6.5 Swede questions

[LuceNut]

Hi all. New reloader here and got a chronograph last week.

I have 6.5x55 I shoot out of a CZ. I used the Nosler most accurate load 39.0 Gr for Varget and 120 Gr ballistic tips. The book says 2737 and that's what I was getting. (Only shot 3 from 2722 to 2744)

I also loaded the 100 Gr ballistic tips with the minimum load of 39.5 Gr Varget and shot (before getting a chronograph). Both were equally accurate (sub moa).

The book says the 100 Gr is going 2900 fps, and I am interested in trying my hand at 500 or 1000 yds. Should I move up to the max load of 43.5 Gr with the 100 Gr for that? Is the 100 Gr going 3000+ fps better than the 120 Gr going 2800 for 500-1000 yds?

 

[atblis]

For 500-1000 yard shooting, I think you'd be better served by a slick 140 gr bullet (and most likely a different powder).

 

[steve4102]

For 500-1000 yard shooting, I think you'd be better served by a slick 140 gr bullet (and most likely a different powder).

Agreed, R-22 is a very popular powder in the Swede with 140+ bullets.

 

[atblis]

Just to clarify what I meant above, I meant you'll need a different powder if you switch to the 140s. Not that your current choices are inappropriate for the lighter bullets.

 

[USSR]

Have shot the 6.5x55 at 1,000 yards for 3 years. The advice you have been given is correct: 139-142gr bullets with RL22.

Don