Bullet Choice for 1:9” 6.5x55

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I rebarrelled a 1938 Mauser 98 with a Brownells 6.5x55 barrel. Nice barrel, but it has a 1:9 twist. I broke it in using factory Lapua 120gr ammo. It shot pretty well. About 1-1.25 MOA groups out to 300 yards. I believe I'm going to be stuck loading lighter bullets with my twist rate. I'd like to use this rifle for deer out to 600 yards, and was hoping to load 130-140gr, but I don't think they will stabilize. Looking for some input. TIA

 

[QuietTexan]

.264 Cal-099gr Hammer Hunter™ - Hammer Bullets

These Hammer Hunter™s are designed for easy mag feeding in the 6.5 Creedmoor. These bullets combine a very good form factor to weight to give very nice flat shooting range to the Creedmoor. Required twist rate is 1-9.5" or faster Bullet length is 1.145" Nose length is .640" Bullet weight is...

hammerbullets.com

6.5mm 125gr Partition (50ct)

6.5mm 125gr Partition®

www.nosler.com

6.5mm 120gr Ballistic Tip Hunting (50ct)

6.5mm 120gr Ballistic Tip® Hunting

www.nosler.com

Partitions aren't sexy, but they work.

 

[Carlos88]

Dad and I have used Hornady 129gr Interlocks for years. Dad's killed a truckload or two using that bullet. Never failed to please. Also used 120 TSX at 2900. Marvelous.

 

[pdshooter2]

isnt the original swede load a heavier bullet >>
seems we shot 140 sierra..maybe 142

 

[Carlos88]

Actually heavier. 156gr IIRC.

 

[Hard rock]

Actually heavier. 156gr IIRC.

Not in a 1-9 the Swede hat a 1-7.5 twist in the 96 Mauser the 121 gr hammer will work that's what I shoot in the 6.5-284 1-9 the 130 gr accubond will work also but I would prefer the 121 gr hammer 600 yds is a little beyond effective range in my opinion though 400 yds would be my limit with the velocity you will achieve that being said watch your impact velocity minimum recommended 1800 fps on the hammer

 

[Carlos88]

The question regarding weight was not about the heavy bullet in his rifle.

 

[Hard rock]

The question regarding weight was not about the heavy bullet in his rifle.

The 121 gr hammer the 130 gr accubond the 120 gr ballistic top 99 gr hammer and 125 gr Nosler partition will stabilize in a 1-9 twist 6.5x55 any thing heavier probably won't that's my experience with that twist rate in that caliber the 121 gr hammer will perform above it's weight with a velocity gain that might fit the ticket for his twist rate if not the 130 gr accubond would be my second choice

 

[ARlife4me]

130 and less would survice for most 1/9, but 135 and a 140Spbt (I've used in a mod70 264wm w/1/9 twist stabilized). Speer might have a 140 available?

 

[MagnumManiac]

I have a 1:9" twist 264WM (factory barrel) that handles 140/142g pills ok.
My 6.5x55 had a 1:7.25" twist and was absolute dynamite. One of the most accurate military match guns I have ever owned. It held 1/4MoA out to 600 with the Swedish Match ammo, very very accurate ammo.

Cheers.

 

[archer441]

I rebarrelled a 1938 Mauser 98 with a Brownells 6.5x55 barrel. Nice barrel, but it has a 1:9 twist. I broke it in using factory Lapua 120gr ammo. It shot pretty well. About 1-1.25 MOA groups out to 300 yards. I believe I'm going to be stuck loading lighter bullets with my twist rate. I'd like to use this rifle for deer out to 600 yards, and was hoping to load 130-140gr, but I don't think they will stabilize. Looking for some input. TIA

I have a Tikka 6.5x55 with a 1:8 twist that shoots 140 Gamekings very well. I think you would be ok with those.
But, that's not the bullet I would pick for 600 yards. Berger has a stability calculator you could use. It will give you a good idea as to how stable the bullet will be.

Twist Rate Stability Calculator

Our newly updated Twist Rate Stability Calculator not only tells you what your SG is, but it also lets you know if you are reaching your optimized BC.

bergerbullets.com

 

[archer441]

I rebarrelled a 1938 Mauser 98 with a Brownells 6.5x55 barrel. Nice barrel, but it has a 1:9 twist. I broke it in using factory Lapua 120gr ammo. It shot pretty well. About 1-1.25 MOA groups out to 300 yards. I believe I'm going to be stuck loading lighter bullets with my twist rate. I'd like to use this rifle for deer out to 600 yards, and was hoping to load 130-140gr, but I don't think they will stabilize. Looking for some input. TIA

I have a Tikka 6.5x55 with a 1:8 twist that shoots the 140 Gameking very well, but that's not the bullet I would pick for 600 yards. Berger has a stability calculator that will give you a good idea of how stable the bullet will be.

Twist Rate Stability Calculator

Our newly updated Twist Rate Stability Calculator not only tells you what your SG is, but it also lets you know if you are reaching your optimized BC.

bergerbullets.com

 

[Mike Matteson]

Not in a 1-9 the Swede hat a 1-7.5 twist in the 96 Mauser the 121 gr hammer will work that's what I shoot in the 6.5-284 1-9 the 130 gr accubond will work also but I would prefer the 121 gr hammer 600 yds is a little beyond effective range in my opinion though 400 yds would be my limit with the velocity you will achieve that being said watch your impact velocity minimum recommended 1800 fps on the hammer

A note of caution on that 96 action. They aren't very strong, not even close to a 98 action. I have one in 6.5 x 55 with a 28" barrel. Load have to be kept down. Other than that I love the rifle.

 

[pdshooter2]

A note of caution on that 96 action. They aren't very strong, not even close to a 98 action. I have one in 6.5 x 55 with a 28" barrel. Load have to be kept down. Other than that I love the rifle.

another bs story with no FACTS.
THEY ARE BUILT INTO 30/06'S in europe and CERTIFIED safe. as in proof rounds.
they do use 58700 vs 60000 psi, with a 25% safety margin, that aint much.