I'm just starting to reload for my Swedish M96 mauser. My Lee manual gives a starting load of 35.2 gr of RL-22. This is very low compared to most other data sources. Even the lee classic loader instructions list 40 gr as a start load. Are loads this low practical or even safe? Lee says the data in the manual is supplied by the powder companies. Seems crazy low considering the loads people list online.
Swedish Mauser reloading data
- Thread starter Groverino
- Start date
The Alliant website load data shows 40gr for their load in a military action. Reducing it by 10% for a starting load puts it at 36gr. Not too far off from the Lee numbers.
I'm assuming a 140gr bullet since that is the most common for 6.5mm
I don't use RL-22 for my Swede so I'm not sure what is practical.
For a commercial action the listing is 45gr so a 40.5gr start load. Swede Mauser proof loads where 160% max pressure from my reading. Personally I load to commercial levels in my Swede using Hodgdon powders and it gives much better accuracy than military loads. Everyone I know who reloads for 6.5 Swede actually loads to commercial levels and they all use M96's like me (no M38's).
I'm assuming a 140gr bullet since that is the most common for 6.5mm
I don't use RL-22 for my Swede so I'm not sure what is practical.
For a commercial action the listing is 45gr so a 40.5gr start load. Swede Mauser proof loads where 160% max pressure from my reading. Personally I load to commercial levels in my Swede using Hodgdon powders and it gives much better accuracy than military loads. Everyone I know who reloads for 6.5 Swede actually loads to commercial levels and they all use M96's like me (no M38's).
Rory McCanuck
CGN Regular
- Location
- Middle of Manitoba
My Lyman 48th starts at 41.5 to 46.0 of RX22.
Thats for a 160gr RN.
So, yeah that does seem low, but shouldn't hurt anything.
Alliant lists a max of 40.0gr with a 140gr.
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reload...&weight=140&shellid=58&bulletid=116&bdid=1082
I think I would stick to the lower level loads to start, anyways. Not much point in blowing up a 100 year old rifle by trying to turn it into a magnum.
Thats for a 160gr RN.
So, yeah that does seem low, but shouldn't hurt anything.
Alliant lists a max of 40.0gr with a 140gr.
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reload...&weight=140&shellid=58&bulletid=116&bdid=1082
I think I would stick to the lower level loads to start, anyways. Not much point in blowing up a 100 year old rifle by trying to turn it into a magnum.
- Location
- Golden Lake
Which Lee Manual are you referring to and what weight of bullet?
My Lee Second Edition lists a starting load of 43.9 grs of Reloder 22 with a 140 gr bullet with a MAX of 48.1 grs at 44400 CUP.
with a 160 gr bullet: 43.2 starter and 47 MAX at 44000 CUP.
Any of those loads should be safe in your M96 as long as it is in top shape.
My Lee Second Edition lists a starting load of 43.9 grs of Reloder 22 with a 140 gr bullet with a MAX of 48.1 grs at 44400 CUP.
with a 160 gr bullet: 43.2 starter and 47 MAX at 44000 CUP.
Any of those loads should be safe in your M96 as long as it is in top shape.
Not trying to go magnum at all. I love this rifle and don't want to blow it up. It's a 139 gr bullet so i went with the 140 gr data as there was no 139 gr data for my powders. I'm pretty new to this so i'm a little on the paranoid side. It's the Lee Modern Reloading 2nd edition. Thanks for the replies.
Any suggested loads?
- Location
- Invermere, BC
If you do a 6.5 search you will find some good older threads on here with a lot of load data.
northern ranger
Member
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
I've settled on Varget in both my as issued M96 (29.5" barrel), and my sporterized M96 (21" barrel) deer rifle.
In the 140 gr SST it is excellent for accuracy, regardless of weather, and with a 95 gr V-Max, an absolute Tack Driver!
In the 140 gr SST it is excellent for accuracy, regardless of weather, and with a 95 gr V-Max, an absolute Tack Driver!
It's pretty difficult to "go magnum" with a 6.5x55 
A lot of loads out there are low on purpose so that people don't blow up their old Krag rifles. The m96 is a tough little rifle that has been chambered in cartridges like the .308 win, which produces average pressures well in excess of MAX loads in the 6.5x55. You'll be fine. The book is more of a guideline.
I first tried BL-C(2) because I noticed better than average speeds with comparable powders and lower than average pressure that when using the old standbys like 4895 and 3031 in the .308 and .303 British. for 6.5 It's only listed in manuals and websites for the really light bullets, but I worked up a load in mine that works but according to the book, is too much. Start where you feel comfortable, I usually pick somewhere the midpoint of the min/max range, and work up in half grain increments until I see some sort of pressure sign, usually in the form of cratering or flattening primers, then back off the the last accuracy node before i saw pressure signs. With the 6.5x55, i had a bit of an anomaly in that i hit an accuracy node at 42-42.5 gr of powder, and while quickload was telling me my load was in the red, and i was loading a load for a 107gr bullet while using a 129, and still had encountered no signs of high pressure. I got uncomfortable going any higher. You can use your self preservation t guide you as well
A lot of loads out there are low on purpose so that people don't blow up their old Krag rifles. The m96 is a tough little rifle that has been chambered in cartridges like the .308 win, which produces average pressures well in excess of MAX loads in the 6.5x55. You'll be fine. The book is more of a guideline.I first tried BL-C(2) because I noticed better than average speeds with comparable powders and lower than average pressure that when using the old standbys like 4895 and 3031 in the .308 and .303 British. for 6.5 It's only listed in manuals and websites for the really light bullets, but I worked up a load in mine that works but according to the book, is too much. Start where you feel comfortable, I usually pick somewhere the midpoint of the min/max range, and work up in half grain increments until I see some sort of pressure sign, usually in the form of cratering or flattening primers, then back off the the last accuracy node before i saw pressure signs. With the 6.5x55, i had a bit of an anomaly in that i hit an accuracy node at 42-42.5 gr of powder, and while quickload was telling me my load was in the red, and i was loading a load for a 107gr bullet while using a 129, and still had encountered no signs of high pressure. I got uncomfortable going any higher. You can use your self preservation t guide you as well
Not knowing how my M96 would shoot (new to me) I did a safe load. 34.5 grains of IMR4895, Winchester large rifle primer,Winchester case, and a 140 grain Hornady Interlock, COL was 3.03 ". I was very please with nice tight groups at 100 and 200 yards. Haven't had time to work up a hotter load yet , but a great starter point.
dgradinaru
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- British Columbia
I use, 44gr of 4350 @ approx 2650 ftps. I really dislike when the data books under load certain calibers, like 7x57, and 8X57.
