loads for 6.5 x 55 144 gr Lapua fmjbt and H4831 or Varget
- Thread starter sdlonyer
- Start date
rnbra-shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Brunswick
No load recommendation, just a comment that Varget is quite a quick powder to be using in this case behind this size of bullet. You'd likely be better off with H4831.
What rifle? Is it an M96-type, and do you wish to respect SAAMI-level pressures (which are quite low)? Or is it a stronger more modern action, in which case you can safely load to full pressure levels?
With the particularly long bearing surface of the bigger 6.5mm bullets, you can see much greater than typical variations compared to most calibres. Take the "reduce loads by 10% and work up" twice as seriously as you ordinarily do. (I can show you a couple of destroyed pieces of 6.5x55 brass, and a cracked M96 bolt that goes with them)
What rifle? Is it an M96-type, and do you wish to respect SAAMI-level pressures (which are quite low)? Or is it a stronger more modern action, in which case you can safely load to full pressure levels?
With the particularly long bearing surface of the bigger 6.5mm bullets, you can see much greater than typical variations compared to most calibres. Take the "reduce loads by 10% and work up" twice as seriously as you ordinarily do. (I can show you a couple of destroyed pieces of 6.5x55 brass, and a cracked M96 bolt that goes with them)
Both 4831's are good in the 6.5x55 with 140gr. bullets. The best choice for the heavier bullets is generally considered to be RL-22, though.
The Hodgdon site lists a number of loads for 142gr. bullets with H4831 and Varget powders. Start at the low end and work up as usual, respecting the strength of your action if it is an M96 or other older design.
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
Mark
