6.5x55 lee loader results

[25 Sharps]

See 25 Sharp’s best guess - I have no idea but it gets to the target quicker than I can if that helps!

I get 2750 with 44 gr and 2860 with 46 he with a 24” barrel so it will be in that ball park.

 

[Essexsussex]

I get 2750 with 44 gr and 2860 with 46 he with a 24” barrel so it will be in that ball park.

24” barrel is what I have - so I think you will be spot on. Thanks for sharing.

 

[big ears]

2750 - 2850 depending on barrel length and i'd leave it just as it is and go stalking!

That is probably optimistic as The load data in Sierra is 2800 with a 29.5” barrel. N160 is not the most efficient powder so the speed drops significantly with a shorter barrel. This load out of my 20” Tikka struggled to make deer legal from energy when I chronoed it but accounted for many deer. As with most 243 loads for the 85/87 they are not deer legal but kill deer.
No one will know, it’s accuracy that kills not speed out to 200m

 

[Essexsussex]

sharps do you know what drop you would experience with those loads at 200m?

 

[markyw]

sharps do you know what drop you would experience with those loads at 200m?

Download the free version of Strelok onto your phone and work it out

Regards

Mark

 

[Essexsussex]

I promised myself I wouldn’t get carried away with this...imagine how much more cash my company would have made today if I had put all this effort into working.

 

[25 Sharps]

That is probably optimistic as The load data in Sierra is 2800 with a 29.5” barrel. N160 is not the most efficient powder so the speed drops significantly with a shorter barrel. This load out of my 20” Tikka struggled to make deer legal from energy when I chronoed it but accounted for many deer. As with most 243 loads for the 85/87 they are not deer legal but kill deer.
No one will know, it’s accuracy that kills not speed out to 200m

Those are real world figures for a 24” barrel...

 

[big ears]

sharps do you know what drop you would experience with those loads at 200m?

If it is as quoted. 1” up at 100 is 2” down at 200. If on at 100 them 4.5” down 200. I always sight 1” up at 100 then it’s point and shoot in the chest out to 200.

 

[big ears]

Those are real world figures for a 24” barrel...

Sorry didn’t see 24” and yes that would fit. The thing with N160 is it doesnt always burn totally in short barrels.

 

[25 Sharps]

sharps do you know what drop you would experience with those loads at 200m?

None because I zero at 200 which puts me point and shoot out to about 250 yards.

Taking 1.5” scope height to bore and 2750 FPS zeroed at 100 drop to 200 is 3.98”

 

[25 Sharps]

Sorry didn’t see 24” and yes that would fit. The thing with N160 is it doesnt always burn totally in short barrels.

No, but short barrel and 6.5x55 are poor bedfellows IMHO

 

[Klenchblaize]

I have no reloading experience to speak of, and have cautiously (with the help of others on here) finally tested out my first loads.

I was kindly supplied with a few bits by Scott on here, including some cases which are next to work up to ready for stalking (thanks Scott).

I ran 0.5 grain variants with n160 and pro hunter 120s and some new ppu cases I was given.

The results for the 45 and 45.5 grain were the best shooting from a sand bag - picture attached this is actually a 5 shot group, it says 4, at 100m. I ran out at 46 grain and didn’t try any above this. Following Muir’s advice I loaded to the standard length in the Sierra handbook.

I can’t see much need to chase anything (for my simple requirements - stalking up to say 175m) but I am interest on peoples views on what now might make the most difference to tightening the group (ps very happy with this group for what I need and the technology used. The chance of having a morning on a range is few and far between so likely will never do it).

All loaded with a lee loader and hammer, with the addition of a set of scales (I may now go to a scoop if there is one the right size in my Lee box of scoops.)

The things I would consider if I had the time or inclination would be:
Getting the bullet in the lands
Crimping (lee loader can do this apparently)
Try more loads getting closer to the max manual loading

What is everyone’s view on what might make the most difference here? Are these the right things to think of? For my knowledge and understanding, I doubt I will get round to doing it. Likely to be my shooting that is the biggest variable here anyway.

Thanks in advance

That's DSCL1 & 2 compliant so happy days.

Well done!

K

 

[Essexsussex]

That's DSCL1 & 2 compliant so happy days.

Well done!

K

Thanks klench