6.5x55 vs 6.5x55SE vs 6.5x55SKAN

[phillips321]

Hi all,

Doing a bit of reading I'm finding it hard to understand the difference between these calibers.

As far as I'm reading they are identical other than pressure ratings?

Thanks in advance

 

[Andyquadra]

SKAN is for modern action pressures

 

[phillips321]

SKAN is for modern action pressures

So i could technically load my 6.5x55 Blaser barrel to SKAN pressures?

 

[Andyquadra]

So i could technically load my 6.5x55 Blaser barrel to SKAN pressures?

Your blaser is a most definitely a modern action

 

[Foxyboy43]

Been done to death on previous posts. If in any doubt have a look at the Vihtavuori site for 6.5x55 - one for military and the other modern.

 

[Sampo]

Reading never did anyone any good but, reloading did.

 

[phillips321]

Been done to death on previous posts. If in any doubt have a look at the Vihtavuori site for 6.5x55 - one for military and the other modern.

I'm glad you quoted vit. As i'm specifically looking into 120 grain using N160.
The max load for 6.5x55 sweedish mauser is 45.7 achieving 2887fps
The max load for 6.5x55 SE/ 6.5x55 SKAN is 47.4 achieving 2812fps

Am i missing something?

6.5x55 SWEEDISH MAUSER:




6.5x55 SE/ SKAN

 

[Foxyboy43]

Ahah!
What you are seeing is the ongoing confusion of the.6.5x55 Swede/SKAN/SE and the gradual reduction of powder charges over the years by probably all the powder manufacturers, no doubt caused by the litigious environment we (especially our friends across the pond inhabit) to the point that many of the once moderate loads on the most recent web page are now “do not exceed”. I have never been a “big bang” theorist rather my advice is start low as per the website and work up in small .3 gns increments with the initial seating depth at calibre length (.264”) until you get pressure signs or better still find a load recipe you are happy with then perhaps tinker with seating depth. For me and I emphasise yours may be different, with my modern 6.5x55 SE, a moderate 45gns of N160 and a 120gns Prohunter or 130gns TMK with a firm crimp are both incredibly accurate and will drop everything in short order with no fouling/soot etc. The absolute 6.5x55 bonus is that with this load I can see the bullet strike my quarry unlike heavier loads/calibres where recoil throws you off.
Remember to take care but do enjoy the experience.

 

[25 Sharps]

I'm glad you quoted vit. As i'm specifically looking into 120 grain using N160.
The max load for 6.5x55 sweedish mauser is 45.7 achieving 2887fps
The max load for 6.5x55 SE/ 6.5x55 SKAN is 47.4 achieving 2812fps

Am i missing something?

6.5x55 SWEEDISH MAUSER:
View attachment 205645



6.5x55 SE/ SKAN
View attachment 205646

the swedish Mauser is loaded shorter so pressure and velocity could be higher.

As said above, start low, work up don‘t exceed the max

 

[Sonicdmb73]

the swedish Mauser is loaded shorter so pressure and velocity could be higher.

As said above, start low, work up don‘t exceed the max

Where are you looking?
Both loads are the same length according to the above data.
The data differs in the maximum pressure. The SKAN etc is as stated by Vihtavuori for modern actions.
I doubt very much you have to worry about any data (from legitimate sources) in a Blazer or Sauer etc etc.
Just don’t try it in the Krag.

 

[NP435]

Reading never did anyone any good but, reloading did.

If you cant read you darn sure should not reload.

 

[borbal]

I'm glad you quoted vit. As i'm specifically looking into 120 grain using N160.
The max load for 6.5x55 sweedish mauser is 45.7 achieving 2887fps
The max load for 6.5x55 SE/ 6.5x55 SKAN is 47.4 achieving 2812fps

Am i missing something?

6.5x55 SWEEDISH MAUSER:
View attachment 205645



6.5x55 SE/ SKAN
View attachment 205646

 

[25 Sharps]

Where are you looking?
Both loads are the same length according to the above data.
The data differs in the maximum pressure. The SKAN etc is as stated by Vihtavuori for modern actions.
I doubt very much you have to worry about any data (from legitimate sources) in a Blazer or Sauer etc etc.
Just don’t try it in the Krag.

