Thread: 6.5x55 loads in a T3?

Greetings Canross,
I have a 6.5 x 55 T3 just like yours and have developed loads for the 120 grain Sierra spitzer flat base and the 129 grain Hornady SST. 6.5 x 55 data is varied and confusing. I believe that these loads are a little under max and have given no problems in my rifle.

120 grain Sierra flat base projectile, Norma cases, Federal 210 primers and 46 grains of current AR2209. LOA was 77.5 mm. This chronographed 2,870 feet per second. Nosler listed a max load of 47 grains of AR 2209 behind their 120 grain ballistic tip so a little under max.

129 grain Hornady SST projectile, Lapua cases, Federal 210 primers and 45.5 grains of current AR2209. LOA was 78.5 mm. This chronographed 2,805 feet per second. I also tried 46 grains of AR2209 with this projectile which is likely max and chronographed 2,850 feet per second.

The listed data for the 129 grain projectiles is confusing. I did a thread some time back on developing this load which you may want to look at.

These loads should only be used with thin jacketed projectiles like the three mentioned. Loads for projectiles like the accubond need to be reduced and for the Barnes solid projectiles even more. Both have on line data you can look up. All the best, it is a great calibre.
Grandpamac.