RL 22 in a modern action 6.5 Swede.

[CarJunkieLS1]

I'm hoping you guys can help. I've been looking around for load data using RL22 in 6.5x55 in a modern action.

I'll be shooting 129gr Hornady Interlock SP I've seen people loading 49gr of RL22 with 140gr bullets, but I haven't found that data published anywhere. If I could get first hand experience with this powder/bullet combo is be very thankful.

 

[USSR]

CarJunkieLS1,

I used 48.0gr of RL22 behind 139-142gr bullets in 6.5x55 in 1,000 yard competition. Velocity in my 28" Obermeyer was ~2925-2950fps as I recall. Personally, I wouldn't load more than that. Can't help you with the lighter bullets, as I never used them.

Don

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

Thanks for your experience. I'm not wanting/ needing a hot rod, but don't want to handicap the amazing round by using data for military actions. I'm thinking 44.5-49 gr of RL 22 with the 129gr bullet may be a good starting point.

 

[Apex Predator]

I have several years experence loading the 6.5X55 with 120-140gr, while I LOVE RL 22 in 140gr but RL 19 gave me fantastic results in 129gr, start around 44gr and you are most likly to see tack driving accuracy around 45.5gr around 2600-2700fps, to date that has been the tightest shooting hunting load I have ever put through my Swede, one semi smooth hole group at 100.
Agree with USSR 47.5gr was as much RL22 as I have ever put behind a 140, tempted to try 48gr since it shot so well but never got up nerve to.

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

Lucky for me I have RL-19 and RL-22. I'll just have to try both. I hoping I can get 2750-2800fps and have sub moa accuracy.

I have experience loading several other rifle calibers but none with the Swede. And finding modern data has been difficult. Thanks Guys for your info.

 

[Apex Predator]

You should have no trouble getting the speed you are looking for, my 45.5gr load is nowhere near max so feel free to work up, but certainly give RL19 a try it is the best powder I have ever used in the Swede for 120-130gr bullets. What kind of rifle do you have?

 

[NCsmitty]

Here are some loads worked up in a CZ550 at the Real Guns site. No Rel-22, but other powders show the potential of this round in a modern action.

http://www.realguns.com/loads/655mmswede.htm


NCsmitty

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

I have a Savage 110 that was a 270 Win that I rebarreled with a 24" 6.5x55 barrel. I have PPU factory ammo the "break in" the barrel and after that I'll have plenty of brass to reload.

 

[gamestalker]

Where did you find RL22? I finally burned through my inventory of it and would really love to find a source.

Other than that, RL22 has been my favorite for multiple cartridges.

GS

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

I found RL 22 at a LGS in my hometown last month. He had 5lbs of it so I grabbed a 1lb container knowing I could use it for something. I'm in North Alabama in case you were wondering.

Around here Varget, RL-15, IMR 4350 are the hard powders to find. And all pistol powders too.

 

[gamestalker]

And around here Varget, RL15, IMR-4831, H4831, and IMR-4350 are practically falling off the shelves, there is so much of it, but no RL22 or RL19 to be found.

GS

 

[2ndtimer]

I have a Howa 1500 in 6.5x55 that has never been a consistently accurate shooter using the typically recommended powders for the Swede. I have burned a lot of Reloder 19 and 22, IMR-4350, H-4831 and Accurate Data 86 (kind of a surplus 3100) with some good groups, but never with the consistent accuracy I was hoping for when I ordered it. As a last resort, I decided to try the accuracy load listed in my Sierra manual, 40.5 gr of IMR-4064 and the 120 gr Sierra Pro Hunter, a flat based plain sptizer bullet. It shoots the most consistent of any loads attempted in that rifle! So, if you find accuracy lacking in yours, you might consider trying some of the "too fast burning" powders like IMR-4064 just to see if it might make a difference.
I haven't run the load over the chronograph yet, but I am confident it will be at least 2500 fps out of the 22" Howa barrel, which is plenty for short range deer or smaller critters.