6.5x55 help please

[N10sivern]

I'm looking for some load data for a 24" barrel 6.5x55 using hornady 129gr interbonds. I'd like to use IMR4895. I looked in my hornady manual and IMR4895 isn't listed. There is a significant difference checking other various powder loads in the Hornady manual compared with the Hodgdon data. So I figured I'd ask here and see if anybody has data from Sierra or another manual or personal experience.

 

[g0rd0]

Cartridge Loads - Hodgdon Reloading Data Center - data.hodgdon.com
this site lists 33.0 to 36.3 grn.

 

[RT2506]

As to how you load a 6.5X55 depends on what action your are shooting it in. If it is a modern action the load data that you find is low pressure and you can boost it up quite a bit. If it is a small action Mauser action like the Swede military rifles used then you need to stay with the data published for under 46000 CUP. IMR 4895 is a bit fast burning to get best velocity. The 6.5X55 likes the 4350s to H4831 powders for best velocity in any barrel length. For 129 gr Hornady bullets and IMR 4895 in under 46000 CUP loads 40 grs would be about max. In a modern action you can go up but you are on your own because there is no published data I have seen for the higher pressure loads. I would suggest that you get some IMR 4350 and work up toward 46 grs to stay under 46000 CUP but in a modern action you could work up to around 49 grs safely. I shoot the 6.5X55in the 96 Mauser rifles and for a hunting load I used Nosler 120 BT or Sierra sp with 46 grs AA4350. From the 29" barrel it does right at 3000 fps. With 140 Sierra or Hornady SP 45 grs AA 4350 will do 2800 fps. Both very accurate and deadly.

 

[N10sivern]

I use RL22 in my target rifle that is 6.5x55. Both are savage actions. Finding 4350 of any type locally is pretty much impossible. Finding any powder is tough. I was trying to use imr4895 as I have a lot of this powder and wanted to save my RL22 for my target rifle.

 

[N10sivern]

Cartridge Loads - Hodgdon Reloading Data Center - data.hodgdon.com
this site lists 33.0 to 36.3 grn.

Thank you. I am quite familiar with this site as I mentioned it in my original post along with my concerns about this site.

 

[HARPERC]

Loaddata.com list a few loads: sourced from Hodgdon, and Lyman 35-39 grains gets you 2300-2700 fps. These you have already.

Handloader source gave 2541 fps with 41 grains in the Model 94. 41 grains in a Tikka gave 2722.

 

[N10sivern]

I spoke to sierra yesterday and asked them for load data for their 130gr hpbt gamekings. For RL22 he told me 40-47gr and possibly more since I had a modern action. For imr4895 he said 34-42 for a modern action and said the 34 was the starting point for old actions. The velocity difference was minimal

 

[N10sivern]

Well, I decided to try the IMR4895. Loaded some 10% below max with variable seating depths. After sighting in my scope, this was the first little group I shot. 3 shot group, 0.58 MOA at 100 yards. 129gr Hornady Interbonds, 38gr IMR4895, CCI200, PRVI brass, 0.01" off lands, Savage 110 with a 24" Varmint contour Shilen barrel. These were shots 5, 6, and 7 out the barrel.

 

[g0rd0]

you have a winner!gun)