I need some guidance as I develop loads for my new 6.5x55

[RichieG]

View attachment 656856
3 shot group at 200m. Load consistently shoots like this, whether it’s 20 or 35 degrees Celsius.
Norma 143gr Bondstrike.
46.3gr VV N555
Norma book length
Can’t remember the velocity offhand, but it’s right at 2700fps.
All the above groups were shot from my Mauser M03 with a 600mm 1: 8.6” barrel.

Great groups well done! Love the M03, mine’s also a tack driver. Better rifle than the operator!

 

[FlyGuy]

140gr Nosler Ballistic Tip
45gr Somchem S365
Nosler Book Length
2821fps
WARNING!!! This load proved to be too hot. Great on a cold day, Sticky bolt on a warm day.
Dropped back to 43. something grains of 365.

 

[FlyGuy]

I always roll my eyes when I hear people or watch influencer’s waxing lyrical about the accuracy and efficiency of the 6.5CM.
The Norwegians and Swedes perfected the 6.5 cartridge 132 years ago

 

[FlyGuy]

Great groups well done! Love the M03, mine’s also a tack driver. Better rifle than the operator!

Yeah Richie…
At some stage, I’ve owned almost every switch barrel rifle in the Blaser Group stable.
Blaser R93 and R8, Sauer 202 etc.
They’ve all gone down the road, except for my M03.

 

[Rimshot]

I load for several 6.5x55 including a drilling. The high BC 140+ gr bullets (ELD, accubond long range, etc) won't stabilize in the euro twist 1:8.6" at lower density altitude.

I've tried a variety of powders and RL-17, H4350, IMR 4831, and H1000 have worked well. My favorite by far for the 140-160gr bullets is H1000. It gives the best velocity at the lowest pressures, and has been very accurate and consistent in most of my swedes.

My pet load in my drilling is a 140 partition using H1000. 2 grains below max gives 2690 fps avg in a 22.4" barrel and QL estimates 50k psi. Very accurate.

Another great bullet is the 155 Lapua mega. It is crazy accurate and H1000 is ideal. 2550 fps