6.5x55 load development

[Jelen]

i have double checked their website and they claim the twist rate for that model and calibre is 1 in 220mm or 8.7" effectively 1:9, does anyone else have one that can verify this? as i measured it with a cleaning rod and nylon brush (not saying my method is not infallible) and it came out 1:11"???

I suggest the Sauer web site should be a reliable indication that the twist rate is 8.7", pretty standard for a 6.5x55 barrel.

 

[Acm]

Am I missing something? When you say “loads” do you mean bullets or that you use them very often - as in “lots”?

I meant the former

 

[JamesH]

Sauer 202 here and 8.7” twist. 24” barrel N560 works fine, N555 would be ideal if I could find any. 120-140gr Matchking, Prohunters and RWS DK are my choices. All very easily sub moa and good groups are 0.5moa. c.49-50 gr N560.

 

[stevenedwards]

i have double checked their website and they claim the twist rate for that model and calibre is 1 in 220mm or 8.7" effectively 1:9, does anyone else have one that can verify this? as i measured it with a cleaning rod and nylon brush (not saying my method is not infallible) and it came out 1:11"???

1 in 220 is the right ball park all the blaser, sauer and mauser group 6.5's are this twist except the PRC or were until very recently. creedmore now 1:8 at last

 

[6.5-06 TIKKA]

I have a sako 75 and use 140gr sierra gamekling or Sierra 120gr prohunters.
You can use a free reloading app such as vitavuhri for like weight bullets too and start with a little less powder for safety...hope this helps

 

[Utectok]

Yew tree tlr and n555 is my go to combination. I think as pointed out your barrel won’t be 1.11.

 

[fryer]

I load 140g SST hornady head for my sauer 202

1/8.5 twist
24 inch barrel
Fed primers
46.6g N160
Lapua brass
2770fps

Shoots sub moa groups from 100 well beyond 1000yds
Been very affective on deer

 

[Hoppy]

Tight ish fitting patch or brass brush is the only way I have found to be consistently accurate measuring twist. Nylon brushes just don't offer enough resistance to follow the rifling in my experience.

My Sauer 202 does quite well with 129 SST's over N550 iirc (because that's what I had at the time) although I would probably go with N160 if starting a new load. I did try some 95 VMAX they were accurate but no idea on Deer as I only tested a few for accuracy. The 129's were a bit savage on CWD, not my first choice but my Lad borrowed my rifle. The 222 I suggested he use was not to his liking so. They were dead on the spot but weren't going to a game dealer if you get my drift.
I get Half MOA out to 300ys not tested further

thanks, started panicking that i had a very slow twist rate!

 

[Hoppy]

I load 140g SST hornady head for my sauer 202

1/8.5 twist
24 inch barrel
Fed primers
46.6g N160
Lapua brass
2770fps

Shoots sub moa groups from 100 well beyond 1000yds
Been very affective on deer

thats great thanks

 

[big ears]

If it’s lead then 140gr sierra game king. If it’s copper either the yewteees or the virtus ospreys

 

[Zim88]

That would be a normal twist, it would be pretty unlikely for it to be a 1:11 by mistake as I doubt many 1:11 6.5 barrels are made. A tight fitting jag may give a different result as the nylon rush may be slipping slightly and giving you a fals reading.

In all honesty, if it is I would send it back!

How’s it guys I have a Sako 85 and it’s a 1-8 it’s a standard twist in sako but it should tell you on the barrel.

 

[Selous]

1 in 220 is the right ball park all the blaser, sauer and mauser group 6.5's are this twist except the PRC or were until very recently. creedmore now 1:8 at last

This is correct, the Sauer/Blaser group all use hammer forged barrels so the twist rate cannot be varied from that of the mandrel that the rifling is formed around. The twist rate will be as recorded on the Sauer chart.

 

[jthyttin]

And pulling isn't the right way of measuring RH twist. The brush, jag or whatever has a tendency of loosening.

 

[muddy216]

N555 and 127gr lrx never had any issues