[Richard.Howe]

So...I got my first Swede -- thanks in part to Wildalaska. :) I've shot the heck out of it, and enjoy the cartridge immensely.

I'm tempted to buy an older model 70 chambered in 6.5x55 for light hunting chores, and potential varmit eradication...but...the manuals' loadings for this chambering seem just a little pokey.

Are they intentionally downloading because there are so many 100-year-old M96/38/etc.'s floating around out there with weaker actions (45,000 psi) than modern rifles?

Short question: are advertised 6.5x55 loads stunted by fears of blowing up Mausers? Do you / have you loaded this round to 260 Rem levels (Lee shows 260 up to 61,000 psi) in modern arms? Above?

Thanks,
Rich

[Ol` Joe]

Speer claims their loads are at 50000 CUP and the SAAMI Std is 46000 CUP (51000 psi). I don`t know what psi the 50K CUP works out to but it`s close to your desired range. Nosler states their loads are for MODERN rifles and to watch pressures in old M96, Krag, ect rifles. I`ve loaded mine to very close to the same velocity of my 260 Rem with out noteing any problems and useing data from the two books above. I think there quite close in pressure but can`t say for certain.
The loss of 100 fps of std 6.5x55 load won`t show in the field anyway. I doubt you or any game shot with a 140 gr SP will know if it left your barrel at 2600 fps or 2700 fps.

[mtnbkr]

I doubt you or any game shot with a 140 gr SP will know if it left your barrel at 2600 fps or 2700 fps.

I shot a 100lb doe this season with a 140gr Gameking at somwhere between 2400 and 2500fps MV (never got around to chronographing this load). I busted a rib going in, a rib going out and the offside leg. She went 10yds and piled up. The exit wound was about 2" in diameter. I never found the bullet.

When I started loading for this caliber, I thought I should push it to the limits of the gun. I've since learned it isn't necessary. Even at a sedate 2400fps, it'll shoot flat enough to take game out as far as I'm able to shoot. It certainly had the desired effect on the deer.

FWIW, I've driven the 140gr Gameking to nearly 2700fps without any problems. I'm sure 2800 is possible.

Chris

[MLC]

I've loaded my 6.5x55 to the 2900fps mark with 120's and 2800 fps with the 140's.
I wouldn't recommend starting with this pressure leve but in my CZ I had no ill effects.
I currently shoot deer with 140's at 2500 or so without any noted complaints.

[Mike Kerr]

I believe if you check the Accurate Reloading Forum pages and the 24 Hour Campfire forum you can find several threads regarding stronger loads in the 6.5x55. IIRC there were a number of industry sources or at least very knowledgeable individual sources that posted about loads above manual sources.

I just started shooting the 6.5x55 again this year after a three year stint where I was without one. My current 6.5x55 is a large ring mauser with an Adams & Benett (yuk huh ?) 22'' barrel. It was a project my dad was working on before he passed in 2003. I finished it up and I must say it shoots pretty darn good. I may work up some hot loads but I think many people here are correct when they say you don't have to do so for success.

Nosler"s 5th edition shows two 120 gr loads at 3000 FPS +_ and some 140 gr loads circa 2775 FPS. Nosler's loadings are for modern rifles in good condition. Their 6.5x55 loads seem pretty comparable to the 260 Remington loads with equal bullet weights but I have not checked this in full detail.

Regards,


:) :) :)

[Wildalaska]

My position on a Swedish Military surplus firearm is simple...my load WILL duplicate the military load...no ifs no ands no buts...keep in mind the Swede were proof tested at 90,000 psi.....they can take a hot load...however, these rifles are collector items and will only INCREASE in value....

I chronied swede military stuff out of my M41B (29 inch barrel ) at an avertage of 2577...I am close to that with 44 grains of RL22 in Lapau case trimmed to 2.150 +/- with a Fed 210M pimer, 140 gr MK loaded to OAL 3.1...this shoots just about 1/2 inch at 100 5 shots if I do my part....

I neck size these bases on my M41B...but fer S&G, I shot three of them in my M38, they all chambe abd gave me about 2.5 inches with open sights (and not trying very hard I may add)..

For hot loads I am gonna build a swede on a Husqvarna commercial 30-06 action that will let me set the bullets out a bit further...I bet I can get 2800 fps...

Cajun that Swede lookin good, huh? 29 incher? Try that load I use, work up from say 39 grains....

WildbikiniteamAlaska

[mete]

For many years the Norma loading was 139 @ 2788, later they changed it [ with a new powder] to 2850. That was at 48,000psi max. Then SAAMI dropped the pressers due to the old 100 guns including the Krag which has only one locking lug. A modern rifle should be able to get those Norma loads without problem.

[Ol` Joe]

" For many years the Norma loading was 139 @ 2788, later they changed it [ with a new powder] to 2850. That was at 48,000psi max. Then SAAMI dropped the pressers "

Mete,
The CIP (european SAAMI) pressure for the swede is 55100 psi vs. The pressure is also measured at a point in front of the chamber (bullet`s moveing, expansion chamber is growing) in place of SAAMI who measures from the middle of the chamber. SAAMI lists the max pressure at 46,000CUP which in the Swede works out to 51,000 psi Piezo (sp?) I don`t know how much difference it makes but, I believe Norma is loading the 6.5x55 to about as hot a load as you want to shoot. Remember Sweden has liability laws too.

The Swede made its mark shooting heavy high SD bullets at moderate velocity that rely on deep penetration to kill. if you check the 6.5 mm 140 Nosler Partion @ 2700 fps with a 200 yd zero drops 8.3" @300 yds. The 140 7mm partion at 3000fps drops 6.75" - about a 1.5" difference. I doubt I can hold that close in the field.

[mete]

Ol'Joe, thanks for that info . I've been a 6.5x55 fan for many years ,it's been my prime deer rifle.Many shooters don't understand anything but velocity and use light bullets .But the 140 with that high SD and BC holds it's velocity very well and does the job without being a magnum or with high recoil and muzzle blast. As Finn Aagard said , it's the perfect deer cartridge !!!One thing about pressure -most are throated for the very long 160 gr so the 140 has lots of freebore.Anyway my custom M98 shoots 140s less than an inch at 2750 with 4350 powder. It works !

[Vern Humphrey]

My 6.5X55 is a Model 96 (one of those sporterized by Kimber). I stick to published loads, but when dealing with older cartridges in new rifles, take a look at what similar, newer cartridges are loaded to in that same rifle.

For example, a Model 70 Winchester in .30-06 is identical (except for chamber and bolt face) to a .300 Win Mag. There's less metal around the case in the Win Mag chamber (because the barrel shank is the same diameter, but the case is fatter) and there is MORE bolt thrust (pressure X head area.) The .300 Win Mag is loaded to about 5,000 psi more pressure, and you can safely load the .30-06 IN THAT RIFLE to the same pressure.