Realistic 6.5x55 Velocities

All,

I have done a bit of reloading for my 6.5 Swede but never got a chronograph. Out of a 22" barrel what are some realistic top end velocities one could expect pushing out 140gr bullets. Thanks for any help in advance.

HD
 
HD

I'm pushing 140gr SSTs out at 2,660fps using 46.7 grains if N160.

That's from a Sako 75 with 1:8 twist.

So many variables... I'd try and find a chrono to borrow or it'll all be theory with your ammo

Cheers
i.
 
I am shooting 120's at just under 2900 from my FN Commercial, not a 96 Swede. The useable case capacity of the 6.5x55 is 3% higher than the 260 Remington. In a strong, modern rifle there is room to investigate higher pressures and velocities. JMHO of course.~Muir
 
As above I'm pushing Barnes TTSX 120g at around 2900fps with reloader 19 or 22 sub moa groups in my Tikka and howa, deer don't like them that's for sure....
 
As above I'm pushing Barnes TTSX 120g at around 2900fps with reloader 19 or 22 sub moa groups in my Tikka and howa, deer don't like them that's for sure....

True that. I used 140s' this past season but I'm sure 120's would have done as well on those big deer. Fabulous deer cartridge.~Muir
 
I'm using Nosler Partition's 140gr, RL22 and getting 2650fps, hope this helps.

Hi Rotwild,

I'm using this combination of projectile and powder too and wondered what weight of powder you were using?

I tested some loads yesterday morning and found there to be little variation in grouping with rounds loaded with weights between 46.0 and 47.5 grains. Somewhat ironically of the loads containing 46.5 grains of RL22 gave the worst grouping despite the Nosler Reloading Manual 6 suggesting this was the most accurate round tested for this load. Having tested five lots of three rounds with 44.0, 45.0, 46.0, 46.5, 47.0 and 47.5 grains respectively I then fired three rounds of Norma Partition 140grn as a comparison. I found the round loaded with 47.5 grains gave the grouping closest to Norma factory rounds.

Cheers,
Stalker Ned
 
All,

I have done a bit of reloading for my 6.5 Swede but never got a chronograph. Out of a 22" barrel what are some realistic top end velocities one could expect pushing out 140gr bullets. Thanks for any help in advance.

HD

I have been using a Sako 75 ( 22.75" barrel ) in 6.5 x 55 for several years. In MY rifle I have been able to achieve 3000 ft/sec with a range 120g bullets and 2800 with several 140g bullets. I hasten to add that two of my friends using different makes of rifle ran into pressure signs well short of these velocities. My working load with Nosler 120g BT is 2920 ft/sec as this suits the ladder reticle on my scope. My working load with 140g Sierra Game King is 2785ft/sec. Both these loads are very effective game stoppers. My favorite powders are H4350 and Vit160 with Re22 coming close. I have found that Re22 comes into its own with the heavy weights eg 156g Lapua Mega at 2600ft/sec. Many reloaders push the 120g at around the 2900 mark and the 140g at around 2700 in modern rifles.


Andy.
 
Hi Rotwild,

I'm using this combination of projectile and powder too and wondered what weight of powder you were using?

I tested some loads yesterday morning and found there to be little variation in grouping with rounds loaded with weights between 46.0 and 47.5 grains. Somewhat ironically of the loads containing 46.5 grains of RL22 gave the worst grouping despite the Nosler Reloading Manual 6 suggesting this was the most accurate round tested for this load. Having tested five lots of three rounds with 44.0, 45.0, 46.0, 46.5, 47.0 and 47.5 grains respectively I then fired three rounds of Norma Partition 140grn as a comparison. I found the round loaded with 47.5 grains gave the grouping closest to Norma factory rounds.

Cheers,
Stalker Ned
I'm using 46.5grains of RL22, i'm trying Nosler 120gr B/T next when i find what power to use!
 
Getting 2770fps with 140g sst, 46.6g vit 160 24" barrel. Shoots sub MOA at 100 yards and hits consistant v bulls at 1000 yards. Not bad for a developed hunting round.
 
