I'm in the process of working up hunting loads for a sporterized M38 and I'm wondering if any of you gentlemen would share your reloading tips for the above calibre. I'm experimenting with 130 gr. Nosler Accubonds, 130 & 140 gr. Sierra Game Kings and different bullet/powder combinations. In your experience, does a faster or slower bullet stabilize better for you at the M38's twist rate (1:8.66)? I was loading mid-range power on most of my trial loads, and I've loaded up some 130 gr. at the upper end of the velocity curve (39 gr. IMR4064 & Accubonds), which according to my research should be just below the standard service cartridge performance. If any of you have had more experience than I in working up loads for the Swedish mausers, I'd appreciate your input. Thanks.
Reloading for the 6.5 X 55 Swedish mauser
- Thread starter LawrenceN
- Start date
Reloader is almost impossible to find in my neck of the woods. I'm basically limited to Hodgdon or IMR powders and not a great selection of those either. Nosler recommends IMR4350 for their 130 gr. Accubond bullets, but my Lyman manual says that IMR4064 is the preferred powder for their 129 gr. test ammo. Lot's of good information out there folks, but I'd like to hear from the guys who actually reload and shoot. I'll test out the Accubonds and 4064 combo tomorrow. It's funny that they don't mention Varget which is very close to 4064 in burn rate.
How many grains are you loading? If you would be so kind, could you share some of your recipes?
I've been shooting Sierra 142gr match bullets in two M1896s and have been getting equally pleasing results with both IMR4064 and IMR4831. Normally I experiment with a variety of powders, but see no need to move away from these. I have a nice M38 on hand which I need to try with the same loads.
07blackwater
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Port Coquitlam, BC
In my 96/38 I've been working up to the velocity of the old 140 grain Swedish 'torped' ammo which was 2591fps so it will match my sights.
45 or 45.5 grains IMR 4831 should about do it. I'm using cci200 primer and hornady 140 interlocks.
Working up from 43 to 44.5 grains the group sizes (with open sights) are virtually the same... tight.
44.5 gives me 2554 fps with a spread of 11.32, 5 shot average.
45 or 45.5 grains IMR 4831 should about do it. I'm using cci200 primer and hornady 140 interlocks.
Working up from 43 to 44.5 grains the group sizes (with open sights) are virtually the same... tight.
44.5 gives me 2554 fps with a spread of 11.32, 5 shot average.
In my 1900 dated M96 (sporterized and scoped unfortunately 
) I found with 140gr FMJ (unknown origin), 140gr Hornady interlock, and 140gr Hornady BTHP Match bullets, 45.0gr of H4831 (or the SC variant) always seemed to shoot very accurately. That load wont give top velocity but for whatever reason it seemed to be a sweet spot for 140gr bullets in my rifle regardless of shape. I don't know if the M96's have the same twist rate as the M38's though.
I also tried some H414 which seemed most accurate at 42.0gr but no matter what I did, it wouldn't shoot the 140gr bullets as well as H4831. It appears to be just too fast of a powder.
) I found with 140gr FMJ (unknown origin), 140gr Hornady interlock, and 140gr Hornady BTHP Match bullets, 45.0gr of H4831 (or the SC variant) always seemed to shoot very accurately. That load wont give top velocity but for whatever reason it seemed to be a sweet spot for 140gr bullets in my rifle regardless of shape. I don't know if the M96's have the same twist rate as the M38's though. I also tried some H414 which seemed most accurate at 42.0gr but no matter what I did, it wouldn't shoot the 140gr bullets as well as H4831. It appears to be just too fast of a powder.
The 6.5x55 is really an excellent cartridge. When loaded to 50 to 55,000 psi it gives up very little to the 270 win and similar rounds. There are a number of new modern rifles chambered in the 6.5x55 that are perfectly safe when loaded to higher pressure. However it is NOT a good idea to push some of the older M94, M96 and M38 actions that were intended for loads in the 45,000 psi range. Even at the lower pressures the 6.5x55 is still a respectable performer. Please pay attention and don't start loading hot loads intended for a new rifle into an older rifle. Its not worth it.
