Looking for load info, 6.5x55 with 140+ gr bullet and H4350

[jonh172]

Im starting a new load for my tikka t3 varmint in 6.5x55 with 147elds.

Id like to hear what powder charge guys are using in modern rifles with 140, 143 or 147gr bullets and H4350 and what velocities are attained.

Thanks in advance!!

(This is for information purposes only, I will not duplicate any loads listed here nor should anyone else! I will be starting low and staying safe)

 

[Ryan.M.Anderson]

I would maybe consider a slower powder.

My load was 48grs H4831-SC (over book max but as you said work up to it) under an 140gr Berger Hybrid in a Lapua case. I was getting mid 2,800 FPS if my memory serves and really nice accuracy.

H4831 is pretty easy to find these days.

 

[jonh172]

I would maybe consider a slower powder.

My load was 48grs H4831-SC (over book max but as you said work up to it) under an 140gr Berger Hybrid in a Lapua case. I was getting mid 2,800 FPS if my memory serves and really nice accuracy.

H4831 is pretty easy to find these days.

Great thanks!

Someone must be using 4350 out there!

 

[mossyhorns]

My 6.5X55's like 4831, RL-19 and 22 the most. I haven't played with H4350 but have had some success with IMR4350.

 

[Dake21]

I've had success with 42.5gr of IMR4350, Lapua scenar 139gr and Lapua Cases.. I did not chrono it but my guess is around 2600 FPS.

 

[jonh172]

My 6.5X55's like 4831, RL-19 and 22 the most. I haven't played with H4350 but have had some success with IMR4350.

Im interested in hearing more about your IMR loads if you don't mind

 

[vmax204]

This is from my shooting logs:

Lakelander 375
22" Heavy barrel
1 - 8 1/2 twist
Norma Brass
Win L/R Primer
IMR 4350
140 gr. Nosler Custom Competition
OAL 3.075

I shot 10 strings of 5 with powder loads starting at 38 gr and worked my way up to 45.5 gr. which is 2.5 gr. over Noslers' max published load. The best load for my rifle was 41 gr. with an average velocity of 2539. This resulted in a 0.62" group. The next best group was 39 gr. for 0.7 and an average velocity of 2477. The max load of 45.5 gr. produced a 1.1" group with an average velocity of 2788 and no signs of pressure. This doesn't mean that these loads will be the same in your rifle so please use caution and start low and work your way up. Your rifle will let you know what it likes. My 140 gr. load is now 41 gr. IMR 4350 and it always gives me excellent, consistent groups.
I have found that OAL is very important with the 6.5x55 so you may find adjusting bullet seating will affect group size as well.
Good luck and have fun.

 

[jonh172]

This is from my shooting logs:

Lakelander 375
22" Heavy barrel
1 - 8 1/2 twist
Norma Brass
Win L/R Primer
IMR 4350
140 gr. Nosler Custom Competition
OAL 3.075

I shot 10 strings of 5 with powder loads starting at 38 gr and worked my way up to 45.5 gr. which is 2.5 gr. over Noslers' max published load. The best load for my rifle was 41 gr. with an average velocity of 2539. This resulted in a 0.62" group. The next best group was 39 gr. for 0.7 and an average velocity of 2477. The max load of 45.5 gr. produced a 1.1" group with an average velocity of 2788 and no signs of pressure. This doesn't mean that these loads will be the same in your rifle so please use caution and start low and work your way up. Your rifle will let you know what it likes. My 140 gr. load is now 41 gr. IMR 4350 and it always gives me excellent, consistent groups.
I have found that OAL is very important with the 6.5x55 so you may find adjusting bullet seating will affect group size as well.
Good luck and have fun.

Thank you for the info and your time!

 

[6.5x55mm]

yeah H4350 isnt the best choice for 147gr. Try slower powders like H4831sc like others have suggested. Will it work yes but 44 grain or more she barks, RL22 MRP MRP2 VIT560 are really good choices as well.

 

[jonh172]

Thanks everyone who supplied me with all the great info!

I did a ladder test for pressure starting at 44.0gr H4350 in 0.5 increments to 48.0gr. COAL is 3.238 giving a 15 thou jump and still a little room in the mag.
Temp was 19°C and pressure signs started at 47.0gr with light cratering on the primer.
I decided on 45.5gr and loaded up 35 rounds for some balloon shooting at 579y.
Balloons popped with ease so we moved on to skeets laid out on the backwall. They were reduced to dust. So, I shot 3 rounds at a target for group and the result is below. (The x is a tear).

1.1" vertical by 2.1" horizontal. 0.36MOA at 579y. That'll do...