Thread: 6.5x55 Load info

I have just worked up a load for my ruger hawkeye 6.5x55, ended up at 44.5gr of 2209 this is with 147gr ELD-M's, I tried hotter loads but the accuracy was deteriorating. I went to 46 grns with no preassure signs. Hornady brass and federal primers. Very accurate so far.

Also when using the ELD-M the seating die needed to be modified otherwise it crushed the tip and bent it to one side, I just drilled it deeper then polished it out until it had accuracy d nice concentric seating on the jacket of the bullet not the tip.

Yeah my several 55’s over the years all liked 2209 2213sc is also worth a go
If you have a modern gun don’t be afraid to try slightly over recommended loads work up and keep an eye out for pressure signs
But normally you can load quite a bit hotter in a modern gun
All the books keep there loads quite mild for older rifles
That may not handle the jandel anymore

I have had better results with 2213sc than 2209 in modern guns a Sako 75 and a custom built Winchester M70 with 139 gr Lapua Scenars and 46.6 grains 2213sc CCI standard primer
not hot but work up.

If you want to extract the full potential from the 6.5x55 in modern actions N560 is probably the top of the heap.

I use N560 and Norma cases. 139 grn Amax.
2840fps from 21.5" barrel and consistently small groups.

The down side is that N560 is a bit expensive.

For modern rifles start 140 grain projectiles at around 46 grains N560 and creep up. It works with 120 grn Nosler BT too. Expect 2900fps plus from 120grn.

Originally Posted by Double Shot

Ruger M77 Hawkeye, very strong action as my gunsmith has found recently......

Do tell? I had one in 6.5x55 that also held together well in trying circumstances.

Originally Posted by Puffin

Do tell? I had one in 6.5x55 that also held together well in trying circumstances.

Hey @Puffin, had another that needed to be drilled and tapped for a rail to be fitted, he had to get a special bit in from Germany, as none of his would get through.