6.5 x 55 140gr Partition N150

Woodlander

Well-Known Member
I have a couple of KG of N150 which I use with 120gr Sierra Matchking for practice and targets. I have an accurate load of around 41gr.

I have a box of 140gr Nosler Partition, for when the opportunity arises. I know N160 would be more suited to the 140s, but will N150 get them up to speed. It’s a T3 with 20” barrel.
Thanks
 
I have a couple of KG of N150 which I use with 120gr Sierra Matchking for practice and targets. I have an accurate load of around 41gr.

I have a box of 140gr Nosler Partition, for when the opportunity arises. I know N160 would be more suited to the 140s, but will N150 get them up to speed. It’s a T3 with 20” barrel.
Thanks
Can be done according to GRT, (thanks Gordon, RIP :-/ ) , but neither case fill, nor speed, looks premier, i'd suggest. Burn rate looks good though.Skærmbillede 2026-01-05 163731.png
 
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Good afternoon, my nosler manual 6 says n150 start 32.5 up to 36.5. the accurate load they found was 34.5 grs hope this helps.
 
Good afternoon, my nosler manual 6 says n150 start 32.5 up to 36.5. the accurate load they found was 34.5 grs hope this helps.
hello buddy, may i ask if it is an american (saami max pressure) manual or a european (CIP) one? To the TS, please be aware that the reloading projection i uploaded has a max pressure of 55.114. psi set in it's data.
 
the manual is sold in the uk but is printed in usa. no working pressure given only velocities from the test rifle .
 
Thank you very much for that.
As said, velocity not great but energy at over 2k ft/lb is better than expected.
I’ll load a few up together the suggested 34.5gr accurate load and see how it is.
Cheers
 
Thank you very much for that.
As said, velocity not great but energy at over 2k ft/lb is better than expected.
I’ll load a few up together the suggested 34.5gr accurate load and see how it is.
Cheers
you're welcome mate :) i've also posted some data from xxlreloading above 👍 :) Please do note, that the circa 2000 ft-lbs projectile energy cited in the GRT projection, is with the projected max of 41,39 grn of N150.If you plot the suggested Nosler loads into GRT it provides the following: Skærmbillede 2026-01-05 182801.png
And that looks quite slow and lethargic for a 6.5x55, even with 140 grns in a short barrel. And isnt a case fill above 80% what is typicially recomended ?
I am no master reloader though, so i hope someone more experienced will chip in here. Maybe someone like @Heym SR20 or @Muir or @Bavarianbrit 👍
 
I would be looking for a slower powder for >120 grains in 6.5x55. Like N160/165 or N204/MRP.
I hear you buddy, but He's shooting it out of a 20" barrel though, will the slower powders have time to burn close enough to completion?
 
I hear you buddy, but He's shooting it out of a 20" barrel though, will the slower powders have time to burn close enough to completion?
No, they won't give a 100% burn with a 140gr projectile, but close to. Take your pick from below
For a 20" barrel using a 140gr projectile running the numbers through Pmax:
NorN204 max load (55,328psi) will give a 94% fill, MV of 2642fps, burns 97% of powder.
Vit N160 max load (55,076psi) will give a 94% fill, MV of 2577fps, burns 97% of powder.
Vit N150 max load (55261psi) will give a 84% fill, MV of 2499fps, burns 99% of powder.

These figures were based on using a Lapua case and Usable case capacity with the bullet seated. Other Ballistic programmes may give different results.
 
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