6.5 Swede Powder Question

[Mike 3-4]

Hi: I have been handloading a 6.5x55 Swede cartridge for a few years using H4350 powder with good results. As you know this powder is one of Hodgdon’s “Extreme” line and just about the right burn rate for Sierra 142 grain SMK bullets. In reading Ken Waters’ “Pet Loads” the other day, he felt that H4350 & IMR 4831 are two of his favorite powders for that cartridge. He did not mention H4831 “Extreme” powder which I’ve read is also a favorite of the long range shooters using the 6.5-284 cartridge. The Hodgdon manual clearly shows the velocity 100fps less with H4831 in the Swede but my question is, how well will IMR 4831 hold up in the extreme heat of Arizona? Have any of you folks tried any of these powders and care to comment? Thanks, Phil

[Jerry G]

4831 is a very stable powder. Remember, when looking up loads for the 6.5 x 55 the loads listed are mild loads because it is for a rifle that is over 100 years old. I have used 4831 for years and the only draw-back is that it doesn't feed through a measure very well. I load my 243 with 44 gr of 4831 behind a 107 grain sierra and shoot in AZ without any problems. I hope I have confused you beyond any help.

[Jim Beckley]

When I was shooting a 6.5x55, I was using VV N-150. The only time that I have seen trouble with loads and Az heat was with a double based powder ie the 500 series of VV powder, and ball powder, mainly WW 748, or maybe someone coming to Az with loads that were loaded pretty stiff where they were from and then maybe having a 30-40 degree temp change. I use IMR 4831 in my Deer rifle with no problem, but with that I generally put my loads together in early October and then use them in late October. Just my two pennies worth.