Finally got the time to work up some handloads using different cartridge lengths for my T3 in 6.5 Swede. It had shot very well with 129 gr. Hornady Spire Points seated to the cannelure. I loaded up a bunch of rounds with the bullets off the lands .030,.025, .020 and .015. The .015 loading with an overall length of 3.055 shot the best groups of the test rounds, but one round got stuck in the lands. I would have to use a bullet comparator if I used that seating depth. I shot a couple of groups with rounds that had been seated to the cannelure for an overall length of 2.940 and they shot as well as the best test groups, and tighter than the other three test lengths. That will be my hunting ammo. My T3 will put the first two shots nearly touching and the third shot about 2/3 inch higher. Shots 4 and 5 spread the groups as the barrel heats up. Grouping would likely improve with more scope magnification - I put a light weight 2-7 power scope on the rifle as I wanted to use it as my mountain rifle.
