Thread: What powder for 6.5x55?

Hey guys just a quick one for those loading 6.5x55 in modern actions.

Mate is picking up a Tikka T3 superlite in 6.5x55 and has asked me to do up a load for him.

Thinking Lapua brass, white river energetics primers and probably 143 ELDX or 140 ELDM. (Or a cup and core of similar weight).

The question I need answered is...2213sc or 2209?

I don't have either but can hold of one or the other easily enough.

Cheers all.

Either will be fine. I'd go 2213 just because it's a bit less in demand.

Originally Posted by Pommy

Either will be fine. I'd go 2213 just because it's a bit less in demand.

Pretty sure I can get that at the local too, choice.

2209. And the Targex 140gn projectiles are definitely worth a try - accurate, kill well, local, and a tad cheaper than all ELDX/ELDM type projectiles.

N560 if you can get it.

I use both 2209 and 2213sc in my Tikka, another powder well suited to the 6.5’s is Winchester Staball 6.5 has a burn rate similar to 2209.

I found my t3 prefered lighter pills. Around the 120gn mark. I use 2209

Originally Posted by Mooseman

I use both 2209 and 2213sc in my Tikka, another powder well suited to the 6.5’s is Winchester Staball 6.5 has a burn rate similar to 2209.

Yeah looks like the options are pretty broad, think I'll stock with the Aussie stuff, seems to be good stock and priced a bit more reasonably.

You can use 2208 as well but its not the ideal powder

2213sc. I tested both 2213sc and 2209 with 120gr and 130gr projectiles and found it to be more precise.

My one used 42.4gr of 2209. This was pushing 140gr SP (Highland) projectiles out nicely. Probably a bit on the slower side at 2600fps ish but very accurate...But that might just be because it is 6.5x55....

Any votes for 2217? Runs well in my CZ 550.

I use 2208 for my Husqvarna m38 Sporter no complaints re performance at all

RL26 works awesome for the heavier pills

Greetings,
I found AR2209 worked well in my 6.5x55 T3 Lite with the 129 grain SST. There are a couple of cautions though. Current production AR2209 is faster than that produced 20 or so years ago and the Hodgdons data is for the older stuff. Additionally US dies for the cartridge will likely set the shoulder back too far if the die contacts the shell holder. My Redding dies .010" too far and my older Lyman dies even more. This is for my Tikka and other rifles may be worse. One of the Hornady headspace comparator tools will help in getting this right.
Regards GPM.