6.5 mm 123 gr FOX 6.5×55, 6.5×57, 6.5×57R

[WildBoarHunter]

Hi everyone.
I have a 6.5×57 coming in. I have had very good results using factory loaded 123 gr FOX ammunition in 6.5×55. Now thinking of making a similar load for 6.5×57 and 6.5×57R since these are not factory loaded. In order to be legal it would need to be close to 2500 J at 100 m. In order to reach that energy, it would have to fly with about 870 m/s at the muzzle. Which would duplicate the factory load. All three are similar so I could probably get away with the same load. Except for the rimmed one for which I know it should be loaded 10% less. To make up for that, the barrel is 26 inch long.
Which powder would you recommend? Would N150 do the trick? Or do I need to go N550 or even N560. Are that kinds of speeds even achievable in these cals, considering the barrel length of the 6.5×57 will be just 20 inch and the rimmed one being loaded less and stuff?

The Fox official data lists only N550 and N560 but no speed or energy of these loads. Does anyone know how are 6.5×55 factory 123 gr loaded.

Barrel lengths:
6.5×55 22 barrel
6.5×57 20 barrel
6.5×57R 26 barrel

 

[big ears]

20” barrels I use RL17 or RS60 (same stuff). In 6.5x55 works a treat with 123gr Fox this gives MV of 2850 in my tikka which is close to what you quote.
Think this be why they recommend the N500 series.
N150 will potentially work but might be nearer 2800fps which is a tad slower than you quote.
give it a go and see. Remember accuracy kills more than speed.
Also ask Ed from Edinburgh rifles. He will usually be able to help.

 

[Davee]

I was originally told that +-42grns N550 is the best. However ran out and tried N150, 40.5Grns at 2851 produced better groups -24" barrel -75.5mm COL. Same load in 22" barrel would give +-2800.
6.5x57 Mauser approx 43.5grns for the same speed
6.5x57R approx 41grn
All of these are rather HOT so start low and work up.
Best group -18mm 5 shot @100m- I had was with RS62 44.1grn at 2698 but you usable range will be shortened to give sufficient IV.

 

[WildBoarHunter]

I was originally told that +-42grns N550 is the best. However ran out and tried N150, 40.5Grns at 2851 produced better groups -24" barrel -75.5mm COL. Same load in 22" barrel would give +-2800.
6.5x57 Mauser approx 43.5grns for the same speed
6.5x57R approx 41grn
All of these are rather HOT so start low and work up.
Best group -18mm 5 shot @100m- I had was with RS62 44.1grn at 2698 but you usable range will be shortened to give sufficient IV.

I'm afraid I only have access to Vihtavuori powders right now. Davee, about 43.5 grns 6.5×57 and 41 grns 6.5×57R, are these load data for N150 or N550.

 

[Davee]

Hi
Sorry, all are for N150.