Reloading for the 6.5 X 55 Swedish mauser

Kimber used to make "custom" 96 actions in .308 win / 22-250 and such but not anymore as they give no warning when they came apart.Harold
 
Thanks to all of you for sharing your recipes. I'm off to the range today and I'll let you guys know what load performed how. I don't know what you guys consider "acceptable" accuracy. I admit that I was spoiled by my Ruger heavy barrel M77 in .308. That thing shoots better than I do, and I've put 4 rnds. into a dime sized hole at 100 yds. with my pet loads. That rifle put a lot of venison on the table for me, but it's time to look at something lighter. I'd be happy with 1" - 1-1/4" groups out of my Swede.
 
LawrenceN said:
Thanks to all of you for sharing your recipes. I'm off to the range today and I'll let you guys know what load performed how. I don't know what you guys consider "acceptable" accuracy. I admit that I was spoiled by my Ruger heavy barrel M77 in .308. That thing shoots better than I do, and I've put 4 rnds. into a dime sized hole at 100 yds. with my pet loads. That rifle put a lot of venison on the table for me, but it's time to look at something lighter. I'd be happy with 1" - 1-1/4" groups out of my Swede.
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If you do your part the Swede is capable of that. Keeping in mind the condition of the bore and muzzle crown. This little fact is overlooked by many, especially if when military surplus rifles are purchased. The Swede is also a a forgiving cartridge, if you look up loads online, there's no end to the combination. If you plan on using Sierra game kings you'll be golden.
 
140 gr: IMR/H 4350, 4831; R22, etc. IMR4831 has worked well for me with 140 gr bullets.

120 gr: 4350, IMR4064.

6.5x55 Swedish mauser reloading data tends to be a bit anaemic and this is one of the cartridges that can be safely loaded to higher levels than published reloading data would suggest.... IF you are using a M98 or modern action. If you are using a M96 or M38 mauser or similar action then you should stick with the published data as max.
 
It's great to see the high level of interest in this old military ctg which has been around for the past 120 yrs or so. Ditto for some other accurate and reliable old timers like the 7x57, 8x57 and the .30-06 which have stood the test of time amidst the clang and clamour of the latest magnum offerings.

I remember hunting deer in AB with a couple of friends who were shooting the then wildcat 7mm STW. They had loads made up with 80gr of powder and a 140gr Nosler BT for a MV of 3300 fps or so. I was shooting the same bullet in a 7x57 using 48-50gr for a more sedate MV of 2800 fps. My deer seemed to fall over about the same as theirs, and with a lot less ruined meat.
 
This is my altime favourite calibre and I have always been well served with imr4350, reloader 19 and 20 and both of the 4831's. I'm also a huge fan of the 130g Accubond and this was cemented for me last fall when I got complete penetration on a huge mature cow Elk at over 300 yards.
 
LawrenceN said:
Thanks to all of you for sharing your recipes. I'm off to the range today and I'll let you guys know what load performed how. I don't know what you guys consider "acceptable" accuracy. I admit that I was spoiled by my Ruger heavy barrel M77 in .308. That thing shoots better than I do, and I've put 4 rnds. into a dime sized hole at 100 yds. with my pet loads. That rifle put a lot of venison on the table for me, but it's time to look at something lighter. I'd be happy with 1" - 1-1/4" groups out of my Swede.
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If this is a hunting load then your expectations of 1 to 1-1/4 are not unreasonable. Don't discount 1.5 MOA either. Read the hunting magazines from the past and this was the "standard". Better optics and components have upped our standards but 1.5 MOA is plenty good enough in a hunting rifle. Enjoy your swede. I sure do, so much so that I have three.
 
Ganderite said:
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.
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Everything he said. IMHO it is very hard to beat IMR 4831 when considering both accuracy and velocity.
 
I have a Voere in this caliber, and my son has the M38. We both shoot 44gr of IMR4350 and 140 Partitions or SST with CCI200 primers and Norma brass. I am getting 2700fps out of my Voere 24" bbl. I am trying some hotter loads this week for my rifle and will keep you posted. Look for a thread from about a year ago...there was a good multi page discussion of "hot loads" for the 6.5X55.

Cheers
 
You don't want to use hot loads in the mauser 96/38 action as it is not as safe/gas venting or strong/extra bolt lug as the 98 or modern rifles.I think Hornady's data was developed in a Swedish mauser so would be safe......Harold
 
Directed here from another thread.

I'll just add my pet load for 6.5x55. Vihtavuori N160 44.0 grains with Lapua Mega 155's. In the 2500-2525 fps range, accurate through my Tikka T3 lite.
I have a bottle of H4831 as it was recommended to me a while ago, but the VV N160 works great so I haven't developed a load. VV N165 and N560 are also great powders for this caliber.
 
LawrenceN said:
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.
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I'm loathe to shoot or use my 6.5 Tikka right now, because of the powder shortage. My rifle likes RL22 and 139gr Bergers. That was the most accurate combination I came up with after trying several different powders and bullets. I stopped there, but I may have to revisit and come up with an alternate combination. I'd be interested to read about your tests with 4064 as I have a couple of pounds on hand.
 
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