Good problem to have, now what?

[plunkdebanjo]

I was given 7 boxes of various 6.5 jacketed bullets for my M96 military Swede.
They are: Nosler 139 gr, Herter 130 gr, Lapua 139 gr, Hornady 95 and 140 gr, Rem 100 gr, and Sierra 107 gr. I haven't bought a loading manual yet but in the ones I've read, they are brand specific and don't cover all of the weights.
Is there one source for all weights or can I buy one (Sierra?) and use whatever is closest to the weight I'm loading?
Secondly, I plan on shooting cast bullets in it as I already cast NOE 311299 PB bullets in my '03. What is a good bullet mould for shooting 500m to cast? Thank you.

 

[Grumulkin]

1. You don't have to worry about being "brand specific." You can use the data from different manuals for bullets of similar weights and construction; i.e., jacketed bullet data for jacketed bullets and cast bullet data for cast bullets.

2. It's not the manual I like the best but the Lee manual probably lists the greatest variety of loads per cartridge. The Lyman manual is probably the best one for cast bullet loads. I don't have either manual in front of me at the moment so don't know what data they list for your cartridge.

 

[SwaneeSR]

Wow, nice assortment of bullets. If I was in this situation, I would get information from multiple sources ( i.e. 3 or so). One would be the powder mfg website, perhaps you have some Hodgdon powder and could start there. One of the others would be the Hornady manual.

My 6.5x55 loves the heavier 139-140gr bullets and H4831SC. However, I am only shooting out to 200yds.

Swanee

 

[Blue68f100]

The make a load book called One Caliber. Which is a consolation of most manuals combined into one, ~$7. But I do not recall see one specific for your caliber. Check Midway, Cabellas for sources.

 

[mdi]

Probably just me, but I would find which bullets I have the most of. Then I'd buy the manual published by the bullet manufacturer. Work up a load, then do the same with another bullet. You can't have too many manuals as there is much, much more to today's reloading manuals than just load data (recipes).

The 139 gr. and 140 gr. bullets would prolly use the same starting loads, and the 100gr. and 107 gr. bullets wold be real close starting loads.

Manuals don't wear out. Manuals have more info than just data. Manuals can be used as comparison/research tools. Manuals are a must. I don't care for "one load" books or Lee's manuals (not a Lee hater, just have found the load data to be lacking). Plus, I don't pay much (none) attention to any forum expert, range rat, gun counter clerk, pet loads website, or gun shop guru for load data. I have used published manuals for 30 years and have been very successful getting safe, accurate ammo. I have on rare occasion used data from powder manufacturers websites. The investment isn't overwhelming considering the amount of info in a good manual and there are generic manuals out there, like Lyman's 50th...

Go slow, double check everything, and most important, have fun...

 

[Sunray]

"... they are brand specific and don't..." That's normal. The Lyman book is what you want. Has more loads using more powders than any bullet or powder makers book. Isn't "generic" though. All the loads are tested by Lyman. As opposed to Lee who use the powder maker's data and test nothing themselves.
"...Is there one source for all weights..." That'd just be too easy. snicker. Mind you, the Internet is as close is it gets. Still no one place for everything.
However, like Grumulkin says, you don't load according to the brand or type of bullet. You load for the weight. Your 139's can use the 140 grain data on Hodgdon's site. The 142 grain data will do as well. The 95's can use 100 grain data as well. A few grains one way or the other won't matter. I draw the line at +/-5 myself.

 

[macgrumpy]

...you don't load according to the brand or type of bullet. You load for the weight.

Actually this isn't always true. The bullet's base design can effect pressure pretty drastically in some instances. If you like to develop hot loads then you need to be aware that even though the bullet weights are the same, some brands will raise the chamber pressures quite a bit, Hornady bullets are well known to cause this issue. This is more of an issue for rifle bullets rather than pistol bullets.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Hodgdon supplies data for bullets from 85gr to 160gr for the 6.5 X 55mm Swedish Mauser with a variety of over 20 powders from Hodgdon/ IMR/ Winchester. I'm fairly sure you will find what you need there but at least one manual for a cross reference is a good idea. I suggest the Lyman 49 or the newest Lyman 50 first.

 

[mdi]

"Generic" as not manufacturer specific. Multiple makes of powders, bullets, lead and jacketed...