Reloading 6.5 by 55 Swedish

[mmattockx]

Anyone knows the total length of 6.5x55. I checked the package insert in the Die, it is 80mm.

However, as I made it to 80mm, I found too much bullet exposed outside, only a very small part has been inserted into the brass.

Is it correct?

My Hornady manual gives a max OAL of 3.150", which is 80.01mm. I can load to that length with Hornady 140gr SST bullets and still have almost full neck engagement. My BSA CF-2 mag only allows me to load to 3.100" and maintain function, however. Unless you are shooting very long 140gr or 160gr RN bullets you can load shorter with no problem.

On a slightly different note, i was testing some new 6.5x55 reloads saturday and learned the strangest thing.

My Winchester brass measures out around 0.471"-0.473" and some Federal blue box brass is 0.473"-0.474". I have seen it stated in several places that most all the north american brass is under the SAAMI specs, while the european brass is right at the full size limit. I have had no extraction or function issues with the small brass between a BSA CF-2, M94 Mauser sporter and an M38 Mauser.

Mark

 

[tigger]

the brass difference is the difference between CIP (euro) and SAMMI (N American) specs. You will find rem and federal are smaller and euro makes are the larger.

Sierra's reloading manual 5th edition states 6.5 max oal is 3.150", but goes as short as 2.8" with 85gr bullets.