6.5x55 Swedish Mauser

[Win52D]

Has anyone had any experience loading this round for use in the M96? I was told that Ramshot's Hunter was a good powder but on looking at the pressure data on their sheets the minimal load is already over the recommended 45,000 cpu rating.

I plan on using Sierra's 140gr Matchking.

 

[atblis]

RL22 is very popular
RL19
H4831 SC
4350

 

[NCsmitty]

I see on the Ramshot site that they list Hunter next to Rel-19 in burn rate but their loads do show as being above the recommended pressure for a 96 action. I would be cautious using the max loads with the 140 gr. bullets. Perhaps an email to Ramshot would shed some light on their recommendations.
I use 43.5gr. of Rel-19 with 140gr. Rem. Corelokt in my M38 Husky @ 2600+fps.

NCsmitty

 

[Win52D]

Thanks for the feedback. NCSmithy, you are correct an email or phone call is in order. We are not looking for a max load only an accurate one (within safe limits).

Here in Tucson the easist place to get a large selection of powder is Sportsman's Warehouse...the problem is that they are out of nearly every powder for the 6.5x55 (as well as many others)

 

[10 Spot Terminator]

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY OF SWEDE SHOOTERS !!!

I have a fine old Carl Gustaf model 96 myself and as you I was concerned about making sure she stayed in one piece while working up some relatively quick as well as accurate loads . I opted to use a lighter bullet ( 120 gr ) as part of this and used the H4350 powder as it was listed to produce some of the lower pressures at max loads . Along with this due to the very long barrel I opted to moly coat my bullets as this reduces the pressure a bit further and it tends to bring most publised data closer into specs for this particular weapon as all the data I have seen printed was
tested with much shorter barrels. I am using 45.0gr of the H4350 in Winchester cases, CCI 200 primers and getting under 2 inch groups with my poor eyes at 2940 fps on my chrony at 100 yds. with this load . Fast, accurate, and is under max load data . I am currently sending the bolt out to have the handle professionaly turned down as I plan to turn this one into a clone of the 42B sniper rifle . If I can scope it allowing me to see , we will start splitting hairs on this load and see what we can come up with . Enjoy that fine old rifle, I surely do mine . 10 SPOT

 

[kennedy]

I sm having good luck with varget, its what I had on hand and is doing great with rem bullets

 

[Bear2000]

I just started loading for my Tikka T3 6.5x55. While it's primarily a deer gun, I have been playing with Match loads. Best results today came from:

139 Lapua Scenar
Win Brass/Primer
46.5 gr RL22
3.012"
Group size: 0.6"
c.2550 fps

Another good load:

142 Sierra MK
Win Brass/Primer
46.8 gr RL22
3.012"
Group: 0.76"
c.2540 fps (only chronoed 3)

The RL22 seems to work better than the RL 19, although I also changed bullets. The Speer 140 SPs I'm using for my hunting round don't group very well at all (c. 2"), but they'll get the job done. I'm planning on working up a load with the Sierra Gameking 120 and 140, which should group better.

As for Varget, I'm going to give it a try with 85, 100, 107, and 120s. But overall, I think it might be a bit quick for the 6.5x55. We'll see - it's the best powder I've used for .223 and .308.

 

[Mr. 16 gauge]

IMR 4064, IMR 4350, IMR 3031, and IMR 4320 for me.

 

[evan price]

I load 35.5 grains of Varget under a 129-grain Hornady SP for my M38 Swede carbine with great results.

 

[Shibumi]

I just loaded some 6.5x55 rounds with Sierra Matchking 140 gr. using Varget and the loads listed in the Sierra manual. They state the test rifle was an M96 Swedish Mauser with 29.5" barrel, so would these loads be safe with a 24" barrel rifle? Loads were 31.6/33.7/35.8 gr. at max of 2500 fps. at 3.050 OAL.

P.S.- Sierra does not list C.U.P.-does anyone know where to find this?

 

[NCsmitty]

Shibumi, your loads will be fine with the 24" barrel. I personally trust the cup or psi info that the powder manufacturer/distributor has available, such as www.Hodgdon.com rather than a bullet manufacturer which may test only one lot of a specific powder. Specs may be different with another lot of the same powder. You can also play with the COL as long as it fits and feeds from the magazine. That means extending the COL, of course, not shortening. It may get you better groups, or not.

NCsmitty

 

[TooTaxed]

One of my favorite 6.5 x 55-mm hunting loads for my M-96 Swede: 140-gr Nosler Partition, 46.5-gr RL-22, Win primer, RP brass. 2740 fps. This is the Nosler-recommmended max load...and a real tack driver!

Examination of my fired cases does not indicate excessive pressures, and it's not punishing to shoot...but I suggest you work up to any max loads, carefully examining your fired cases for signs of excessive pressure as you progress. Flattened primers is OK...but back off if you notice any starting cratering around the firing pin strike!

 

[oneounceload]

my 1907 Swede really likes 3031 and Sierra 120 Sp bullets...not the hottest, but the most accurate - even more than 4350

 

[Slamfire]

I have shot AA4350 in the 6.5 with a 140 gr Hornady and it shot very well. The velocity in a 22” barrel was close to Swedish ball. I was able to push the bullets much faster with more powder, so in my opinion, substituting a 140 SMK would not make a significant difference in pressure. And seat the bullet out to 3.15" instead of the 3.0 as I did.

AA4350 pushes bullets the same speed for the same charge as IMR 4350 in my 30-06’s, and the AA tech’s told me they mix the stuff to duplicate the IMR pressure curve.

When you go to a 29” barrel, you can add about 100 – 150 fps.

M700 22" Barrel

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


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