6.5 CM with Viht N550........any recipes?

[Scapegoat]

So, a bit of an update. The ELDX have been loaded up and are ready for the beginning of next month. Fine for deer at stalking distances.

A mate suggested trying some Norma URP, as news was that it is likely to give slightly better velocities to exploit the long range potential of the round. I treated myself to a half kilo and a box of 140 gr ELD Match.

Hornady data for the A Max starts at 37.5 gr and tops out at 41.7 grains. As I was looking for velocities in excess of 2600 I started towards the top and loaded some at 40.2, 40.7, 41.2 and 41.7.

Loaded in Hornady cases, once fired and trimmed to length, CCI 200 primers, seating depth 20 thou from touching (Cartridge Base to Ogive of 2.280") the chrono shows the following:

40.2 2453
40.7 2520
41.2 2626
41.7 2655

The 41.7 gr gave the tightest group, although conditions weren't ideal- 0.49 MOA, so something to work on there. No pressure signs at the highest load, so I've put some more together and have a range day early next month to put them through their paces. Looks promising.

 

[Roonster]

I found I could get higher MVs from N160 than N150, in the 136-140grn bullet bracket. I personally think N150 is a little fast for 6.5CM, and I've found that with N150 I run into pressure signs long before I realise the cases full potential. I suspect that if N155 existed, it would be ideal for 6.5CM. Because you're using more kernels with N160, your tolerance has a lesser effect on the overall charge which is a benefit to overall consistency.

RS62 also works well, and whilst I've had good results from N550, I prefer to avoid double-base powders where possible.

All of that being said, I've seen a vast difference when developing for different 6.5CM rifles. Even between a Tikka T3x TAC A1 and a RPR which both had 24" cold hammer forged barrels.

You really need to experiment to find out what works best with your barrel – but hey, that's half the fun?

 

[Scapegoat]

I found I could get higher MVs from N160 than N150, in the 136-140grn bullet bracket. I personally think N150 is a little fast for 6.5CM, and I've found that with N150 I run into pressure signs long before I realise the cases full potential. I suspect that if N155 existed, it would be ideal for 6.5CM. Because you're using more kernels with N160, your tolerance has a lesser effect on the overall charge which is a benefit to overall consistency.

RS62 also works well, and whilst I've had good results from N550, I prefer to avoid double-base powders where possible.

All of that being said, I've seen a vast difference when developing for different 6.5CM rifles. Even between a Tikka T3x TAC A1 and a RPR which both had 24" cold hammer forged barrels.

You really need to experiment to find out what works best with your barrel – but hey, that's half the fun?

The ELD x at 2450 fps were supremely accurate, 1/4MOA or thereabouts, and strike me as a good round for woodland stalking. I've yet to get out with the faster URP charged ELD Ms and shoot them at 100 or further. Should find out over the next few days.

 

[Roonster]

The ELD x at 2450 fps were supremely accurate, 1/4MOA or thereabouts, and strike me as a good round for woodland stalking. I've yet to get out with the faster URP charged ELD Ms and shoot them at 100 or further. Should find out over the next few days.

I'd be interest to hear how you get on.

 

[david1]

Just stumbled on this, I'm developing a load just now using N550, Just carried out some speed tests today using the 10-shot load development process, Honaday ELDX 143 gr COAL 2.900". Below are my speeds.
Sako 85 1:8 twist and 20" barrel.

 

[Deermanagement]

I could not get a good load with N550 and stared using RS62 instead.

Much better with little effort. RS60 is quite hot and may be a barrel burner.

If you look at the reload swiss website you will find some load data. If you click “customer
Data” you get more results.

I also went with RS62 over RS60, less barrel wear with a lower velocity. Reload Swiss gave custom data for my rifle cartridge combination and resulted in excellent accuracy with 130g Accubonds

 

[Blobby159]

I believe Viht. N550 is used by competition reloaders in Sweden/Norway for their 6.5x55Swede as it gives both good (though not top) velocities whilst giving excellent accuracy characteristics.. I have tried N560 and have gotten excellent velocities, but the accuracy was not fully up to scratch, so maybe I should read my own advice and go buy some N550.. But having to buy a flippin' KILO of it @ around £92+ per unit is a bit of an ask if it turns out NOT to suit MY reloads/rifle...

