If you check out the Viht site showing loading data, I think the 6.5 x55 Skan is the only calibre ( that i have come across) showing 3 different barrel lengths, starting at 670mm (tad over 26inch, going up to 740mm nearly 30 inch) It shows it is used often as a target round in European competitions where here in the UK we have used 308, however recently going for 6.5 x47 lap and 6.5 creedmore . Mine is a 26inch varmint Sauer and its probably the most accurate rifle i have.
Powder Advice for 6.5x55
- Thread starter scrumbag
- Start date
Andy seatrout
Well-Known Member
I’ve a 6.5 x 55 and use RS60- being the only powder I could lay my hands on at the time, even though N555 was on my list to try…..
I’m using a sako 85 finnlight…. Barrel is only 22.44 inches long….. is it worth trying another powder now there’s some better availability?
I’m usually shooting copper nosler e tip in 120gr and Hornady SST in 129 and 140gr….my results are ok for stalking but would probably class as worse than average for target shooting…. I can get faster speeds with no pressure sign than factory, but the consistency is 10-15fps more variable.
6.5 x 55 factory rounds seem hard to find tbh…. With a view that practice makes dead deer I like to fire off 50 to 100 rounds a month…. Though only through the autumn / winter…. Just about to start a few evenings reloading …
I’m using a sako 85 finnlight…. Barrel is only 22.44 inches long….. is it worth trying another powder now there’s some better availability?
I’m usually shooting copper nosler e tip in 120gr and Hornady SST in 129 and 140gr….my results are ok for stalking but would probably class as worse than average for target shooting…. I can get faster speeds with no pressure sign than factory, but the consistency is 10-15fps more variable.
6.5 x 55 factory rounds seem hard to find tbh…. With a view that practice makes dead deer I like to fire off 50 to 100 rounds a month…. Though only through the autumn / winter…. Just about to start a few evenings reloading …
If you got any H4350 tucked away, that's THE stuff to use with a Nosler 120g BT. At 2800fps it's a great load. I've other good loads in 140g bullets, SST and Nosler BT with both N160 and RL22. I've found the RL22 send them a tad faster than the N160 at just under 2700 and half-inch groups. The rifle is an std R8 so 23" barrel, I think.
cjs
cjs
Last edited:
+1 H4350 43.9 with 140gr SST .527" (Tikka T3X 22.4")
I have some RL22 and would to test some loads. Can you share your RL22 with 140 SST load?
big ears
Well-Known Member
But he has a 20” barrel. These are too slow for consistency in a short barrel.
Yes the Op has. Not sure what CJS66 has though. Didn't mean to hijack the thread but I am interested in hearing his RL22 loads with the SSTs.
Foxyboy43
Well-Known Member
120gns Sierra Prohunters and viht N160 are a great combination which I have used ever since buying my 6.5x55SE Steyr Mannlicher. More recently Sierra 130gns Gamechangers (green tip) and N160 have proved to be very accurate and hard hitting too. I load both long and do not not drive them superfast instead preferring a moderate powder load and always applying a firm crimp.
Is there a Sierra bullet that ever shoots bad?120gns Sierra Prohunters and viht N160 are a great combination which I have used ever since buying my 6.5x55SE Steyr Mannlicher. More recently Sierra 130gns Gamechangers (green tip) and N160 have proved to be very accurate and hard hitting too. I load both long and do not not drive them superfast instead preferring a moderate powder load and always applying a firm crimp.
Foxyboy43
Well-Known Member
Tried to find one for years out of my .222, 6.5x55SE, .308s, 7.62x54Rs and even 8mm but darn it I have never found one yet!
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