Info below taken from Hogdon website

Bullet Weight (Gr.) Manufacturer Powder Bullet Diam. C.O.L. Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure



140 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon H1000 .264" 3.030" 46.5 2423 37,600 CUP 51.5C 2651 46,000 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP IMR IMR 7828 SSC .264" 3.030" 44.0 2460 38,300 CUP 48.2 2678 45,800 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP Winchester Supreme 780 .264" 3.030" 45.0 2451 40,600 CUP 47.8 2592 45,300 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon H4831 .264" 3.030" 42.5 2382 38,100 CUP 47.0 2586 45,700 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon Hybrid 100V .264" 3.030" 40.0 2418 38,300 CUP 44.5 2642 45,200 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP IMR IMR 4831 .264" 3.030" 43.0 2507 39,100 CUP 46.3 2700 45,400 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon H4350 .264" 3.030" 39.5 2418 38,600 CUP 44.0 2617 45,700 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon H414 .264" 3.030" 37.5 2393 40,000 CUP 41.5 2565 45,600 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP IMR IMR 4350 .264" 3.030" 41.0 2486 39,300 CUP 45.0 2677 46,000 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP Winchester 760 .264" 3.030" 37.5 2393 40,000 CUP 41.5 2565 45,600 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP IMR IMR 4007 SSC .264" 3.030" 39.0 2400 38,600 CUP 42.8 2591 45,300 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon H380 .264" 3.030" 36.5 2316 37,600 CUP 40.5 2520 45,100 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon Varget .264" 3.030" 32.5 2312 37,500 CUP 36.0 2528 46,000 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP IMR IMR 4064 .264" 3.030" 35.0 2394 39,500 CUP 38.0 2563 45,800 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP IMR IMR 4895 .264" 3.030" 34.5 2364 38,900 CUP 37.8 2550 45,500 CUP
140 GR. SPR SP Hodgdon H4895 .264" 3.030" 32.5 2305 38,100 CUP 35.8 2493 45,700 CUP
142 GR. SIE HPBT Hodgdon H1000 .264" 3.050" 48.0 2453 37,500 CUP 51.5C 2601 41,600 CUP
142 GR. SIE HPBT IMR IMR 7828 SSC 264" 3.050" 44.0 2457 38,600 CUP 47.7 2671 45,500 CUP
142 GR. SIE HPBT Winchester Supreme 780 .264" 3.050" 44.6 2461 41,100 CUP 47.5 2640 45,900 CUP
142 GR. SIE HPBT Hodgdon H4831 .264" 3.050" 42.5 2383 37,300 CUP 47.0 2604 45,300 CUP
142 GR. SIE HPBT Hodgdon Hybrid 100V .264" 3.050" 40.0 2420 39,300 CUP 44.0 2658 46,200 CUP
142 GR. SIE HPBT IMR IMR 4831 .264" 3.050" 43.0 2500 38,400 CUP 46.5 2704 44,900 CUP
142 GR. SIE HPBT Hodgdon H4350 .264" 3.050" 39.0 2427 38,400 CUP 43.7 2653 45,800 CUP
142 GR. SIE HPBT Hodgdon H414 .264" 3.050" 39.0 2399 37,200 CUP 43.0 2653 45,300 CUP
142 GR. SIE HPBT IMR IMR 4350 .264" 3.050" 41.0 2452 38,000 CUP 44.8 2667 45,100 CUP
142 GR. SIE HPBT Winchester 760 .264" 3.050" 39.0 2399 37,200 CUP 43.0 2653 45,300 CUP
 
Appreciate the help gentlemen. I am loading 48 grs of RL 22 behind 140gr nosler partitions and achieving sub MOA groups consistently but again don't have the chrony. I am really trying to achieve, on paper at least, 1500ft/lbs of energy at 300 yards. I am wrestling with maxing out the Swede for an elk hunt or buying another rifle. I would be satisfied with 2750ft/sec MV but may realistically have trouble getting there although very close I think. I wish the Model 70 had a couple more inches of barrel.

Now I know alot of these figures are primarily just important in my head, but to me confidence is everything.

HD
 
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Appreciate the help gentlemen. I am loading 48 grs of RL 22 behind 140gr nosler partitions and achieving sub MOA groups consistently but again don't have the chrony. I am really trying to achieve, on paper at least, 1500ft/lbs of energy at 300 yards. I am wrestling with maxing out the Swede for an elk hunt or buying another rifle. I would be satisfied with 2750ft/sec MV but may realistically have trouble getting there although very close I think. I wish the Model 70 had a couple more inches of barrel.

Now I know alot of these figures are primarily just important in my head, but to me confidence is everything.

HD

How full is your case?
RL22 is a fairly slow powder so if you run out of legs with it may be worth switching to something quicker.
What action is it?

P.S. do you need an excuse to buy another rifle? :)
 
My rifle has been death on whitetails with anything I shoot through it really from Federals, Remington, Norma, RWS or whatever. The 48grs of RL 22 and the partitions have been particularly potent medicine though.
 
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