Reloading Manual recommendations for a modern 6.5 x 55 rifle.

[Dave L]

Hi, possibly a silly question but can anybody recommend a manual for reloading 6.5 x 55 ammunition?

there are many on the market and I know in theory they should all roughly be the same, but I believe some have reduced SAAMI loading figures to cater for the old military rifles chambered in this calibre. I have a new rifle and while I'm not looking to push any limits, I don't want to be restricted unnecessarily and would like access to information relating to loads suitable for use in a stronger modern rifle.

If anybody could point me in the right direction (or rule out a few) then I would be grateful.

Thanks

 

[Woodsmoke]

The Lee 'Modern Reloading' 2nd Edition has 5 pages of 6.5 x 55 loads if that's any help to you

 

[takbok]

I think that you'll find most of the load data for 6.5x55 is limited to 55000psi.

The exception AFAIK is the Vihtavuori 6.5x55 SKAN data:

http://www.vihtavuori.com/en/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/6-5-x-55-swedish-mauser--skan.html

I would only buy a reloading manual if you don't already have one. There is plenty of good reloading data from the powder (and some bullet) manufacturers online.

 

[Laurie]

I think that you'll find most of the load data for 6.5x55 is limited to 55000psi.

The exception AFAIK is the Vihtavuori 6.5x55 SKAN data:

http://www.vihtavuori.com/en/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/6-5-x-55-swedish-mauser--skan.html

I would only buy a reloading manual if you don't already have one. There is plenty of good reloading data from the powder (and some bullet) manufacturers online.

You've got that one step out. The SKAN specs (for modern rifles in good condition only) is 380 Mpa = 55,114 psi using Piezo crystal measurement. Swedish M/39 ammo was loaded to just over 50,000 psi and some earlier and other countries' versions are lower at around 42,000-45,000 psi, but Swedish service rifles were proof-tested with a load generating nearly 70,000 psi. Lapua factory match ammo appears to be loaded to the full SKAN MAP, and I'd be pretty certain that applies to Norma sporting products.

The older / lower (42,000-45,000 psi level) is what is today recommended for loads to be used in historic arms including the Swedish M1894/96 and M1938 rifles or even less for Norwegian Krags. US SAAMI recommends a maximum (average) of 46,000 CUP using the old copper crusher measuring system which likely equates to 50,000 psi in modern transducer methods. However, chronographing American sporting ammo suggests that most firms load it nowhere near as high, and at least one I've tried must have only been in the mid 30,000s of psi - it also had an ES of nearly 120 fps suggesting under-pressure = inconsistent charge burn.

The reason for the lower SAAMI level and low factory loadings are concern for legal liability in the event of an old rifle in poor condition blowing up, in particular the single-lug Krag action rifles. Likewise, much older handloading manual data are geared to old rifles and loads and were even tested in short-barrel M1894 Swedish Mauser cavalry carbines many thousands of of which were imported into the USA in the 60s and early 70s. As well as being popular with service rifle collectors, they saw a lot of use as 'instant / dirt cheap deer guns' thanks to their short length. Some older US manuals likely use around 40,000 psi max, some the 46,000 CUP SAAMI limit (with warnings about use in modern rifles), and few if any the modern SKAN data. Viht is the only source I've seen that definitely goes that high.

In practice, in a strong modern rifle and with Lapua or Norma brass in good condition, 55,114 psi is still on the low side, so there is a huge safety margin for this cartridge.

 

[takbok]

Sorry, didn't research it well enough! Cheers, Laurie.

 

[Dave L]

The Lee 'Modern Reloading' 2nd Edition has 5 pages of 6.5 x 55 loads if that's any help to you

Thanks for the quick respose Woodsmoke. Thats the sort of feedback I was after, you cant after all pick one up at WH Smith and have a flick through to see whats in there and at £25 upwards its worth getting the right one.
Thanks

 

[Dave L]

I think that you'll find most of the load data for 6.5x55 is limited to 55000psi.

The exception AFAIK is the Vihtavuori 6.5x55 SKAN data:

http://www.vihtavuori.com/en/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/6-5-x-55-swedish-mauser--skan.html


I would only buy a reloading manual if you don't already have one. There is plenty of good reloading data from the powder (and some bullet) manufacturers online.

I like that excellent link you posted to the Vihtavuori site and it's a sensible suggestion to see what info is available on the tinter'web. Will use that as a starting point, just hope my local gun smith stocks Vihtavuori.

Many thanks

 

[Dave L]

You've got that one step out. The SKAN specs (for modern rifles in good condition only) is 380 Mpa = 55,114 psi using Piezo crystal measurement. Swedish M/39 ammo was loaded to just over 50,000 psi and some earlier and other countries' versions are lower at around 42,000-45,000 psi, but Swedish service rifles were proof-tested with a load generating nearly 70,000 psi. Lapua factory match ammo appears to be loaded to the full SKAN MAP, and I'd be pretty certain that applies to Norma sporting products.

The older / lower (42,000-45,000 psi level) is what is today recommended for loads to be used in historic arms including the Swedish M1894/96 and M1938 rifles or even less for Norwegian Krags. US SAAMI recommends a maximum (average) of 46,000 CUP using the old copper crusher measuring system which likely equates to 50,000 psi in modern transducer methods. However, chronographing American sporting ammo suggests that most firms load it nowhere near as high, and at least one I've tried must have only been in the mid 30,000s of psi - it also had an ES of nearly 120 fps suggesting under-pressure = inconsistent charge burn.

