6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser - OAL???

[mallc]

Folks,

I just checked the seating depth on a recent addition to my collection and found the measured OAL to be 3.310 compared to 3.150 indicated in my trusty LEE loading manual. In addition the LEE manual recommends seating to 3.025 for the 140 gr I have on the shelf which would be a .260 jump.

Anyone familiar with this round and seating depths please?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[rcmodel]

Correct OAL depends entireley on the bullet weight & shape you are using.
The 3.150" length shown by Lee is the SAAMI Max Length for any bullet.

A 100 grain Spitzer might be 2.850", a 140 grain HPBT might be 3.050", and a 160 grain RN might be 2.785". All are different, and all are correct.

Again, the OAL is determined by the shape of the bullet ogive, and how soon it comes in contact with the rifling leade if seated too long.

rc

 

[mallc]

Thank you RC

I was concerned at the long jump to leade but a little more research indicates that 6.5x55 Swedes have a long chamber....but...this seems VERY long.

Thanks Again RC.

Scott

 

[NCsmitty]

As rcmodel mentioned, COAL is not etched in stone. You will get different numbers for each brand and weight of bullet used.
I have a M98 in 6.5x55 and I measure each bullet brand used to the lands, and try to maintain .020 off the lands. I then write that dimension on the box of bullets being used, as well as entering it on my log.
For instance, iirc, Rem core-lokt 140gr are 3.235" COAL with full neck tension, Hornady flat base 140gr are 3.150" and Prvi-Partizan 139gr are 2.970 because of their stubby nose.
These numbers are .020 off the lands in my rifle.

It's up to you to determine what dimension that your rifle likes.



NCsmitty

 

[Palehorseman]

It all depends on the rifle. Most M-96 Swedes have a long throat, on the M-38, not so much. Bore sizes can vary too, .264" is the nominal 6.5 groove diameter for jacketed bullets, but my Husky M-38 has a .2685". To load the 170 grn fat nose Lee Cruise Missile GC'd .270" boolit seated at base of neck, a little innovation is required.