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Hey folks,
thought I would get the forum's input on good hunting loads for a bog standard T3 in 6.5x55. Shot 6.5x55 years ago out of Swedish Mausers, but didn't keep any of my records for the loads.
I can always work my way through the manuals but odds are someone's already done that and found some good consistent middle of the road velocity and pressure loads to start with.
I already use IMR 4350 and ADI 8208 but don't mind using other powders. Also very interested in input on projectiles.
45grns of 09 and 140 eld-match cheers
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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.
Hi Canross
I am a novice reloader, but my good friend is very experienced and helped me develop a load for my 6.5x55 Tikka when I first started out. I am using 49 gr of Vitavhouri N560 matched with Hornady A-Max or Hornady Eld-X projectiles (velocities at around 2770 fps). No signs of pressure and very accurate.
Lapua brass, winchester primers cos I have lots, eldx 143 grain seated to 3.11 coal and use ADI 2209 powder in the 44 - 50 grain range. Velocity approx 2770 from memory. That’s in my Tikka Forest. One hole at 100metres. Vortex Viper optics.
i tried 140s in my t3 but i found it shoots way better with 120gr im using 120 sierra match kings and 2209 they seem to work on animals as well
RWS brass, Fed 210 GM primer, Sierra 130 TGK at 80mm in the Carl Gustaf 3000 I am loading for. Reloader 23 started at 45 gr and worked up to 48.5 gr for 2812 fps with sub 1/2" 3 shot groups at 100m. No pressure signs so I will load up to
50 gr in .5 gr increments.
Only one hole cos the others missed the paper eh, hur hur hur...Quote:
Originally Posted by Ingrid 51
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Case of 2209 behind a 140eldm. Cheap, easy and a good time for you but not the deer!
143 gr ELDX with 49 grs AR 2213 SC CCI LR primers and Norma Brass, COAL 79 mm. Have shot some very nice groups with this load. It is fine in my T3 but suggest working up to this in your rifle. We have been using the 143 gr ELDX in my 6.5 x55 and Brother-in laws 260 Rem both generating 2772 fps( 260) and 2754 fps in Swede and have excellent results on game from 40 yards to 528 yards.
Thanks Feral. Cheeky bugger. I’ll take your 300 winmag on any day out to 800m. Oh hang on...did that!
T3 6.5 Swede I sold to to that Swede lovin Taihape bloke had an 18" barrel, it was going 2800 with 140 Amax and VLD, with more barrel, comes more velocity.
Swede in a modern action - load it like you mean it.
Now I want another one!
Yup there's is only one person who comes to mind when I think of NZ's expert regarding the mighty Tikka 6.5 swede @andyanimal31 :D :thumbsup:
Not a person he is a God,happy birthday broQuote:
Originally Posted by Philipo
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Cheers mate
47 today you old bugger
Thank you to everyone for posting their loads - it's always better to hear from people what has worked well for them - tells a lot more than a reloading manual does in some ways. Will probably take a while, but I'll update the group on what ended up working for me as well. If there're any other loads that someone feels like posting happy to hear them - someone else will undoubtedly have a use for them as well.
143gr ELD-X and Reloader22 gives me 2570 at the muzzle. That equates to 1150 ft-lbs of energy at 500 yards. It’s a good load, very accurate. Has killed plenty of deer and goats out to 400.
46.5 of 2209 behind a 140 game king 2840fps
Same of W760 behind a 130 scirocco 2890fps
Out of a 21.5” barrel. Both pretty warm just got to find what works best in your rifle
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