6.5x55 reload help

[thequickster]

Hello, I just joined here and am looking for some advice. I recently started loading for my Swedish Mauser m96 in 6.5x55. I have used 160gr Hornandy Interlock roundnose and Hornady 140gr eld match. I have been having alot of soot on my brass and I was wondering if anyone has had this same issue and what loads any of you have had luck with in the m96 specifically, as I have heard of the m96 Mauser actions being weaker than modern firearms.

My loads have been once fired PPU brass 6.5x55
CCI 200 large rifle primers

160gr Hornady Interlock 41.4 gr VIHT N-165 no crimp, col 2.970”

140 gr ELD match 43.5 gr VIHT N-165 no crimp col 3.025”

I understand that this is a “light load” for both grains, could this be the cause of the soot, I have also read that crimping could help with this.

I am using N-165 simply because that powder was used on both grain sizes in the Hornady handbook 10th edition that I have, also it was one of the only powders in the book for 6.5x55 that I could find in these crazy times. If anyone has had better luck with others I would love to hear as I am very new to this. I have the hornady classic press if that matters. My Mauser has a bent bolt and has been drilled and tapped for a scope, it is sporting a vintage Weaver K 10 60 B. ( I purchased the rifle in this configuration)


Any and all advice is appreciated, like I said I am green as grass.

-thequickster

 

[ojibweindian]

Sooty brass is an indicator that these loads could be a bit low.

 

[troy fairweather]

Could be a few things.
Was the brass fired in that rifle or another
Was it fl sized or neck sized.
Pressure low, but your not to light on the load.
Necks are hard, need annealing to get better seal.
could have a giant military chamber.
should be fine as long there's not bad gas cutting and eroding your chamber.
don't know if you tumble your brass but a soak in some hot water and some dawn will help clean them, rinse and dry or tumble.

welcome to THR.

 

[call1911]

I can't help you with your exact powder and bullet choice but maybe my experience could help you to find a solution with yours.

The components I use are:
Vihtavuori N160 and 140gn BTHP bullets from Nosler, Sierra and Hornady.

From published data I made several tests but all I got was massive dirt from top to bottom of the cases.
e.g.: I had the OAL at 79,00mm (3,110") and had 45,20gn of N160 and cleaning the rifle was no fun.

A very experienced shooter told me to try:

OAL 77,00mm (3,031") and 44gn of N160.
This load works like a charm in our M/96 with 140gn BTHP bullets.

Maybe the 140gn ELD bullet you use is even longer then the ones I use?

 

[thequickster]

The brass was new production PPU brass and fired once in my rifle. I full length sized the brass with lee dies. I tumbled the brass after shooting and they cleaned up nice, Im going to try some more loads and try crimping and annealing the brass. I find this very interesting and look forward to learning more.

-thequickster

 

[troy fairweather]

Only fl size the amount you need,

 

[Jeremy2171]

I enjoy a case full of RL22 and it shoots wonderfully...

Your cases indicate to light of a charge...

 

[thequickster]

Only fl size the amount you need,

Im sorry I don’t understand what you mean, should I not resize the brass in my lee die and try that?

-thequickster

 

[troy fairweather]

Im sorry I don’t understand what you mean, should I not resize the brass in my lee die and try that?

-thequickster

Good chance your chamber is larger the sammi spec,which is what your dies are. I'd run the did down just enough to size the neck nd not to move the shoulder back much.this should help some with your dirty brass some, makes brass last longer and may improve accuracy.

 

[thequickster]

Good chance your chamber is larger the sammi spec,which is what your dies are. I'd run the did down just enough to size the neck nd not to move the shoulder back much.this should help some with your dirty brass some, makes brass last longer and may improve accuracy.

O ok, that makes sense ill have to give that a try, thanks for the wisdom.

-thequickster

 

[Mr. Zorg]

Multiple reloading die brands offer specific neck sizing dies for the 6.5X55mm cartridge, including Lee, RCBS, Redding, & Lyman if you want to try that.

Not necessarily the lowest prices, just some quick Google hits & in stock.

Lee

https://www.amazon.com/Lee-Collet-6-5x55mm-Swedish-Mauser/dp/B07SMS8GHW

RCBS

https://www.amazon.com/RCBS-Neck-Sizer-6-5X55-Swedish/dp/B002L988NO

Redding

https://www.amazon.com/Redding-Sizer-6-5x55mm-Swedish-Mauser/dp/B000GU563U

Lyman

https://www.opticsplanet.com/lyman-neck-sizer-die-with-carbide-expander-button-6-5x55mm-7135204.html

 

[George P]

Way back when I had my carbine, I found it worked best with 140 grain Sierras on top of a load of 3031

 

[ojibweindian]

Good chance your chamber is larger the sammi spec,which is what your dies are. I'd run the did down just enough to size the neck nd not to move the shoulder back much.this should help some with your dirty brass some, makes brass last longer and may improve accuracy.

Probably better than a good chance; I'd wager it's likely.

O ok, that makes sense ill have to give that a try, thanks for the wisdom.

-thequickster

I've got a set of Lee dies for my Swede. Comes with a collet die. I use the collet die more often than naught.