Thread: What powder for 6.5x55?

Originally Posted by grandpamac

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.

I had heard about this issue with 2209, I always start low so shouldn't be a problem

I will likely use Hornady dies as they have worked and do work well in the cartridges I have experience working with and will be suited to VLD styler bullet seating. I find the Hornady comparator very useful in sizing operations as well, I'm looking forward to a new challenge (let's face it, it's a Tikka) and will post the progress/struggles