Load advice for 6.5x55SE using RL17 and LRX 127gr

[alanp]

As yet have not worked my way through all relevant threads - so if there is a relent one I apologise and please point me to it.
I feel it is the right thing to work on non lead loads so I bought a box of Barnes 6.5mm LRX 127gr.
Current wisdom is to go lighter on mono non lead bullets, my only experience with lighter (120gr Norma BT) was they did not group well in my rifle.
Barnes data for this bullet does not reference RL17, RL16 & H4350 are quoted at 37.8gr at MV of 2616 and 37.7gr at 2595 respectively. The MV I think is slow - would like to see it somewhat over 2800fps.
Load for Sako 85 6.5x55SE 8 twist 22.4" sporter barrel (long throat) for deer stalking using 127gr LRX and RL17.
QL suggests this is possible at Barnes COAL of 2.985/0.185" clearance or jump in my rifle with pressure just under 50k psi using 44.2gr of RL17.
Grateful for any input here.
Thanks in anticipation
Alan

 

[Stevie/P]

2800 /3000 + fps is achievable in the 6.5x55 with careful hand loading 50.5grn of N160 gave me 3000fps out of a tikka M695 22 1/2" barrel also had HV loads with N550 using sierra 120grn bullets. should add was safe in my rifle my not be in yours hand load cautiously.

 

[alanp]

Hi Supersport,
appreciate the quick reply - thanks for data. That is pretty high MV, never tried N160 seems to be quite popular for 6.5x55.
Thanks

 

[Stevie/P]

Hi Supersport,
appreciate the quick reply - thanks for data. That is pretty high MV, never tried N160 seems to be quite popular for 6.5x55.
Thanks

vhit have decreased there loads in the latest edition for N160 i should add my load was with the 10th addition and powder of that time frame N160 is a great powder in the 6.5x55 plus iv'e had excellent results using N550 again from the 10th edition load i went above there max load data with N550 to achieve 3100 fps with no pressure signs. do a search for this member laurie some very good advice on the 6.5x55.

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[alanp]

vhit have decreased there loads in the latest edition for N160 i should add my load was with the 10th addition and powder of that time frame N160 is a great powder in the 6.5x55 plus iv'e had excellent results using N550 again from the 10th edition load i went above there max load data with N550 to achieve 3100 fps with no pressure signs. do a search for this member laurie some very good advice on the 6.5x55.

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Again thanks for that - yes seen some of Laurie's posts and articles which were most informative.
I had used N560 for 140gr loads but never happy with it, unless it is a 100% or slightly compressed load it does not burn completely and therefore promotes quick carbon build up. That plus buying 1kg has put me off VV powder. Alliant powder powder specifically RL22 has been good for 140gr bullets which I tend to use.

 

[tomblincoe]

These are my loading notes for the 123gr Fox using RL17/RS60:

123gr Fox
Rs60
76mm COAL
87mm ogive measurement
Hornady book max 44.1gr
RS60 load data max 46.1
45.7gr 2863/2842fps 1/3rd inch group

No pressure signs and good accuracy so I didn't push the load any higher.


Hope that helps a bit!

Tom

 

[alanp]

Appreciate the detailed input that is useful data. Impressive MV and group.
Cheers
Alan

These are my loading notes for the 123gr Fox using RL17/RS60:

123gr Fox
Rs60
76mm COAL
87mm ogive measurement
Hornady book max 44.1gr
RS60 load data max 46.1
45.7gr 2863/2842fps 1/3rd inch group

No pressure signs and good accuracy so I didn't push the load any higher.


Hope that helps a bit!

Tom

 

[Selous]

I have seen excellent velocities (3300fps plus) and accuracy in the 6.5x55 with RS60 powder and 100g Barnes TTSX bullets in a longish barrel. Kills deer very dead very quickly too!

 

[alanp]

I have seen excellent velocities (3300fps plus) and accuracy in the 6.5x55 with RS60 powder and 100g Barnes TTSX bullets in a longish barrel. Kills deer very dead very quickly too!

what barrel length was that ?

 

[Selous]

what barrel length was that ?

26” I think

 

[alanp]

26” I think

Sounds about right for the MV you quoted, how do you find this length for stalking?

 

[Selous]

Not my rifle to be honest but I have stalked a fair bit with a 26in barrel and it is fine for open ground/clearfell but a bit too long for woodland, especially where the cover is dense. If I’m in the woods my 20 inch 308 gets the nod.

 

[alanp]

Not my rifle to be honest but I have stalked a fair bit with a 26in barrel and it is fine for open ground/clearfell but a bit too long for woodland, especially where the cover is dense. If I’m in the woods my 20 inch 308 gets the nod.

Copy That. Mine is 22.4in - reasonable compromise but as long as I care to go.

 

[Stevie/P]

most rifles with a moderator attached will have a barrel length Inc mod of 26" so no different than carrying un moderated 26" barrelled rifle in woodland stalking senareo multiple shots would not be expected so no advantage what so ever to have 20" + mod rifle.

 

[alanp]

most rifles with a moderator attached will have a barrel length Inc mod of 26" so no different than carrying un moderated 26" barrelled rifle in woodland stalking senareo multiple shots would not be expected so no advantage what so ever to have 20" + mod rifle.

Agree with that, I always use a mod. Previously has a T3 with 20in barrel, it was a good and sometimes think I should have kept it. A bit heavy though as it has a varmint barrel.

 

[tomblincoe]

Appreciate the detailed input that is useful data. Impressive MV and group.
Cheers
Alan

It was only a 3 shot group as part of load development so probably a fluke!

Have loaded 20 at that charge to see what it's like with bigger groups. This is a 20inch barrel by the way.

 

[alanp]

It was only a 3 shot group as part of load development so probably a fluke!

Have loaded 20 at that charge to see what it's like with bigger groups. This is a 20inch barrel by the way.

Have faith. Will be interesting how a bigger group goes but I have given up doing any more than 3 shot groups in a sporter barrel, only the first/cold one counts for deer stalking. I used to do a lot of groups with more than 3 shots but that was with heavy barrels when I did more pest stuff - took me a while to orientate to light barrels and stalking. Confidence in the rifle and ability to shoot a decent group is essential, light barrels just make it a bigger challenge!
As the range is still shut (real pain) its only academic at present but I will run the load data you gave me through QL, have not decided on starting load with RL17/RS60 yet.
All my development has been 140gr so far and have very little of my own data on sub 130gr and powder like RL17 to make an easy decision.
Cheers
Alan