrel shows 2630 FP.....S so right in the ballpark of what you are getting for real world numbers.

44.5 of H4350 should put you around 2760ish
 
I loaded for the past hunting season for my CZ in 6.5x55 as follows:

Winchester brass
CCI large rifle primers
IMR 4350 - 41.5 gr
Nosler Partition 140 gr

I did not want to push it to the maximum and achieved an average (3 shots) of 2540 fps.

I quite imagine that with the prescribed maximum of 45 gr. I would have achieved 2700 or very close to it and I believe mine is a 24" barrel
 
i had a rem 700 classic in 6.5 sweed, and the best load velocity, and acuraccy i worked out, was 45 gr IMR 4350, SMK 140 . thats to hot for the M96 rifle, but for the 700 it worked great
 
That caliber is notorious for building pressure before velocity, so watch carefuly for pressure. 6.5 is one of those calibers where a long barrel really helps if you want velocity. those long bullets are best with slow powders.

try 2 scoops of RL 22 or H1000.
 
If you are sub MOA accuracy, live with the velocity... 100 fps never was the difference between life and death..
 
Take note that once you start shooting in milder weather you will likely get more velocity even with h4831. That is why I prefer to work up when its warmer so That I know what the true max for my rifle is....year round. And yeah the T3 can probably stand to take a little more...if you're going to keep working up just do it very slowly and look out for signs as usual. Personally I use RL-22 and 2700 + out of a 22" pipe.
 
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