How much pressure an older action can handle is really determined by its condition and treatment over the years. They are made from quality Swedish steel so are much better than many other guns of the same era. That doesn't mean they are indestructible so what rokoro said can be true. The original military loadings were only ~47k psi but the actions can easily handle quite a bit more than this if they are in good condition and don't have significant flaws. Almost every person with a Swede that I've talked to loads them pretty far up there and they seem to shoot best when loaded on the warmer side of most data. Some guys I've talked to load them a little above published max loads and they seem to perform better.
There are manuals that have separate data for modern action and military action rifles (I believe Hornady does, don't know about others) and as far as I've read the main reason for this isn't the older Swedes, but the older Norwegian Krag rifles. The Krag action isn't as strong as the mauser action and, when mistreated over the years (corrosion, cracks, bangs, dents, etc.), can become dangerous with the higher pressure modern loads (~55k psi). American companies are also famous for neutering factory ammo and load data for European cartridges for liability reasons.
I'm not saying rokoro is wrong; but if you read around there is quite a bit of evidence that the Swedes can take the pressure (pun intended) even if the Krag's can't.
There are manuals that have separate data for modern action and military action rifles (I believe Hornady does, don't know about others) and as far as I've read the main reason for this isn't the older Swedes, but the older Norwegian Krag rifles. The Krag action isn't as strong as the mauser action and, when mistreated over the years (corrosion, cracks, bangs, dents, etc.), can become dangerous with the higher pressure modern loads (~55k psi). American companies are also famous for neutering factory ammo and load data for European cartridges for liability reasons.
I'm not saying rokoro is wrong; but if you read around there is quite a bit of evidence that the Swedes can take the pressure (pun intended) even if the Krag's can't.
Another vote for RE22 in the accuracy department but I have recently started playing with H4350 in mine and so far so good.
I have had some very good loads with RE19 and V N560 as well.
Lots of people like H4831 in their 6.5x55's and I have read a few good reports from IMR7828 and N160. I have not used Varget in mine and while you won't get good velocity unless you use very light bullets (e.g.100gr) lots of reloaders report great accuracy with Varget, albeit with lower velocities.
I have had some very good loads with RE19 and V N560 as well.
Lots of people like H4831 in their 6.5x55's and I have read a few good reports from IMR7828 and N160. I have not used Varget in mine and while you won't get good velocity unless you use very light bullets (e.g.100gr) lots of reloaders report great accuracy with Varget, albeit with lower velocities.
I suggest slow powder. 4350 or slower. I use 4831 and RL22. Moose load is a 160gr RN. accurate and powerful.
heavy bullets have long bearing surfaces. pressure can build fast, so start low and test in.05 increments to see what shoots best.
heavy bullets have long bearing surfaces. pressure can build fast, so start low and test in.05 increments to see what shoots best.
samsplacci71
Regular
- Location
- Toronto area
I have used 140 grain bullets for my Swedes. In my experience I have successfully used IMR 4350, H4350, Hybrid 100V, H4895 and Varget. 40 to 42gr of IMR 4350 is my usual range. I am only loading for the m38 and m96. Accuracy is 2 MOA or better with open sights.
After decades and thousands of rounds (4 barrels worth) in M94 actions, its settled to H4350 for 120gr or lighter bullets, R22 for the 140's.
H4831 runs a close 2'nd for the heavies.
H1000 or IMR7828 can work with 140's, if one boosts up the load a bit.
All my Swedes have performed best with good stout loads. Not over the top hot mind you, but not mild either.
There has been some good solid info in the posts above, and no... swede actions are not weak. One should keep in mind while working up ones loads though ...... this action does not handle gas leaks very well.
My LR M96 averages 1/2 moa out to ridiculous distances.
H4831 runs a close 2'nd for the heavies.
H1000 or IMR7828 can work with 140's, if one boosts up the load a bit.
All my Swedes have performed best with good stout loads. Not over the top hot mind you, but not mild either.
There has been some good solid info in the posts above, and no... swede actions are not weak. One should keep in mind while working up ones loads though ...... this action does not handle gas leaks very well.
My LR M96 averages 1/2 moa out to ridiculous distances.