ATB ..... and shoot safely

 

[Tikka CTR yummie]

Just stumbled on this, I'm developing a load just now using N550, Just carried out some speed tests today using the 10-shot load development process, Honaday ELDX 143 gr COAL 2.900". Below are my speeds.
Sako 85 1:8 twist and 20" barrel.

Hi David, found you at last. I am Alastair, the bloke who bought your rifle. How's the Sako going? Can you please repeat the load data for the Tikka. Mostly need the overall length. I remember 41.3 N550 143 ELD. Did yo ever try 140 bullets?

 

[david1]

Hi David, found you at last. I am Alastair, the bloke who bought your rifle. How's the Sako going? Can you please repeat the load data for the Tikka. Mostly need the overall length. I remember 41.3 N550 143 ELD. Did yo ever try 140 bullets?

Hello Alastair,

I have attached a screenshot Bellow, how's it going?

 

[Tikka CTR yummie]

Hello Alastair,

I have attached a screenshot Bellow, how's it going?

Thanks David. How's your rifle going? Run in yet. No not used the Tikka yet. In Hibernia on holiday with the 9th Legion....lol

 

[Tikka CTR yummie]

Hi David, found you at last. I am Alastair, the bloke who bought your rifle. How's the Sako going? Can you please repeat the load data for the Tikka. Mostly need the overall length. I remember 41.3 N550 143 ELD. Did yo ever try 140 bullets?

Send a pic of your new toy

 

[david1]

Send a pic of your new toy

Hello Alastair,

I have attached a photo of the Black Wolf.

 

[Tikka CTR yummie]

Hello Alastair,

I have attached a photo of the Black Wolf.

What a beast. The scope is???? Looks nice

 

[david1]

What a beast. The scope is???? Looks nice

Hello Alastair,

That's my Minox ZP5. 5x24x56 with a 34mm tube, the same scope I had on the CTR Creedmoor, it's now on the Black Wolf Creedmoor. It's a fantastic scope so easy to use and fantastic warranty from Minox.

 

[Tikka CTR yummie]

So, a bit of an update. The ELDX have been loaded up and are ready for the beginning of next month. Fine for deer at stalking distances.

A mate suggested trying some Norma URP, as news was that it is likely to give slightly better velocities to exploit the long range potential of the round. I treated myself to a half kilo and a box of 140 gr ELD Match.

Hornady data for the A Max starts at 37.5 gr and tops out at 41.7 grains. As I was looking for velocities in excess of 2600 I started towards the top and loaded some at 40.2, 40.7, 41.2 and 41.7.

Loaded in Hornady cases, once fired and trimmed to length, CCI 200 primers, seating depth 20 thou from touching (Cartridge Base to Ogive of 2.280") the chrono shows the following:

40.2 2453
40.7 2520
41.2 2626
41.7 2655

The 41.7 gr gave the tightest group, although conditions weren't ideal- 0.49 MOA, so something to work on there. No pressure signs at the highest load, so I've put some more together and have a range day early next month to put them through their paces. Looks promising.

Hello Alastair,

That's my Minox ZP5. 5x24x56 with a 34mm tube, the same scope I had on the CTR Creedmoor, it's now on the Black Wolf Creedmoor. It's a fantastic scope so easy to use and fantastic warranty from Minox.

Looks good. Have you taken anything yet or is it a no-no during the winter?

 

[david1]

Looks good. Have you taken anything yet or is it a no-no during the winter?

Still in the process of testing with different charges for the best speed etc, maybe PM me as we're taking over the guys thread, Oops sorry, talking nonsense Lol.

 

[jarredsc]

Hello Alastair,

That's my Minox ZP5. 5x24x56 with a 34mm tube, the same scope I had on the CTR Creedmoor, it's now on the Black Wolf Creedmoor. It's a fantastic scope so easy to use and fantastic warranty from Minox.

is it the mr5 ret

 

[Tikka CTR yummie]

Still in the process of testing with different charges for the best speed etc, maybe PM me as we're taking over the guys thread, Oops sorry, talking nonsense Lol.

Hi, how's it going with your new rifle. The Tikka is great but haven't shot it much; c/o the Chinese.