6.5x55 Load workup

[627PCFan]

Yesterday went to the range to start load development for my 6.5. Its Savage 110, with a ER Shaw 26" full bull barrel shooting 300yds. Bullets were Nosler CComp seated into the lands

I tried H4831, 5 shot groups starting from published MIN to MAX in .5 grain increments. All loads were chronographed, (although the battery crapped out and jacked with actual velocities until I replaced it)

Issue as follow:

On Paper 100 yards 1 shot,
On paper and zeroed 200, 3 shots.
On on paper and zeroed with MIN loads at 300 9 shots (had to walk it up, crappy scope)

Heres were it gets bad. MIN loads almost to MAX were more of a pattern, 3-4.5" groups with random flyers. Nothing special, (velocities seemed close despite low battery)

As soon as I hit Max, groups shrunk to about sub 3 inches. 6.5 isnt mean to be hot rodded but if the groups shrunk at the end, should I continue up in powder knowing it is a modern barrel and action? Velocity was even at 2688fps average for that load

FYI I did try two loads of H1000 to see if slower powder helped but nothing significant there.

 

[NCsmitty]

Try seating the bullets .020 off the lands first. Then maybe try another powder if you have a selection, but not H1000, too slow.

The Swede round can be loaded up in a modern firearm, just watch for pressure signs.
I use Rel-22 with the 140gr bullets at higher charges than listed.


NCsmitty

 

[Ol` Joe]

I 2nd R22 as a powder. I`d load as long as possible while staying at or just off the lands. Once you have established a max load play with the COL and see if your groups improve.

BTW what twist is your barrel? I`ve two 260 Remingtons with a 1/9 twist and neither shoots the Nosler 140 Compatition as well as flat based 140s. I do however get it to perform very well in my 1/8" twist 6.5x55. I think it needs that extra little spin for best accuracy, but might be mistaken.

 

[627PCFan]

Barrel is a 1/8.5 twist. Ill seat the bullets factory COL and see what happens and get my hands on some RL22. Thanks guys-

 

[USSR]

RL22 is THE powder for the 6.5x55 with the 139 - 142gr bullets. Never could get any velocity out of H4831 with any rifle I've shot it in. 2900+ fps is easily doable with my 28" 1-8.5" Obermeyer barrel and RL22.

Don

 

[Vern Humphrey]

In a modern rifle like your Savage, you can run the 6.5 a bit hotter than the manual suggests. After all, this same rifle is available in .300 Winchester Magnum, with pressures up to 55,000CUP and a bigger head size (hence more bolt thrust.) Be cautious and watch for pressure signs -- and back off as soon as any appear.

But I would play with OAL first, seating the bullets closer to the lands. I like to start with the bullet almost touching the lands, and if I need to play with the OAL, I screw in the bullet seating die a half turn or so at a time.

 

[Kernel]

As already mentioned, max pressure is more a function of the firearm than the cartridge case.

There's no doubt your Savage is stronger than the Swedes' Mausers (didn't they, or the Danes, even have some Krags in 6.5x55?).

I wonder how Reloader 19 would perform with 140 gr bullets. Seems to me it's burn rate would be about ideal.

I had been using N150 in my Swede, but in retrospect, I now know it's to fast.

 

[NCsmitty]

Kernel, Rel-19 is very good in the 6.5x55 but Rel-22 is just a bit better in the longer barrels with the heavier bullets.
Your VV N-150 is good with the lighter 120gr bullets. VV N550 and N160 will push the heavy bullets to good velocity, much like Rel-19 and 22. N560 is nearly identical in burn rate to Rel-22.
So many powders to try and so little time.


NCsmitty

 

[USSR]

There's no doubt your Savage is stronger than the Swedes' Mausers (didn't they, or the Danes, even have some Krags in 6.5x55?).

That would be the Norwegian Krag and, since they are still out there, the primary reason that American commercial 6.5x55 is so seriously downloaded.

VV N550 and N160 will push the heavy bullets to good velocity, much like Rel-19 and 22. N560 is nearly identical in burn rate to Rel-22.
So many powders to try and so little time.

NCsmitty,

Agree wholeheartedly with the above statement. Am presently using N160, and it works extremely well. I have a cannister of RL19, and someday will get around to trying it. Another suitable powder is Norma MRP, which is basically a clone of RL22. As for H4831SC, which is slow burning and in the right place on the burn rate charts, it's a dog in both 6.5x55 and .30-06.

Don

 

[Kernel]

So many powders to try and so little time.

Ain't that the truth. I got 25 rifle powders in the basement, and I still want to buy more. About half that many pistol powders. I had to put my foot down. I don't get a new one till I use up one of the old ones.

A few months ago I made up my own personal burn rate chart, based on just the powders I have. That's actually been really helpful. Let's me see what I have covered and where the holes and duplicates are.

Agree that N150 is ideal for lighter bullets. Was focused on the 140 gr recipe.

That would be the Norwegian Krag

So close, but one fiord away. No lutfisk for me. Ya hey.

H4831SC ..... it's a dog in both 6.5x55 and .30-06.

USSR, that's gotta be the 3rd or 4th time you've kinda poo-pooed 4831 in the last couple of weeks. I'm wondering what I'm going to do with the can I got in the basement. Fertilize the tomatoes?

(Next up, USSR will post it's not the right speed for that, either).

 

[USSR]

USSR, that's gotta be the 3rd or 4th time you've kinda poo-pooed 4831 in the last couple of weeks. I'm wondering what I'm going to do with the can I got in the basement. Fertilize the tomatoes?

(Next up, USSR will post it's not the right speed for that, either).

I just found out that deer hunting with rifles will finally be allowed in my county this year. I'm working up a .30-06 load with the 178gr Amax and using up what H4831SC I've got with this load. Here in the forest, 50 yards is a long shot, and I am hopeful with a case full of H4831SC and a magnum primer, I can propel that Amax for 50 yards.

Don

 

[BsChoy]

You might get 60 yards but you gotta run it REALLY hot Don! LOL

 

[627PCFan]

Ok, Im dragging this up again. Sorry guys After more wasting of powder bullets and primers, I tried some factory Remington loads. Same "random pattern.

I broke down, disassembled the gun, trued the barrel lug and barrel nut, switched scopes to my higher power Leopold, checked bases and rings. All is well and wondered about stock pressure on a bull barrel that didnt exist before, so I dremeled more relief to assure free float. Action screws are snug, reheadspaced, and barrel was cleaned thoroughly, ran some Shooters choice through it, then JB Bore paste. Range time maybe this weekend. In the mean time is there anything I could be missing here?

 

[Rugg_Ed]

JRSpicer426
I have had good luck with H 380 and 129 grn bullet moderate load in two older rifles
Enjoy