Thread: The Six and a half Swede.

Question,
Would I be pushing my luck to get a 140gr going at 2700 fps? The rifle is a Ruger M77 Mk2, it was a closet rifle before I got hold of it. The 6.5x55 cartridge has always intrigued me, and when I got the chanced to grab a modern rifle in that caliper, I did. So now it's load development time, and with the help of the graph tip that Granpamac gave the other day, I'll be heading for, about 48gr of 2213 to achieve this, is this out of the question? So far there is no signs of pressure but I'm only approaching 2600 fps at the moment. Some may ask why am I using 2213, simply, I have a kilo of it, and this we properly be the only rifle I'll use it in.
Any help or suggestions will be much appreciated.

2700 with a 140 is very doable in your Ruger.

You will find that your probably going to go a little above some book max loads but don’t be too worried, it is the product of multiple platforms and a mix of load data.


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What barrel length? In a 24" very possible. There are two main specs for this cartridge. SAAMI, 6.5x55 Swedish. And CIP, 6.5x55 SE. ADI's data is based on the SAAMI 51,000psi max, as apposed to the CIP 55,110psi max.

Hi, the barrel's only 21" from the receiver ring forward. I've been mainly using Nick Harvey's manual as a reference, but I'll see what the ADI says. Thanks.

For a 21" barrel at 55kpsi, ~2680fps is max. Gordon's Reloading Tool is great for getting a more personalised answer. The full barrel length is from the bolt face to the muzzle crown.

Also which brand of brass are you using?

I understand why you might be fixating on an arbitrary bullet speed in your Swede, I've done the same thing myself but ask yourself why you REALLY need 2700 v 2600 or even 2650. If you can get fit for purpose accuracy over a 10 shot group, worry not how fast the projectile is going.

I too set out for 2700 FPS in my 6.5x55. 22”barrel, 140 ELD X, RL22. Pressure signs appeared. All good at 2650 with 10 shot group
going under 1 MOA.
Going to 2700fps The gains AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS were:
43 FPS
54 FLBS Energy
2” less drop
Why would you?
Cheers MG

Cheers MG

My Tikka 6.5x55 produces excellent results using 2209, sending at 2756 fps (143gr eldx).139 Scenar is equally good, if not better. I use Lapua brass exclusively.

Good morning Guys, and thanks for all your advise and help. The brass I'm using is Lapua for the 140's, it is some once fired brass that is FL sized and primed, but not by me, next time around I'll neck size only. As for the 2700 fps, it was a round figure as a starting point, I have a 260 that is poking 129 Hornady's out at 2850, so I thought 2700 for 140's might be a good place to start but as you guys have said, any thing that gives me good accuracy is really where I want to be. The rifle is already pushing 100gr Barnes TTSX at 3200 with great results so I just wanted to add a heavier slug for bigger game and the Hornady SST seem to be working best at this stage.
And re-checking the barrel length the correct way, it is 22", for some reason I always assumed it was from where the rifling started.
Thanks again.

Oh no not neck sizing, that will never work apparently

Originally Posted by Lambie

Question,
Would I be pushing my luck to get a 140gr going at 2700 fps? The rifle is a Ruger M77 Mk2, it was a closet rifle before I got hold of it. The 6.5x55 cartridge has always intrigued me, and when I got the chanced to grab a modern rifle in that caliper, I did. So now it's load development time, and with the help of the graph tip that Granpamac gave the other day, I'll be heading for, about 48gr of 2213 to achieve this, is this out of the question? So far there is no signs of pressure but I'm only approaching 2600 fps at the moment. Some may ask why am I using 2213, simply, I have a kilo of it, and this we properly be the only rifle I'll use it in.
Any help or suggestions will be much appreciated.

Greetings @Lambie,
You have set out on an interesting journey. Data for the 6.5 Swede is all over the place but I have found that the Hodgdon/ ADI data to be close to my chronographing although low pressure at least with the softer projectiles. Harder projectiles, like the Nosler LRAB will drive both velocity and pressure up. You should be able to achieve 2,700 fps with your AR2213SC and 140 grain projectiles. If your projectiles are one of the softer cup and core types this will take more powder than the harder ones. Have a look at the on line Nosler data.
One note of caution is that both of the die sets I have for the 6.5x55 (Lyman and Redding) set the shoulder back way too far for decent case life in the four rifles I have checked. This includes one Ruger. If you FL size with the die down hard on the shell holder case life may be short. You may need to set up your FL die carefully to correct this. One of the Hornady head space comparator sets that clamp onto your calliper is a great help in this. Please ask questions and PM me if you prefer.
Regards Grandpamac.

Interesting note, in the ADI hand loaders guide, their loading for 140gr using 47gr of 2213 achieves 2586 fps, I'm currently achieving this with 46gr's. This seems to be consistent over quite a few different loads, so I'm assuming the Ruger is a bit tighter and the pressure is higher because of it. I do use Redding dies so it is interesting what Grandpamac said about setting the shoulder back too far, I'll be keeping a close eye on shell life.
Thanks again.

Originally Posted by blip

Oh no not neck sizing, that will never work apparently

Don't joke about it.
You will get caught out kne day with a jammed round when ya don't need it.
I have different sized and colored t-shirts from this.
Best bet if you don't like over sizing is redding comp shell holders.
Game changer

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