PPU Components

Sleeper

Sleeper

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Location
Camrose , Alberta
There was a necro thread recently resurrected regarding the 6.5X55 loads for modern rifles.
As I recently acquired a Sako from intersurplus in this chambering I thought I would post my reloading and shooting results.
Of course keep in mind these loads are not appropriate for older Krags, rolling blocks, 3D printed guns etc.

One thing I experienced was a marked difference with a new lot of powder as my velocity dropped even though my charge increased. Its well worth noting as it could have gone the other way finding your old pet load is now over pressure.

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One recent frustration of mine is that I have a big permanent floaty in my right eye blocking my vision. If I take a second and look up, down left right a few times before shooting I can move it for long enough to make my shot. I would like to believe that a couple of the groups could have been a bit better. Maybe not though.


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I had no signs of excessive pressure, primers all looked good. Bolt lift was fine.
What really impressed me was the PPU brass and bullets I used as I had not tried them before.
 
OP, I don't know how you purchase your powder, one pound at a time or in bulk 8pound jugs.

If you want to save money and time, when you've used up half your powder, purchase another lot and mix it with what you have on hand.

This will ensure a continuous supply of extremely consistent powder, without having to worry about "lot#" changes.

Yes, this is a safe practice, as long as you aren't mixing different types or manufacturers of similar powders.

Very decent work up loads for your new rifle by the way.
 
Thats not a bad idea
I really enjoy the process of working up loads so I don't mind going back to the drawing board and starting over, or even checking out a different powder altogether.
 
I hate working up a load, unless it's easy. I like to get to the main event. Trying out some 6.5x55 loads tomorrow in my M38 Swede with PPU 139gr bullets and Vihtavuori N150 powder. If it's any good I'll post results.
 
I like the brass, use it in several cartridges.
Bullets are hit and miss, some shoot really well like the 7.62x39 SP, and the 308 168gr BTHP, others have been not so great that I tried, some 6.5 and 7mm.
 
I am pretty content with how my 50.2 grain load turned out CT, I'm not sure how worthwhile adding more would be as that fills to the bottom of the neck and I would be starting to compress loads.
I know people do it all the time and I'm sure someone out there has put together a test regarding compressed load efficiency. I just always thought if there wasn't room get a faster powder.
If anyone knows of a test regarding compressed loads i would be interested in checking it out.
 
My 36gr Viht N150 load gave me 2450fps avg velocity in my Swedish M38 carbine. 100yd groups were 1.5" at 100yds. not bad, but shooting better condition old rifles and modern rifles has me wanting a bit better. I am going to push the velocity up a bit. the PPU bullets are not hat consistent in weight so thewre is a limit to whaty accuracy I can expect, they are cheap though.The m38is scoped with a BadAce mout. tried load in my CG63 and got 2" groups . This ito some etent reflects my lack of skill with Diopter sights ;)!
A really fun calibre, it recoils like a 22LR.
 
Right on. That is pretty decent for open sights.
It may be worth your time to sort the bullets into groups by weight.
I didn't bother for mine as hunting accuracy is fine with me.
 
If you are looking for and expecting better accuracy, lose the PPU bullets as it is pretty much common knowledge amongst reloaders that these bullets are not known to produce the best accuracy. Get some Sierras, Hornadys or Noslers.
 
That’s a fine looking Sako rifle and with all due respect to the rifle and calibre I know it’s capable of far better groups. It deserves better brass, Lapua and a premium bullet. Shot 140g Hornadys over IMR4064 out of Sako,Tikka, Swedish Mausers….all into a mouse’s ear!! Whatever PPU brass I had was so disappointing that I threw it out. The PPU brass that hits the dirt around here doesn’t get picked up by my guests. I use a layer of empty brass to suppress grass and weed growth around my deck. lol
 
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