Reloading 6.5x55 143gr Eld-x

[Roebuck243]

Hi going to be trying to load some of the 143gr eld-x shortly . I’m using Vit N160 powder.

Currently shooting 129gr SST and haven’t really had any problems with them at all, but a mate swears by the 143gr Eldx .
Anyway has anyone loaded any for the 55 with N160 and what was your thoughts and what speed etc .

 

[Sako6.5x55]

N160 - 44g, 2700fps with no signs of over pressure, I always found it a bit aggressive. My new go to is Winchester StaBALL 45g, 2733fps, this is very stable and very forgiving when re-loading, I found it to be accurate with more or less powder, so offers a big window for error when reloading, doesn’t seem to gain any speed with more than 45g. I load same loads for 2 - 6.5x55s, same load same bullet length, both shoot 1/2 moa out to 500yds. 143gr ELD-X is excellent it performs exactly like the 140gr ELD-M.

 

[Roebuck243]

Thanks Sako great info there. Yeah I do really like this 6.5x55 I see know reason to change at min .
Tikka rifle and virtually shoots anything with superb tight groups . Nice recoil too and a pleasure to use.
I was on 46.2 of N160 with the 129gr not sure on speed tho .
But want to start pushing distances a little so that’s how I’ve come up with the 143gr Eldx.
Staball - that’s not something I’ve used before but see Kranks have some in so I’ve reserved a tub to try .
I’m usuing Lapua cases and Remington primers so I’ll see how the new powder is.

 

[Buggadifino]

N160 - 44g, 2700fps with no signs of over pressure, I always found it a bit aggressive. My new go to is Winchester StaBALL 45g, 2733fps, this is very stable and very forgiving when re-loading, I found it to be accurate with more or less powder, so offers a big window for error when reloading, doesn’t seem to gain any speed with more than 45g. I load same loads for 2 - 6.5x55s, same load same bullet length, both shoot 1/2 moa out to 500yds. 143gr ELD-X is excellent it performs exactly like the 140gr ELD-M

Is that StaBall 6.5? Just wanted to check as there a couple of options and assumptions can be problematic

 

[Sako6.5x55]

Yes, it’s StaBALL 6.5, I’ve used all sorts of powders in the past, more recently Lovex SO70 which was excellent but its shortcoming was limited speed, the difference for me between the two is 12 inches at 500 yards, I find that with the StaBALL 6.5 regardless of powder load groups are all consistently good, I just chose a speed I was comfortable with and tuned it around that to get a round that is sub 1/2” MOA in two separate rifles.