My mistake i looked on the website and looked at the 123 gr scenar.

It does seem odd that the mauser data is faster when the Skan is fired from a Sauer STR200 700 mm barrel, also if you look at the minimum load they both start at 43.8 gr but the mauser is showing 233 fps higher speed from the shorter barrel! Mind you every edition of the data has something quirky between these 2 loadings, i do sometimes wonder if they mix the figures up .

But basic principles remains the same, start at minimum, work up

 

[Sonicdmb73]

My mistake i looked on the website and looked at the 123 gr scenar.

It does seem odd that the mauser data is faster when the Skan is fired from a Sauer STR200 700 mm barrel, also if you look at the minimum load they both start at 43.8 gr but the mauser is showing 233 fps higher speed from the shorter barrel! Mind you every edition of the data has something quirky between these 2 loadings, i do sometimes wonder if they mix the figures up .

But basic principles remains the same, start at minimum, work up

I recall when Vihtavuori did the PDF data sheets. They changed year to year , Vhit said to use the data for the year your powder was made.
There’s certainly confusion around this chambering. But I stand by my comment that if you are using a modern rifle. All the data (powder and bullet manufacturers) should be safe. Subject to the usual precautions.

 

[Sampo]

If you cant read you darn sure should not reload.

Bet you are against using a hammer to tap in the primers as well

 

[borbal]

It does seem odd that the mauser data is faster when the Skan is fired from a Sauer STR200 700 mm barrel,

The STR200 seems to come with three lengths of barrel, 670mm, 700mm and 740mm. The data page states at the top that a 670mm barrel is being used. That rifle seems slow for all the loads on that page, for all the powders. It just shows that there can be quite a lot of rifle-to-rifle variation in muzzle velocity and pressure.

 

[phillips321]

ms to come with three lengths of barrel, 670mm, 700mm and 740mm. The data page states at the top that a 670mm barrel is being used. That rifle seems slow for all the loads on that page, for all the powders. It just shows that there can be quite a lot of rifle-to-rifle variation in muzzle velocity and pressure.The STR200 seems to come with three lengths of barrel, 670mm, 700mm and 740mm. The data page states at the top that a 670mm barrel is being used. That rifle seems slow for all the loads on that page, for all the powders. It just shows that there can be quite a lot of rifle-to-rifle variation in muzzle velocity and pressure.

And this is why i've been a tad confused as to why the SKAN is slower yet is meant to be a hotter round.
Regardless i've loaded up Nielsen Sonic Hunter in my 6.5x55(SE?SKAN?) R93 barrel using 49.5grains of N160 and am getting 2850fps and decent groups so am more than happy with the first results.

 

[borbal]

Ii've loaded up Nielsen Sonic Hunter in my 6.5x55(SE?SKAN?) R93 barrel using 49.5grains of N160 and am getting 2850fps

Barrel length...?

 

[phillips321]

Barrel length...?

It's a factory standard R93 577mm length

 

[Foxyboy43]

My mistake i looked on the website and looked at the 123 gr scenar.

It does seem odd that the mauser data is faster when the Skan is fired from a Sauer STR200 700 mm barrel, also if you look at the minimum load they both start at 43.8 gr but the mauser is showing 233 fps higher speed from the shorter barrel! Mind you every edition of the data has something quirky between these 2 loadings, i do sometimes wonder if they mix the figures up .

But basic principles remains the same, start at minimum, work up

When I first bought my 6.5x55 SE some years ago I too found it confusing as hell especially when reference was made to “the Swede”. Sure people said the swede was the old military version and so loads were lighter, great until you looked at different manufacturer’s data (many of which didn’t differentiate and only gave data for the singleton 6.5x55 aka Swede) and found that quite often the opposite was the case. After a lot of faffing about and having finally settled on Viht N160 I started with the SE/SKAN data and forevermore ignored the swede loads though every now and again i.e. when Viht releases their new data I do have a look but ignore it. Soooo - as before start with SE/SKAN data, ignore military/swede data, start low, work up slowly until you find your niche load, bullet and COAL then crimp, relax and start shooting. Personally I love the 6.5x55 - it lies very close to my beloved 222 and possibly, just possibly, shades my 308. Who would have thought it?