bruce moulds
AH legend
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and don't forget the latte drinking CBH.
bruce.
bruce.
@bruce mouldsand don't forget the latte drinking CBH.
bruce.
@bruce mouldsbob,
when he drinks latte or chardy, he sticks his little finger in the air like an aristocrat.
bruce.
@bruce mouldsbob,
when he drinks latte or chardy, he sticks his little finger in the air like an aristocrat.
bruce.
Manufacturer | Powder | Bullet Diam. | C.O.L | Grs. | Vel. (ft/s) | Pressure | Grs. | Vel. (ft/s) | Pressure | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Starting Load | Maximum Loads | ||||||||||||
IMR | IMR 4831 | Out of Stock | 0.264" | 3.030" | 43.0 | 2,507 | 39,100 CUP | 46.3 | 2,700 | 45,400 CUP |
QL also says you'll be north of Pmax in the red zone.QuickLOAD says w/ a 3.10" COAL, 46 gr. will make 2800 fps.
Hi All,
So I have a Ruger M77 in 6.5x55 that I have been reloading for for some time. It is my one of my favorite rifles and I will never get rid of it. Great old classic caliber.
I have shot it quite a bit but even using really slow powders like RL22, I can't seem to get a 140 grain bullet over 2550fps without getting ejector slot marks in the base of my brass. Yet I see people online constantly stating that they are "easily" getting 2,800-2,900fps from a 24" barrel. I feel like they have no idea what pressure signs look like, their chronograph is wrong or they are downright making it up unless they know something I don't know. Now granted, I am shooting from a 22" barrel but that won't account for 300-400 fps. It may not be possible in a standard length barrel and these people either have an original military rifle with a 28" barrel or are running the ragged edge of pressure or both.
Keep in mind that I also am not going to beat the heck out of my gun to get that kind of speed. If it isn't possible then I guess I will have to stick with the best I can get. I would just like it to shoot a little flatter and have a little better expansion probability at 250-300 yards.
I also will not try "worked up" loads. I only start with data published by a reputable source that is pressure tested. I want to be able to hand my rifles down to my kids and shooting unknowns is not the best way to make a rifle last.
Any insight would be appreciatSmall differences
I too have a 6.5x55 Ruger77. Mine is the 24" barrel version and have been hand loading for it for a few years now. The published data for that cartridge is all over the map as you may have noticed. In mine I get sub MOA groups using the 140gr Hornady interlock and R22 at 2700fps with no signs of pressure. Its a great hunting load. There are many things that can account for velocity differences in similar rifles. Small differences in chamber size, some barrels are tighter than others, the list is long. I accept all pressure tested and published data as correct in the rifle or test barrel that they used, under the same conditions that they fired it in but your individual rifle may be different. If you see signs of high pressure in your rifle then you are wise to listen to them but also know that other rifles may handle more. There is nothing wrong with doing careful load development and still being safe.Try using Norma brass. the 2775 fps was out of a 24" barrel.
QL also says you'll be north of Pmax in the red zone.
Obviously your call if you want to play there - if you really want to chase velocity with 140grainers in the 6.5 Swede, track down some RL-26. In theory, 2900f/s is achievable, depending on your specific set-up and is under Pmax. (the node is at 2850 f/s at 50500 psi)
If you're happy to operate at 57500 psi (as per your QL load above) then there is an accuracy node at 2950f/s with RL-26.
375 Ruger Fan, as long as the bolt isn't sticky, I wouldn't worry about seeing "some" flat primers. Your loads and 22" barrel getting 2700 to 2750 FPS is actually loaded a little hotter than my loads for a 24" barrel getting 2775 FPS.
You brought up the 2800 f/s in your post - my response was in line with your speed wishes and how it might be achieved at lower pressure. Not advocating more speed in the Swede.The 6.5x55mm - can be safely loaded to pressures equal to that of the .30-06/M2 - 60K psi.
So, 57.5K is only in the "Pmax - Red Zone" for the anemic SAAMI cartridge spec..
As for powder - no need to use a Dbl. base powder, especially RL-26, as IMR 4831 is plenty slow enough to provide both excellent load density and velocity, along with far less throat erosion than RE-26.
If 140 gr. at 2800 fps isn't enough? Then there are other cartridges that are.
8>)
Red