Thread: Best powder and primers for 143gn Hornady ELD-X 6.5 x 55mm

Hi all,

Heading into tahr country this weekend (hopefully) and have some 143gn ELD-X to load. Using twice fired Lapua brass and have AR2208, 2209 and 2213 on hand.

Which of these powders would be best for this load and what primers would be recommended please?

MV

I use 2209 powder in my Tikka 6.5x55. From memory charge is about 45.5 grains and primers are CCI. As the throat is long, my coal is approx 3.2”. NB: I have deliberately stated “about” as your rifle may be different.

I found 2213sc 46.5 grains CCI standard primer went great in my Sako 75

I load 49 grs of AR 2213SC under the 143 gr ELDX my COAL is 79 mm and I get 2754 fps Av out of my 20 inch Tikka T3 X. Work up to this load , it is safe in my rifle but may not be in yours.
46 grs gave me 2570 fps, 47 grs gave 2660 fps, 48 grs gave 2715 fps and 49grs gave the above velocity. Best group so far 9/16 inch at 100 yards.

I use CCI LR primers and at the moment are running Norma Brass.

The load I have been using since eldx have come out is
44.8 of 2209,fed match primers in lapua or Norma brass.
2720 fps.
Full length tikka barrel suppressed.
If you are not really impressed with that load I will be very surprised.
Below is a 200yd group that is no surprise as regular a occurrence when grouping my rifle

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by andyanimal31

The load I have been using since eldx have come out is
44.8 of 2209,fed match primers in lapua or Norma brass.
2720 fps.
Full length tikka barrel suppressed.
If you are not really impressed with that load I will be very surprised.
Below is a 200yd group that is no surprise as regular a occurrence when grouping my rifle

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Very nice shooting, the 6.5x55 sure can shoot. Shot mine today with the above load I am using, pretty happy with the results 1/4 inch at 100 yards.

Im gonna try thay load too. Looks very nice and not too hot.
What COAL do you chaps use?

Originally Posted by Woody

Im gonna try thay load too. Looks very nice and not too hot.

Sure works well in my rifle, my rifle is 2 inches high at 100 yds so has a 220 yd zero, that is why my drop chart was a little out a the shoot a while back. I have adjusted the drop chart for the new zero and it now corresponds with the actual amount I ended up dialing on the day of the shoot.

Heres the group with 47 Gr 2213 and CCI magnum primers. Average 2605 fps out of a Tikka T3
Ignore the bullseye, the 6.5 group is the top one on this target

IMR7828 job done. Yeah I know you don't have any, tellin ya to get some. That and RL22 are the best powders ever invented for the Swede.

Originally Posted by Woody

Im gonna try thay load too. Looks very nice and not too hot.
What COAL do you chaps use?

COAL for my rifle is 79 mm

Originally Posted by Mooseman

Very nice shooting, the 6.5x55 sure can shoot. Shot mine today with the above load I am using, pretty happy with the results 1/4 inch at 100 yards. Attachment 113184

I dont like saying but,
I told you so!

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Thanks for all the advice guys. Might try some loads both with the 2213 and 2209.

Best load I've worked up for the 6.5 Swede using a Steyr Pro Hunter with 20" barrel & supressor is 48.3 grains of AR2213. Norma cases and Fereral Match primers. Average over the chronograph was 2811 fps, grouping 22.4mm at 100 metres.

Of course back off a couple of grains as a starting point, and keep an eye out for pressure signs, as by the time I hit 48.7 grains, the primers were showing pressure signs.

Most important thing with the 6.5 Swede is ensuring you get the bullet seating depth correct for your rifle. You really need the projectile just touching the lands. This can be very important, as I've come across major throat depth differences between military and commercial chambers over the years.