Loads for 6.5 Swede Mauser

[Father Knows Best]

I am the proud owner of a Swedish M38 Mauser in excellent condition. I'm looking to work up some highly accurate loads for paper punching, as I intend to use it to compete in my club's "military bolt action" matches. I've got a bunch of Lapua and Winchester brass, but I'm looking for suggestions for bullets (brand, type and weight) and powder (same). Anyone already worked up some highly accurate loads for their M96 or M38?

Yeah, I've got a half dozen loading manuals with 6.5x55 data, but I was hoping to short-circuit some of the load development and testing by finding out what has worked really well for others with similar rifles.

Thanks

 

[ocabj]

I'm using 37.5gr Varget, 142gr SMK, Lapua brass, Winchester LRP for my Swedish M96. Shoots just under 2600fps.

 

[Father Knows Best]

Excellent. Thanks. That'll be a good starting point.

Have you tried 160 grain bullets?

 

[ocabj]

Nope. 142 was the highest I went. IIRC, I tried Sierra 100, Lapua 123, and Lapua 139. They all shot well.

The only 160gr 6.5mm bullets I know of are hunting style bullets, so I don't have a use for them. I use my Swede M96 for target shooting (CMP Vintage matches), so I stick with the match bullets. Although, I may so back down to the Sierra 100gr varminter bullet for 'less' recoil and for faster muzzle velocity (for quicker muzzle exit in offhand).