6.5x55 sooty cases N160 very late follow up

[1894]

That's a very interesting post.. Clearly I still have a lot to learn as I hadn't examined the shoulders and looked at them like that. Thank you for your insight.

Thanks - however like all internet advice use it to cross reference printed information and take it with a pinch of salt

 

[Donkey Basher]

Do you have a moderator fitted?? If so take it off & try firing a few shots without it.

I know it may sound daft but sooty cases can be caused when rounds are chambered without the barrel being completely clear of 'smoke' from the previous round, which is often the case when using a moderator.

 

[smokey]

Hi Guys,

I posted way back prior to the 1st lock down regarding very sooty cases with N160 with 120 gr Pro-hunters #1720 in new but old shop stock Norma cases. All load regardless of charge 1/2 crimped. Col between 3.00 and 3.03
Due to the differing load data being so varied and warning not to relying on advice offered on Quickload for N160. I started with the lower published data which fitted in the other threads regarding N160. ( 43.8 a 45.7gr)

Well I just produced soot,soot and more soot. ( used CCI and Sellier Bellot primers with same result) So I followed some advice from here and in keeping with the Lee modern reloading manual stating max load of 50.7gr. I worked my way up toward this to see if the sooting stopped. At 48.9 gr had 1 clean case and 2 sooty. I got 3 clean cases at 49.4grs see attached photo ( hopefully). The accuracy of the last few sooty loads and last was very good but the felt recoil went up noticeably ( maybe just my perception after firing numerous loads) the bolt was not stiff and looking at the cases I don't think they look like a hot load. However I have not progressed anymore as wondering.

1) looking at old threads so many stated they had good results around mid 45grs. Any suggestion why my results differ so much ?
2) wonder if 49.4gr will cause excessive meat damage ( I know there's one way to find by testing). I don't have a chronograph and don't think it's on my Xmas list.

As a addition when I have used the kinetic hammer to unload some of the cartridges I found the bullet dislodges relatively easily, same in a test with a loaded Federal case.. using Lee pacesetter die set.

So before I going ahead and re zeroing the rifle and see I'd just thought I'd ask you guys for your views please.

Thanks

I have had the same problem with both 6.5x55 and 6.5x57 in my Sauer 202 it is down to the case obturation i think i have spelt it correct
You have to ensure the case is correctly resized and the neck tension is adequate generally the Sauer are chambered for heavier bullets ,and we tend to use a little lighter bullets

 

[charlieboy-shooter]

Smokey.
I have some Sierra 140gr Gameking with the RFD, just need to collect so maybe these will be better.
I also have a fair bit of H380 left so may we’ll try that with 120gr at some point.

 

[David78b]

I have the same problem and thought it might be headspace, resizing die not set correctly

 

[tom308w]

Up the powder charge that will stop it

 

[AN DU RU FOX]

as above