Reduced Data For 6.5x55 Swede in Speer #14 Manual

[WILD_WEASEL]

I recently bought the new Speer #14 Reloading Manual.  Looking up the 6.5x55 I now see they have broken up the Swede into two section, one for “surplus” rifles and on for “modern” rifles.  What is surprising, or maybe not, is the fact that even the section for modern rifles is well below data from Speer Manual #12, that was for both types of rifle.  Prior to seeing the #14 data I was using a load of 42gr of IMR 4350 with the Speer 140gr 6.5 SP.  Now the max load listed for any of the Swedes is 36gr of IMR 4350 with the 140gr bullet.  The max load listed in the “modern” section is 41gr of IMR 4350.  Since I’m rather strict on never exceeding bullet manufacturers’ data I’ll load up a batch using the 36gr of IMR4350 with the 140gr SP.  Given my rifle is pushing 100 years old I’m inclined to think this data is sound.

I need to get the latest Hornady Manual too, since I load their 160RN for my 1913 dated 96/38.  One thing is for sure the “LOAD BOOKS” that feature data from multiple sources are all woefully out of date.

[james]

I became concerned with damaging my old Swedes with too hot of reloads so I am building a 6.5 x 55 on a Savage action.  I want to be able to load closer to the max to see if the load is even more accurate. (without worrying about stressing the gun).   So far I have seen no pressure signs with any of my reloads but I went to Varget because I read it was less temperature sensitive and has less pressure spikes.    When my project is complete, I will peddle my Kimber sporterized Swede and keep my original Model 96 and 38 as safe queens.  My daughter took over my Encore in 6.5 x55 after she bagged a buck and doe antelope last year with it.  I shot my buck with it at 385 yards using 120 gr Hornadys and Varget.  Love those Swedes

[WILD_WEASEL]

These days the only rifle shooting I do is at the Angeles Shooting Range, so shooting reduced loads is not an issue, in my 96/38 Swede as long as they are accurate out to one or two hundred yards.  The same goes for my No.1Mk.3 and No.4Mk.1 Enfields, Mosin Nagant M44, and Inland 30 Carbine.  The only rifle I load UP is my 1895 Marlin in 45-70, but that is another story.

[MGMorden]

Kinda interesting that they broke it out into two separate sections.  I usually load out of a Speer #13 manual (have Lee's newest manual on the way atm though) and they just said to reduce all listed max loads by 1gr for older Mauser actions.  I shot pretty close to that (max listed - 1gr) from a sporterized M96 but had 2 pierced primers so I pulled the bullets and went to the minimum listed loads.

I just recently sold that gun though.  It just never was as accurate as I wanted it to be.  My hunch was that it needed to be bedded, but I got tired of sinking money into it.  I think I'm gonna buy either a Howa or a Tikka in 6.5x55 instead and just sit a little more easily loading for what's listed in the manuals.  The old Swedes on the M96 action are nice guns and I'd love to have one in original military garb (I bought mine already sporterized), but as a sporting/hunting rifle it's just a little dated.

[Mikey]

I think it is a liability issue on one hand and the desire to promote American cartridge development on the other.  If you take a look at the history of use of European cartidges in the US, the european cartridges have been woefully loaded down in favor of American cartridges.  JMTCW.  Mikey.

[Sweet 6.5]

The old Swedes on the M96 action are nice guns and I'd love to have one in original military garb (I bought mine already sporterized), but as a sporting/hunting rifle it's just a little dated.

 
You are going to have a tuff time convincing either of us!

[GatCat]

Speaking of action strength in the 96 Mausers, I know it is generally advised not to rebarrel them for "more modern, higher intensity rounds", but it is interesting that a few years back Kimber sold slightly remodeled '96's. Those with good bores were sold as originally chambered, those with poor bores were rebarreled to .308 Win, and either .243 or .22/250 ( forget which ). I wonder how may were sold, and if any have caused problems in the years since???
After reading the initial post, I realized my oldest swede was made made in 1895. Yikes, time goes by. The "pre-64" model 70's that so many people charish is pushing 50 years old at best, and close to 70 years old for the early ones. Wonder if reloading manuals will be listing reduced loads for such actions??
Mark

[MGMorden]

The old Swedes on the M96 action are nice guns and I'd love to have one in original military garb (I bought mine already sporterized), but as a sporting/hunting rifle it's just a little dated.

 
You are going to have a tuff time convincing either of us!

Oh I didn't say it won't take game.  I killed (one) deer with mine too.  Just saying that the action strength and certain features just don't compare to a modern rifle.  So if you want it for a collectible (ie, military config) they're good, but if you want a sporting rifle more modern actions in the same chambering will give you more leeway when handloading, and more safety features (gas venting, safety lugs, etc) if something does go wrong. 

[WILD_WEASEL]

I've toyed with the idea of using my 96/38 on elk.  My mom's back yard backs up to a National Forest in Evergreen, Colorado.  With a 160gr Hornady and published data I have little doubt the 6.5x55 would do the job.

[chutesnreloads]

Have read of many moose in Scandanavia being taken with the 6.5x55.Which you think is bigger?A Scandanavian moose or a North American elk?

[Sweet 6.5]

The old Swedes on the M96 action are nice guns and I'd love to have one in original military garb (I bought mine already sporterized), but as a sporting/hunting rifle it's just a little dated.

 
You are going to have a tuff time convincing either of us!

Oh I didn't say it won't take game.  I killed (one) deer with mine too.  Just saying that the action strength and certain features just don't compare to a modern rifle.  So if you want it for a collectible (ie, military config) they're good, but if you want a sporting rifle more modern actions in the same chambering will give you more leeway when handloading, and more safety features (gas venting, safety lugs, etc) if something does go wrong. 

Just bragging a bit!
I would have to say I would really nor mind a 6.5x55 CZ 550FS 

I used the 160gr Honady's here and was impressed - but I had time to wait for a bradside shot. I know one hunt is not
enough to judge the performance of anything so I will just to have do it again!

Cheers
Sweet