Vihtavuori Powder and the 6.5x55 Swede

Slug870

Slug870

CGN frequent flyer
Super GunNutz
Rating - 100%
169   0   0
Location
ON
I am looking for some advice on which Vihtavuori powder to try with the 6.5x55 swede. When I look at the Lapua site, it is listing four powders for the 140gr bullet range (N150, N160, N550, N560). As I have not used any of these powders before, I am unsure of which to choose. I could simply buy and try them all, but I am hoping to save a bit of time and money, so I figured I'd throw the question out on here.

Any CGN reloaders have experience with the Vihtavuori powders and the 6.5x55 swede?
 
I have used N560. I have only tried a few loads and the best one is 48grs under a Hornday 129gr SP. Lots of people seem to really like 560 and 160 in the Swede.
 
N160 has been great in my 260 with 139's, definitely a great powder for the heavier 6.5mm bullets.
 
I recently did some testing of a M1896 Swede in issue configuration using 142gr Sierra match bullets with both IMR 4064 and IMR 4831 and got excellent results. In keeping with the Scandinavian flavour I was planning to use some N160 that I've had on hand for some time. Unfortunately it turned out to have deteriorated and had to be discarded.

N160 is in the same ball park as the 4350 powders, so should do well. I have a buddy who has done a lot of reloading for the 6.5x55 and swears by IMR 4064. I thought I'd give it a try on his recommendation and was happy I did. 4064 is pretty much a universal powder in a swack of MILSURP ctgs, incl the 6.5x55, 7x57,.308,.30-06, 7.62x54,.303 and 8x57. Others will do well too, but if a person wanted to rationalize his powder stash IMR 4064 would be the way to go.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom