6.5x55 Load

[aggie99]

Can someone tell me the theoretical max to get a 6.5x55 up to around 58,000psi in a modern action using H4350. I would like to work up a load for a Savage 110 that will push a 140gr bullet to about 2800+ from a 26" barrel.

I realize that any quick load type data would need to worked up to slowly and carefully but I would like to have a good estimate to work with.

Thanks in advance.

 

[DZelenka]

I shoot 47.5gr of RL22 in a WW case to get 2800 fps. My rifle is a Ruger 77 with a 24" Schneider. This is with a Nosler 140 Partition.

 

[RT2506]

I am shooting 45 grs AA4350 with 140 Sierra Sp or Hornady Sp bullets in a sporter 96 Mauser with the 29" barrel and I average a touch over 2800 fps. The Accurate people say that this is an under 46,000 CUP load that is safe in the 96 Mauser. I have been using this load for years and can see no problems with it. With your savage action rifle I don't think you can cram enough H-4350 in a case to get you over pressure. With the 26" barrel you may want to work with a little slower burning powder to get more velocity.

 

[aggie99]

The only two powders I have on hand that might work in the swede are H4350 and RL22. I haven't had much luck with the RL22 in other calibers and it seems to be very temp sensitive so I am hoping to get a good load with the 4350 as I have a lot of it (works very well in both my 25-06 and 30-06). If not I may try some H4831sc and see if I can get an accurate load with good speed.

 

[fj40mojo]

I tested some loads of 44grn of IMR4350 with Fed primers and Win brass 140grn SSTs from my 6.5x55Match chamber and was getting around 2840fps. Depends on your chamber what you might get from your Swede. Mine seems to consistently shoot faster than most reloading manuals say it can or should.

 

[DZelenka]

I tested some loads of 44grn of IMR4350 with Fed primers and Win brass 140grn SSTs from my 6.5x55Match chamber and was getting around 2840fps. Depends on your chamber what you might get from your Swede. Mine seems to consistently shoot faster than most reloading manuals say it can or should.

Barrel?

 

[OKIE2]

My Savage 110 with shaw 26" barrel
AA3100 47.0 gr 140 sst gets 2783 FPS

 

[north of 53]

I see loads for 6.5x55 using N165 50.2 gr with a 139 secnar getting 2800 plus. I run 52 grs of N165 in my 6.5x55 improved and get just over 3000 fps with 140 vld. I am built on a 700 long action and really don't see any sign of pressure until I push past 3150 fps. I use Lapua brass and am now past 12 loadings on most of them and they are still good. I think a stock 6.5x55 could get close to 2900 with the right powder behind a 140 gr bullet. N560 has loads listed at just under 2900 but I have not been able to get my hands on any yet to give it a try. I didn't see much point as my gun as shown a preference for velocities at or close to 3000 fps and I am getting that with the powder I am using now.

 

[aggie99]

Well curiosity got the better of me and so I bought some 140 VLD's and used them over R-22. At 47.5 grains I am getting between .3 and .4 moa groups and a MV of about 2850. The first few had a high extreme spread but the second group was much better as I took my time between shots and didn't let the rounds "cook" as long in the chamber. The H4350 load is very accurate with 140 SST's but the Bergers and R22 are proving to have the edge.

 

[Scot E]

Well curiosity got the better of me and so I bought some 140 VLD's and used them over R-22. At 47.5 grains I am getting between .3 and .4 moa groups and a MV of about 2850. The first few had a high extreme spread but the second group was much better as I took my time between shots and didn't let the rounds "cook" as long in the chamber. The H4350 load is very accurate with 140 SST's but the Bergers and R22 are proving to have the edge.

What velocities are you getting with the 4350? And these are out of a 26 inch barrel right?

Scot E.

 

[aggie99]

I am getting 2850 also with the H4350 out of a 26" barrel but the load is over the book max. There are no signs of excessive pressure and I have ran it faster but accuracy started falling off.

 

[Scot E]

I am getting 2850 also with the H4350 out of a 26" barrel but the load is over the book max. There are no signs of excessive pressure and I have ran it faster but accuracy started falling off.

That is a good speed range for the 6.5SM IMO. The 6.5x55 is a tough round to load for if you go by the books. So many recipes are loaded to low pressure ratings to accommodate the older Mauser actions. So to get proper pressured loads takes a lot more experimentation sometimes with little data to follow. But the results are usually worthwhile. It is a really good cartridge IMO. A great combination of speed, recoil, and barrel life.

Scot E.

 

[roentgenranger]

Sav 110 LA that I rebarreled to 6.5x55 with a 26" Shaw varmint contour. 48gr of Re22 gets me 2800 with 140gr A-max at 3.090...

 

[aggie99]

Well, the experimentation goes on. I worked up to 50gr h4831sc with 140 bergers and hornady sst's. Velocities were about 2920 for both bullets and groups were averaging around .4" off a bipod. Any estimations on what the chamber pressure might be? The brass, Rem and Lapua, was not showing any sign of excessive pressure. I have some more loaded up and if speed and accuracy hold it should make a wonderful combination for whitetails and hogs.