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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Rifles, Bullets, Barrels & Ballistics
6.5X55 Question
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<blockquote data-quote="benchracer" data-source="post: 991816" data-attributes="member: 22069"><p>I believe 26" to be about the ideal barrel length, with a 1:8 twist. A 1:9 twist has worked just fine for me, but the 8 twist is better. The 140 class bullets are the way to go. I like the Berger VLD's and Hornady AMAX's. Neither one are easy to get right now, so you will have to be both patient and vigilant. I have had good results with H4831. RL-22 will get you more speed, but is typically more temp sensitive. Lapua brass is worthwhile in the 6.5x55. It is also much less expensive than Lapua brass for the other popular 6.5's (6.5x47, .260 Rem, and 6.5-284).</p><p> </p><p>Be advised that available data for most of the 6.5's is woefully inadequate. Data for the 6.5x55, in particular, is badly emasculated. Since you are using a modern action, you can safely load to modern pressures. The 6.5x55 becomes a different cartridge when loaded to its potential. I strongly recommend using Quickload with cartridges like the 6.5x55. It will go a long way toward helping you sort out modern loads for your rifle.</p><p> </p><p>One other thing to consider is that the 6.5x55 case has significant taper, making it a good candidate for the Ackley Improved treatment. Yes, you will gain some capacity and velocity, but the gain I have heard cited the most often is brass stability and brass life. The tradeoff will be more expensive dies and the need to fireform. The AI may or may not be for you. Just thought I'd put the idea out there as food for thought.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="benchracer, post: 991816, member: 22069"] I believe 26" to be about the ideal barrel length, with a 1:8 twist. A 1:9 twist has worked just fine for me, but the 8 twist is better. The 140 class bullets are the way to go. I like the Berger VLD's and Hornady AMAX's. Neither one are easy to get right now, so you will have to be both patient and vigilant. I have had good results with H4831. RL-22 will get you more speed, but is typically more temp sensitive. Lapua brass is worthwhile in the 6.5x55. It is also much less expensive than Lapua brass for the other popular 6.5's (6.5x47, .260 Rem, and 6.5-284). Be advised that available data for most of the 6.5's is woefully inadequate. Data for the 6.5x55, in particular, is badly emasculated. Since you are using a modern action, you can safely load to modern pressures. The 6.5x55 becomes a different cartridge when loaded to its potential. I strongly recommend using Quickload with cartridges like the 6.5x55. It will go a long way toward helping you sort out modern loads for your rifle. One other thing to consider is that the 6.5x55 case has significant taper, making it a good candidate for the Ackley Improved treatment. Yes, you will gain some capacity and velocity, but the gain I have heard cited the most often is brass stability and brass life. The tradeoff will be more expensive dies and the need to fireform. The AI may or may not be for you. Just thought I'd put the idea out there as food for thought. [/QUOTE]
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6.5X55 Question
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