Modern 6.5x54 MS loads

[Coltdriver]

Is anyone out there reloading for a modern 6.5X54 MS rifle? By modern I mean for example a Steyr made in the last 25 years or so.

Surely some of our European brethren have some experience with this? And don't be shy if you are not in Europe!

All of the reloading info I see is for the early 1900's version and it is a bit modest. I am thinking a modern receiver is capable of a bit more.

I am going to work up some loads for a 1998 made Steyr in this caliber using a chronograph but thought some of you may have some reasonably current baseline data to start with.

Thanks in advance!

 

[NCsmitty]

As you probably know, standard 6.5x54 MS load data is a bit sparse, but available. Reloadersnest site has a few loads, but it's likely that they are standard pressure loads, but you can be the judge of that.

http://www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=251

Norma's data seems to be the highest velocity, compared to the other data that I've seen. It approaches the 6.5x55 Swede loads, and that's a good thing.

http://www.norma.cc/en/Ammunition-Academy/Loading-Data/65x54-M-S/

You could always run a 6.5x55 reamer in your Steyr, but you wouldn't gain a whole bunch.


NCsmitty

 

[Coltdriver]

Thanks for the input NCSmitty.

Here's the deal. I am thinking that with a modern receiver I should be able to get very close to 6.5X55 loads as you point out. Perhaps particularly with the 140 grain rounds or lighter.

These Steyrs are fairly unusual in the US. Getting it reamed is out of the question.

So I am hoping to get some real life confirmation that I can get this close to 6.5X55 velocities.

There are old re-loaders and bold re-loaders but there are no old and bold re-loaders! I have time and a conservative approach. But I strongly suspect that in Europe they are already well past my suspicions!