Lee 6.5X55 loaded data conflicting

[kennedy]

using reloader 22 and 140gr jacketed bullets, my lee book says 43.9 grs to 48 grs, but I just bought a set of lee neck sizing dies and the load data with them says 35 to 40 grs. I have emailed Lee and waiting a response after the weekend, but anyone else notice this and what did you use. I have already loaded a bunch with 43 grs and have been shooting them in my M96 mauser. Hope I have not over stressed it.

 

[FLIGHT762]

The Sierra #5 manual shows their 140 grain bullet with Reloader 22 with a starting load of 37.7 gr. (2300 FPS) to a Maximum of 45.7 gr. (2700 FPS) They used a 96 6.5X55 Swedish Mauser in their tests.

 

[USSR]

6.5x55 load data totally depends upon the platform used. When I was shooting my 6.5x55 match rifle (Winchester Model 70 action), I used 48.0gr of RL22 with the 139-142gr bullets. With a Mauser 96 action such as yours, I would stay below 45gr. Your 43.0gr load should be just fine.

Don

 

[Comrade Mike]

45 is my self imposed max for RL-22 and the 96's. You should have no problem finding an accurate load at or below 45

 

[WYOMan]

Many companies restrict pressures in the 6.5X55 to 45,000 PSI. The SAAMI MAP for it is actually 46,000 CUP, which is more in the 51,000 PSI range. This cartridge will forever be the start over arguments over the strength of it's most famous user, the 1896 Swedish Mauser. You will almost NEVER see a discussion about it without the devolution into a shouting match about whether your rifle is an armored vehicle, or a live grenade. Keep your loads below MAX, and enjoy it. Frankly, the beauty of the 6.5's, is that with their high BC's and SD's, they really don't need to be pushed hard to perform.

 

[NCsmitty]

If you take the time to look at the www.alliantpowder.com site, you will see that they list a maximum of 40.0gr of Rel-22 with a Speer 140gr, when used in a military Swedish Mauser.
IMO, I think that the lower charges reflect the possibility of being used in the single front lug Krag rifles chambered in the 6.5x55.

You will note that the Alliant site lists 45.0gr of Rel-22 under a 140gr Speer when used in a commercial action, whatever that actually means. Does that include commercial small ring actions?
The Swedes took special pride in their steel formulas.


NCsmitty

 

[NWcityguy2]

Lee just copies from other sources. Before Alliant split their load data for military and commercial actions, 48.1 grains of R22 was the max load (per my 1996 and 2004 Alliant manuals).

From my experience, 48.1 grains of R22 on a hot sunny day will blow the primer on Federal brass, flatten the primer and cause sticky bolt life on S&B/PPU brass and show no pressure signs as all with Norma brass.

 

[WYOMan]

My best loads that I have used are 45.5 grains of RE-22, or 46.3 grains of IMR-4831. These are used in an 1896 sporter.