Thread: How to find reloading data

Maybe a bit of a newbie question, I want to find some reloading data for 6.5x55 using 130gr Sierra TMKs and either AR2209 or N560, but can’t find any info that’s a direct match.

Is there a formula or some way of working out a starting and max load?

Cheers.

Use data for the correct powder and projectiles of the same weight. Compare loads from several sources, they should be similar. Also check the loads for slightly heavier projectiles, they should be slightly lighter.
I usually use the ADI and Hodgon websites for a start (AR2209 is the same powder as H4350).

What i would do is use data for another brand of 130 gr bullet using the powders you have on hand. Start low or at the suggested start load and work up slowly watching for pressure signs, flattened to edge primers, ejector marks, or sticky or tight bolt lift.
Many years ago the load data was for say a 130 gr bullet and it didn't matter so much what brand it was, but now days with all these high BC bullets and copper types using the same components is more important.
I will see if I have any data for the powders you mentioned and post back here.

Ok had a look in my manuals but nothing for that specific bullet but in the Vihtavuori manual 2004 there is a load for a 130 gr HPBT Norma bullet. Start load 46.4 grs N560 for 2635 fps-
Max load is 50.2 grs N560 for 2882 fps.

For AR 2209 there is a load for a 129 gr bullet start load is 40 grs for 2430 fps and Max load is 45 grs for 2700 fps

In the Noslar No 7 manual there is a load for a 130gr Accubond and N560 Start load is 44 grs for 2536 fps and a Max load of 48 grs for 2800 fps

You should be able to work on a starting load for your bullet and work up from there, carefully.

Originally Posted by taupo_cowboy

Maybe a bit of a newbie question, I want to find some reloading data for 6.5x55 using 130gr Sierra TMKs and either AR2209 or N560, but can’t find any info that’s a direct match.

Is there a formula or some way of working out a starting and max load?

Cheers.

Greetings Taupo-cowboy,
The 6.5x55 is a hard cartridge to get good data for but here is what I have found. AR2209 is a good powder for the 6.5 Swede but the Hodgdon ADI data is for an older and slower lot. It is also for lower pressure which does balance things out. Hodgdon data is for the 129 grain Interlock which should be close to your 130 grain TMK. My loads were with the 129 grain SST as follows. Loads for military rifles should be less.
45.5 grains of old lot AR2209 2,720 fps. This pretty well agrees with the max Hodgdon data.
45.5 grains of new lot AR2209 2,805 fps. This powder was purchased in 2019.
46.0 grains of new lot AR2209 2,850 fps. This is 0.5 grains over max in the Hodgdon data but the velocity is consistent with what I had calculated should be possible based on case capacity.
All the above loads were in new Lapua cases with Federal 210 primers. The rifle was my Tikka T3 Lite with a 570mm barrel.
I am still working through previous loads with this rifle and have yet to decide if I will use the 45.5 or 46 grain load in the next batch,
It would probably be best to start with the 40 grain Hodgdon start load and chronograph them to see if the velocity is in line with their results. I would expect it to be around 2,500 fps with the new lot powder and a standard barrel. If this checks out you could work up in grain steps (perhaps 2 grains for the first step) until the chronograph reads 2,800 fps or a little more. Happy to answer any questions.
Regards Grandpamac.

Cheers Guys, thanks for the help.

You may find the Sierra 260 Remington (24” barrel) data of use.

what do the red asterix mean?

Originally Posted by widerange

what do the red asterix mean?

High pressure loads. These are the maximum loads for H4350 (AR2209) and N560.

thanks