loads for the swedish mauser using imr 4350 and imr4831
- Thread starter BMcK
- Start date
True, but for the 140 and heavier bullets, I have always found IMR or H 4831 to be better
Even better yet, RL22, IMR 7828 and Norma MRP.
Regards, Dave.
samsplacci71
Regular
- Location
- Toronto area
IMR 4350, 42 grains. Using 140 Hornady SP. That's the sweet spot for my Swedes! There are very few powders that don't work for this cartridge.
- Location
- Ottawa origanally Muskoka
140 gr. Spr sp imr imr4350 .264" 3.030"OAL 41.0-2486fps 39,300cup 45.0gr-2677fps 46,000cup
140 gr. Spr sp imr imr4831 .264" 3.030"OAL 43.0gr-2507fps 39,100cup 46.3gr-2700fps 45,400cup
FYI 129gr Hornady SST's are a better game getter bullet. They offer higher BC's and a longer MPBD with optimal performance on deer sized game throughout the cartridges effective range.
140 soft points tend to blow through game at close range and the core and jacket tend to seporate, the longer range shots also tend to not mushroom at reduced velocities.
They are cheaper and make decent target rounds
140 gr. Spr sp imr imr4831 .264" 3.030"OAL 43.0gr-2507fps 39,100cup 46.3gr-2700fps 45,400cup
FYI 129gr Hornady SST's are a better game getter bullet. They offer higher BC's and a longer MPBD with optimal performance on deer sized game throughout the cartridges effective range.
140 soft points tend to blow through game at close range and the core and jacket tend to seporate, the longer range shots also tend to not mushroom at reduced velocities.
They are cheaper and make decent target rounds
Last edited:
Not trying to wave a finger, just too many people ask for loads and IMO never question if they are safe by checking other sources.
My Hornady book shows the following for 140gr.
Min 38.6gr 0f 4831 2300fps
MAX 44.0gr of 4831 2600fps
To me it seems Hornady is always cautious on what they print so usually very safe.
However Lyman is completely different 49th Edition for 140gr jacketed HPBT.
Min. 41.5gr using 4831SC 2258fps
MAX 46.0gr using 4831SC 2508 fps
Since both are using the same type bullet I reload 44gr of 4831SC and show no signs of pressure problems. According to Lyman I am OK, Hornady top of the range. Bearing surface of the bullet is a factor too many ignore.
Don't go by what I say, as who knows what your gun can accept.
Last edited:
Huh, so my load for best accuracy from my Swede is 1.0gr over Hornady's listed max. I've heard of some old guys loading them up to 47.0gr and shooting cloverleafs at 100yds as well. Then again I've also had to go below starting values by a grain or two with some cartridges to get optimum accuracy.
Shoot and adjust; only way to tell.
Shoot and adjust; only way to tell.
I agree about trial and error, just find it confusing when two or more books list the virtual identical bullets and have fairly large differences in what min and max are. I know that company lawyers must get involved especially when you think about litigation in the US.
Bearing surface is a big deal, and too often not taken into consideration when reloading.
I have also loaded some with 43gr of 4831SC using 140's and didn't notice any real difference in accuracy.
There is a bit more to it than that. The loads in most loading manuals use M96 actions for test beds.
With the newer actions, some higher density loads are acceptable.
Many years ago, International Firearms offered a great deal on 6.5x55 components. Included in that deal were cases with corrosive primers, loaded with a fast flake powder, under wooden bullets. The deal was, they supplied enough Bofors #44 powder (imr3031) and a mix of bullets, including 97 grain hollow points, 140 grain FBSP hunting bullets, 160 grain cupro nickel round nose that had a crimp mark about 3/8 in from the bottom.
I will only list the recommended loads for 140 grain bullets with the surplus powder. 34-37 grains of #44, which is exactly the same load for 3031 in the Lyman 45 manual. 4831 for the 6.5x55 wasn't listed in the Lyman manual but the Hornady manual listed it from 40-47 grains with very similar velocities. Both companies used the model 94 Swedish carbines with 18 in barrels to measure velocities. Unimpressive to say the least.
The latest Lyman manual still uses the M94 with 18 in bbl and even the latest Hornady manual still uses the 96 action, albeit with a 29in bbl.
I won't start up on the strengths of these actions as we already know they are some of the best out there.
The thing about pressure pertaining to bearing surface, is relevant but only to a slight degree. The big thing is more likely the 7.5 to 1 twist rate in those old barrels.
The loads in those rifles were considered safe at around 45,000 CUP.
In a modern rifle, like a Tikka T3, Sako, Remington 700 or Winchester Model 70 etc, those loads would be considered to be starting loads.
This is IMHO of course.
Maybe Ganderite, with his in depth knowledge could chime in here.
