Re: 6.5x55 loading?
Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 9:39 pm
Yikes! Varn, I just checked loading tables from Hodgdon that show 36 grains of Varget as the maximum load for 140 grains! Velocity from a 24" barrel is 2528 fps, so my 22 7/16" factory barrel will really struggle, even with the maximum load. Of course, if you assume the loading tables are deliberately conservative for fear that someone will try too much of a load in one of the older rifles, then it makes sense.Varn wrote:BCloninger,
A 6.5x55 is one of the best choices you can make if you are shooting a modern 6.5x55 such as a Tikka, Sako, Remington, CZ, etc. Loading it can't be much simpler. Load a 139 Lapua or 142 Sierra over 38 to 40 grains of Varget starting low and working up while looking for pressure signs. When you find your ram load, substitute your choice of 107 through 123 grain for C-P-T and try it for accuracy. I have owned three Tikka 6.5x55's and been involved with at least 5 others that this recipe worked perfect for. Do not use these loads if you are using an older rifle such as one of the old swedish mausers. With these loads you will get approx 2650-2700fps with the 139-142 grain bullets and will lose very few rams. My first year shooting HP Hunter rifle I shot a Tikka 6.5x55 with 139 Lapuas at 2710fps with these loads. I kept a log of rams hit in matches and practice. I hit in excess of 135 rams and lost two. That percentage puts it on par with anything else on the line. Don't be too concerned with some excess space in the case. I've never seen it causing a problem nor have I heard of anyone else having a problem with it either. All the best. Mark