The reason for the lower SAAMI level and low factory loadings are concern for legal liability in the event of an old rifle in poor condition blowing up, in particular the single-lug Krag action rifles. Likewise, much older handloading manual data are geared to old rifles and loads and were even tested in short-barrel M1894 Swedish Mauser cavalry carbines many thousands of of which were imported into the USA in the 60s and early 70s. As well as being popular with service rifle collectors, they saw a lot of use as 'instant / dirt cheap deer guns' thanks to their short length. Some older US manuals likely use around 40,000 psi max, some the 46,000 CUP SAAMI limit (with warnings about use in modern rifles), and few if any the modern SKAN data. Viht is the only source I've seen that definitely goes that high.

In practice, in a strong modern rifle and with Lapua or Norma brass in good condition, 55,114 psi is still on the low side, so there is a huge safety margin for this cartridge.

You obviouly know your stuff. I'll take from this that the American Reloading Manuals are conservative in most cases to avoid legal action . Im not looking to push boundaries as already stated, but as the manuals are not cheep, just wanted to be have the best options for this calibre. I apreciate the time you took to respond and the background detail is good to know.
Cheers

 

[Dave L]

Sorry, didn't research it well enough! Cheers, Laurie.

Dont apologise takbok, Laurie obviously mistook me for someone who new what he was doing. Thats clearly not the case and I was lost early on
.

 

[Woodsmoke]

at £25 upwards its worth getting the right one.
Thanks

You bet I use the Lee manual myself for my.270 and 22-250.

It gives you dozens of loads for all the recommended powders, as well as bullet weights

 

[25 Sharps]

I like that excellent link you posted to the Vihtavuori site and it's a sensible suggestion to see what info is available on the tinter'web. Will use that as a starting point, just hope my local gun smith stocks Vihtavuori.

Many thanks

I think that you'll find most of the load data for 6.5x55 is limited to 55000psi.

The exception AFAIK is the Vihtavuori 6.5x55 SKAN data:

http://www.vihtavuori.com/en/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/6-5-x-55-swedish-mauser--skan.html

I would only buy a reloading manual if you don't already have one. There is plenty of good reloading data from the powder (and some bullet) manufacturers online.

If you don't have a manual / already load other calibres then it is well worth buying one as the background info is very useful but as has been said above there are some good online sources for actual load data.

I tend to get data from the Viht site above (using SKAN data in my CZ), the Nosler site http://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/65x55-swedish-mauser/ and the hodgdon site http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle - these give up to date data and allow comparsion for similar bullets.

I've had a lot of success with my swede with Viht powders, N140 for 100 gr bullets (its a bit quick but I use it for other calibres so buy in bulk and the load works) N160 for 120 gr bullets and N560 for 140 gr bullets, though N160 would work for all of these.

 

[Orvil]

I got a load recommendation from a contact on the accurate reloader site years ago for the 6.5x55. It was 44 gr of H4350 behind a 140 whatever loaded between 3.1 and 3.15" OAL. Bloody superb load. I've subsequently tried Viht (all of them) and just couldn;t get the same performance as the Hodgdon recipe. It was either too hot or failed to obdurate and any savings I could have made were quickly mullered by the stacks of half used powder tubs on the shelf. Not saying that Viht doesn't work with the 6.5x55, just that it didn't work for me. I've chatted with a number of other 6.5x55 shooters and they've come to the same conclusion. Admittedly, they've all been Tikka's... pattern forming me thinks

 

[Nocrimp]

Will take a look in the Berger manual to see what it says.

 

[Nocrimp]

I hecked the Speer and Berger manuals and they only list velocities and not pressures.

 

[Dave L]

Thanks to all those that have replied. I'm very grateful for the info on the manuals and also the personal loads data recommendations. If I can get hold of H4350 or N160, it would be a good place to start. I don't have any manuals at present and believe they are worth getting for the broader information contained. It looks like the specific load data details are available on a number of good online sites that I have now been made aware of. I'll be passing Sportsmans (Exeter) in a few weeks and will see if I can have a look through a few of the well known manuals.
Cheers.

 

[takbok]

A good link to lots of manufacturers load data. I particulary like the layout of the Sierra data, although velocities are only a vey rough guide.

http://m-b-r.co.uk/HTML/CalibreRelaodingInfo.php

 

[Nocrimp]

Also, take a look at the Reload Swiss powders and their website lists both their own and their customers loads.

They have some excellent powders that give high velocity with controlled pressure and becomming more generally available than the Vihtavuori powders.

Suggest you look at RS52, RS60 and RS62

 

[Dorsettaff]

Also, take a look at the Reload Swiss powders and their website lists both their own and their customers loads.

They have some excellent powders that give high velocity with controlled pressure and becomming more generally available than the Vihtavuori powders.

Suggest you look at RS52, RS60 and RS62

and RS70 !! Very good with 140 grain bullets! Load in the region of 46-47 grains

 

[cambsman]

I have found that Viht 160 is superb for 140grn but had to switch to Viht150 for 120 grn.

 

[jackfish]

Running Sierra Pro-Hunter 120's over 50.5g of N160 & getting 3040fps, has dropped Roe, Red & Sika on the spot over the last couple of weeks, yes that's right "No Runners"! Accurate as sin too!

That load was taken from the Lee 2nd edition manual.