Anyone using 4064 for 6.5x55 swede?

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Marty B

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I just picked up a Swedish mauser in 6.5x55. I was working on some loads today and tried some 4064 with pretty good velocity numbers. It has the original 29" barrel and with 38.5 grains of IMR 4064 I'm getting 2550 f.p.s. which I read was the standard factory load velocity for these rifles. I also tried some IMR 4350 up to 42 grains and got 2500 f.p.s. Since I'm not real familiar with these rifles I wanted to know if these were safe loads for the old Swedes. Forgot to add that I'm using 140 grain Sierra matchkings. (Guess that would have helped, huh?)

Thanks,
Marty
 
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That's the same load data I use for my CZ 550, with 130 grain Nosler AccuBond bullets. I get good accuracy and very little recoil. Not much of a comparison to your older rifle, of course, but it feels like a very mild load.
 
Mine was a 1907 with the carbine barrel - I got 1 to 1-1/2" three shot groups at 100 yards - you have 11 more inches than I did...........mine preferred the SMK 120 and SMK 140
 
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Military ball would be 2511 fps at the muzzle from the 24.5 inch barrels of the M-38. With 139 to 142 grain bullets, Reloader-22 is your best friend. I use 45.5 grains in my sporterized Swede with 140 grain Sierra Matchkings and Hornady SST's. My average velocity is 2513 fps. I was trying to duplicate the velocity and keep the pressures safe for the action. The last group I shot was with a new lot of brass at 200 yards with the SST's. 3/4" from the original barrel.
 
I tried IMR 4350 it shot well. No reason IMR 4064 should not work but I really think this case is better suited to a slower burning powder.

I consider my load to be equivalent to Swedish ball. It shot well too.


M1896 Infantry Rifle 29' barrel Carl Gustafs mfgr 1903

17-Aug-06 T = 85 °F
143 gr FMJ 1986 Swedish Ball

Ave Vel = 2610
Std Dev = 14.38
ES = 45.59
High = 2633
Low = 2587
N = 8

ReducedM96SwedeCarlGustafsfulllengt.jpg

M38 Infantry Carbine 24" barrel
28-Oct-94 T ≈ 60 °F

143 gr 1986 Swedish Ball OAL 3.065" 47.4 grs powder average

Ave Vel = 2427
Std Dev = 22
ES = 62
Low = 2395
High = 2457
N = 10



M700 22" Barrel

143 gr Swedish Ball 1986 headstamp

2 Feb 2008 T = 54 °F

Ave Vel = 2470
Std Dev = 18
ES = 48
High = 2491
Low = 2443
N = 5

140 gr Hornday Spire Point 43.0 grs AA4350
R-P new brass CCI-200 OAL 2.990"

2 Feb 2008 T = 52 °F

Ave Vel = 2512
Std Dev = 27
ES = 72
High = 2547
Low = 2475
N = 5

Rem70065SwedeFullLength9.jpg

Rem7006.jpg

Reduced140Hornady43AA4350t2.jpg
 
If you consult the Hodgdon online database, www.hodgdon.com, they list 38.0gr of IMR4064 as a Maximum load for the 140gr Speer and the 142gr Sierra. I would not test your action with any higher load of IMR4064.
As to IMR4350, your 42gr loads are on the mild side and that powder may still have more potential to offer.
I have used H414/Win760 (same powders), H4350, Alliant Rel-19 and Rel-22 in my Swede, and all have good potential. I have a tendency to avoid the older IMR powders due to their temperature sensitivity issues.


NCsmitty
 
Thanks for the replies. I just loaded 10 of each so I may just go with the 4350 if I get good results with the groups.
 
As to IMR4350, your 42gr loads are on the mild side and that powder may still have more potential to offer.

I would agree in my M700, but to someone shooting a vintage Swedish Mauser I think it better to leave it at ball equivalent. The Swedes used plain carbon steels throughout production and I don't know where the edge of the envelope is, and don't want to find it. I assume ball equivalent is perfectly safe and that is what I will recommend for a M96.
 
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