Hornady 6.5 Carcano bullets
- Thread starter tiriaq
- Start date
Of the powders recommended in the Sierra manual for 160gr bullets, I have IMR4895, Varget and 4064 on hand, so will use one of those. Charges with all three run from about 25gr. to 29gr. My previous 6.5 loading experience is limited to 6.5x55 and 6.5x54. The MC should be pretty similar to the MS.
PerversPépère
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Shawinigan (Quebec)
Hornady makes a proper .268" diameter bullet for the Carcano. It took them some time to arrive at the correct jacket thickness needed.
Some of the early Carcanos have progressive rifling, which is very hard on jacket material.
PP.
Some of the early Carcanos have progressive rifling, which is very hard on jacket material.
PP.
Be careful -
Hornady is quite specific about load recommendations for their .268" bullet. Using standard primers or slow-burning powders has caused problems when the fat bullet gets out of the case too soon then sticks in the long throat. Here's a fairly old data-sheet from Hornady, but it's a good idea to contact them directly for the latest recommendations.
Hornady is quite specific about load recommendations for their .268" bullet. Using standard primers or slow-burning powders has caused problems when the fat bullet gets out of the case too soon then sticks in the long throat. Here's a fairly old data-sheet from Hornady, but it's a good idea to contact them directly for the latest recommendations.
Parashooter's post with a similar idea beat me by minutes. We need to see more from you! I owe a lot to you for the success I have achieved with my Swiss Vetterlis.
I have the exact same hand-drawn table (by Dave Emery), that specifies magnum primers and specific powders. I have thoughts on his conclusions, but can't be bothered to mention them and weather the contrary opinions. Needless to say, the loads "work".
As for cast bullets for the Carcano, it's a bit of a wasteland out there. There are a few molds for 6.5mm (0.264"), my favourite being the Lee special order 170gr offered by Midsouth Reloading Supplies (and presently on backorder), but there is nothing in 0.268". I typically go 0.002"-0.003" over groove diameter, so a 0.270" would be nice. Sadly there are exceedingly few 270 (0.277") molds out there and the few 7mm (0.284") are too big to size down to 0.270". NEI sells a 270 mold that I might someday buy, and then pay Lee for a 0.270" sizer, but I will need to be shooting my Carcanos a whole lot more before that investment will make sense.
In the meantime, use the heaviest (longest) cast or jacketed 6.5mm bullet you can find, and if cast, use it unsized as dropped from the mold (often 0.266") with lots of lube.
I have the exact same hand-drawn table (by Dave Emery), that specifies magnum primers and specific powders. I have thoughts on his conclusions, but can't be bothered to mention them and weather the contrary opinions. Needless to say, the loads "work".
As for cast bullets for the Carcano, it's a bit of a wasteland out there. There are a few molds for 6.5mm (0.264"), my favourite being the Lee special order 170gr offered by Midsouth Reloading Supplies (and presently on backorder), but there is nothing in 0.268". I typically go 0.002"-0.003" over groove diameter, so a 0.270" would be nice. Sadly there are exceedingly few 270 (0.277") molds out there and the few 7mm (0.284") are too big to size down to 0.270". NEI sells a 270 mold that I might someday buy, and then pay Lee for a 0.270" sizer, but I will need to be shooting my Carcanos a whole lot more before that investment will make sense.
In the meantime, use the heaviest (longest) cast or jacketed 6.5mm bullet you can find, and if cast, use it unsized as dropped from the mold (often 0.266") with lots of lube.
Andy said:
+1 ........
One really smart guy, who knows how to post helpful stuff with great content and leave his ego at the door.....
He's graciously allowing us to re-print some his articles in our MKB.....
Regards,
Badger
Cast bullet for 6.5 Carcano
If you can find Lyman 266469 (one of the Loverin designs), it's worth a try in the Carcano. Seems to still be in the catalog.
Typical 100-yard group - sized .266", linotype, 17.5grains 4759. Nothing special, but good enough for informal shooting in my 91/41.
Triangle is point of aim (6:00 hold). Elongated holes indicate marginal stability.
If you can find Lyman 266469 (one of the Loverin designs), it's worth a try in the Carcano. Seems to still be in the catalog.
Typical 100-yard group - sized .266", linotype, 17.5grains 4759. Nothing special, but good enough for informal shooting in my 91/41.
Triangle is point of aim (6:00 hold). Elongated holes indicate marginal stability.
