Modern Rifle 6.5x55 loads

[SR James]

Most load data for the 6.5x55 is for older Mausers.  Does anyone know of a source of load data for modern rifles?

[huntsman]

No, don't know of one. There's probably a good reason for it, too.

I personally wouldn't push the 6.5x55 past the 46,000 cup or 51,000 psi SAAMI limit, regardless of what rifle I was shooting, for two reasons:

First, excellent performance on game is had with the listed loadings. In fact, I have backed off from max quite a ways on most of my loads for 100 to 129 grain and still get superb performance on deer. Heavier game up to elk or moose would most certainly fall easily to the listed loads with 140 and 160 grain bullets. The extra kick and blast won't give you any appreciable increase in lethality or range. Why crank up an already darn good bolt of lightning?

Second, it is also the cartridge case itself, and not just the rifle, which must withstand the increase in pressure. This is most likely why you will not find any published data in the range you desire. The rifle may handle things fine, but the cartridge may exhibit backed-out primers, bulging, or split necks or heads. To me it isn't worth the extra 100-200 fps to risk those things.

[riddleofsteel]

http://www.chuckhawks.com/6-5x55.htm

[Lawdog]

SR James,

My wife shoots a 6.5mm Swede in a modern bolt action so if you PM me with a e-mail address I'll give you a hand with some of the loads I have worked up.  That is if you would like them.  Lawdog
 

[Buffalogun]

SR James,

My 6.5x55 is chambered in the M70 Winchester Featherweight and I use the data from the following source.

If you can get your hands on a copy of the March-April 1997 issue of "Rifle" magazine(#170 I think), there is an article authored by David A. Webb, complete with a chart of many loads that will probably suit your needs. Great article!

Good shooting!

Buffalogun

[Harry Snippe]

I had a model 96 built in 1915 I belive ,that would not take hot loading of the 6.5.
Then I also have a model 38 Mauser that was built in '42 that will take a load that would lock the 96 up solid. so I sold the old 96.
Shooting the published loads backing off 10% to start in your rifle, then working up a load in your own rifle is the only way to go.

You will probably see your deer shot with this cartridge as a bit of an over kill. The doe my wife shot had an fair sized exit hole,went down with one shot.
 You are far away from being under gunned.
Happy

[ajj]

Ken Waters' Handloader article, Dec. '94, "Modern Powders in the 6.5x55" available by snail mail. PM me. Bottom line is the cartridge likes slower powders. Rl 22 was a winner with both 140 and 120 gr. bullets. I agree that given the nature of the cartridge itself (long, heavy-for-caliber bullet that already has great ballistic performance and penetration) stretching for the last 100 fps just isn't necessary.

[lgm270]

The most recent Nosler manuals show some very impressive loads in the 6.5x55.  They achieve 2,800 fps with the 140 grain Nosler Partition and 3,000 with the 125 grain Partition.  That's as good as it gets I would think.


Remember, 2,800 is the max for the 140 grain bullet in the slighly larger 7x57 mauser, and it's a short bullet, with less bearing surface and less sectional density than the longer, smaller .264" 6.5  140 grain bullet.

I believe the 125 grain Partition bullet at 3,000 fps  in the 6.5x55 is fully the equal as a deer killer as the factory 130 grain .270 WCF loads, which average  a modest 2,900 in most 22" barrels.

The 140 grain Partition at 2,800 should alse kill as well as the standard factory .270 and would probably penetrate better.

[Buckfever]

This is one Deer smacker!!  I have the grand total of 10ft. of tracking twice.  This caliber has a reputation for penetration and dropping them as they stand.  Both shots were shoot thru's and the bullet did massive damage in the chest and vitals.  One was 75 yards and one was 150yds.  I believe the 140gr. Nosler Partition works great for the bullet size and 2650 fps.
I don't think a bonded or Barnes bullet would work as well just to tough.  IMHO this caliber and the 140gr or120gr Nosler Partition are made for each other.      Buckfever

[Don Fischer]

I had one built on a Parker Hale 1200 for my ex-wife and with 140gr Hornady's got just over 2800fps thru a crnograph at 10ft. I loved that thing and sure do miss it. In contrast, my 6.5-06 with the same bullet gives me a bit over 2850fps.

[Lawdog]

The 120 and 130 grain Barnes TSX bullets work great out of the old Swede.  Wife used the new 120 gr. TSX this year to take two nice Mule Deer bucks(both dressed out over 230 lbs.) and two Wild Boar(160 and 240 lbs.) at ranges up to 210 yards.  All one shot kills, all pass thru with an exit hole of nearly two inches.  The farthest we had to follow any was one boar that went about 20 yards.  TSX bullets have changed me over from Nosler Partition.  Lawdog
 

[Buckfever]

Do you believe a 150gr. TSX is OK for a 308 shooting large Canadian deer?  The shots are less than 125yds.  It sounds like you have a lot of experience with this bullet.  My 6.5-55 and the Nosler 140's works so good I am going to leave it alone.  I am in need of some words of experience with the 308 have not shot it with premium ammo yet.  Thanks for the help.   Buckfever

[while99]

Winchester is now chambering their Model 70 Featherweight 6.5x55 in a  stainless steel version.  Does anybody have any experience with this particular rifle?  I've been toying with the idea of buying a Model 70 Fwt and re-barreling it to .257 Roberts but maybe this is the answer.

[Buckfever]

The 6.5-55 has a faster twist and will stabilize heavier bullets.  This is a great deer gun with not much kick.  I would think twice about changing to a .257.  You don't need to get this to 2800 fps with a 140 gr. to get great performance.  I shoot at 2650, RL-22 and it is very accurate.  Let the bullet do the rest.  Buckfever

[Mikey]

Get a copy of the Shotgun News, Vol. 59 - Issue 17.  It carries an article by Fortier on the 6.5 Swedes.  He has some loading data for the 96 he shot that gave incredible accuracy, and his groups were shot with open sights.  HTH.  Mikey.

[cal sibley]

The 6.5x55 is my favorite caliber.  I have 3 of the old M96 mausers that I've restored and am quite happy with them.  They're quite accurate for military rifles.  I'm careful not to overload them because of their age.  I also have a Remington Classic in 6.5x55.  It's like a different animal.  Remington is one of the stronger bolt actions.   For reloading I use mostly European components, Lapua brass, Lapua Scenar 108, 123 and 139gr. bullets and VihtaVouri 550 and 560 powders.  Most groups (5 at 100yds.) come in around .5 to .7".  If you're using U.S. brass you may have some trouble with your shell holder.  If so Forster makes a MU-4 that is perfect for this caliber.  I get 2800fps for most of the 120gr. bullets, 2700fps for  the 140gr. ones.  About the best U.S. bullet I've used is a homely looking Hornady 129gr. PSP.  It zips along at 2850fps, and is quite accurate. I load it with IMR-19, 48.0grs.  Most of the reloading manuals carry data for the 6.5x55.  Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal