Load choice for NP 125 in 6.5x55

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mimile

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Good morning all.

I have been developing a load for NP 125 grain in my Tikka 6.5x55, 22,4 in barrel using VihN560 and WLR primer.

Here are the results I got:

49 grains, MV: 2700 fps, group: 0.3 moa
50 grains, MV: 2750 fps, group: 0.75 moa
50.5 grains, MV: 2810 fps, group 1 moa
51 grains, MV 2880 fps, group 2.8 moa.

No pressure signs with any of these load, checked with micrometer.

So my best group is with the lowest velocity. I would definitely not use 51 grains. My 'problem' is that I am able to get MV of 2740-2800 with 140 grains and 0.5 moa. Normally with lighter bullets one should expect higher velocity but in this case the accuracy is not there.

What would you suggest? Thanks.
 
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VV N560 is pretty slow burning for the 6.5x55 with 125 grain bullets.
I have had much better success with powders in the 4350 area.
AAMOF, my pet load in my 6.5x55 with the 150 Partition is 50 grains
of W760, I get superb groups and velocities. Dave.
 
I would suggest to try a different powder. After reading about 6.5 Creedmoor load development, many have received superb results utilizing Alliant Reloder #26. This powder is very temperature stable and has preformed exceptionally well with increased velocity and accuracy. Your choice of bullet is most sound, something that I would use in the 6.5x55 for hunting deer or antelope.
 
Years ago I used IMR 4831 and then switched to H4831sc then Reloader 22, with various 140 grain bullets. For the 125 NP, I have had better velocity and accuracy with H4350. I think the 125 grain NP is a wonderful bullet but the 140 grain loads are what makes the Swede perfect for me and I don't even push them very hard but they shoot great, have a decent trajectory for the ranges I shoot at game, they always exit, and they are easy on the shoulder. Sort of like 1 oz of #6 shot in a 16 guage. If you need more power or range, you need a lot more gun.
 
I have a friend he and his wife own a rural property just west of Cold Lake small community of Riverhurst.

It seems about every decade he has to shoot a problem black bear. A month ago he plopped a big one. It's paw as big as my head.
I suspected he used his father's 300 Win Mag
But he only needed one chest shot 6.5 Swede and 125 grain NP. DRT is what I was told.
 
John Barsness (Mule Deer on several forums) has posted some good loads with H4350 that can serve as reference loads. A significant factor in the Swede is throat length as many rifles have a very long throat. I have one custom Swede put together by Corlanes years ago using a Husky/FN '98 action and a custom barrel. Its throat is still sufficient for 140s but is much shorter than some military or even older factory rifles. The tighter chamber and shorter throat have an effect on pressure and velocity so measure what you have and work up. I'm well past the more is better phase and think that a great bullet, such as a partition, in the Swede starting between 2700 and 2900 fps is darn near perfect unless what you are after may decide to come after you. :)

Let us know what your results are.
 
QueensHorseman said:
John Barsness (Mule Deer on several forums) has posted some good loads with H4350 that can serve as reference loads. A significant factor in the Swede is throat length as many rifles have a very long throat. I have one custom Swede put together by Corlanes years ago using a Husky/FN '98 action and a custom barrel. Its throat is still sufficient for 140s but is much shorter than some military or even older factory rifles. The tighter chamber and shorter throat have an effect on pressure and velocity so measure what you have and work up. I'm well past the more is better phase and think that a great bullet, such as a partition, in the Swede starting between 2700 and 2900 fps is darn near perfect unless what you are after may decide to come after you. :)

Let us know what your results are.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I will. I might also try Staball 6.5.
 
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