6.5x55 components

ldg397 · Jun 1, 2013

I just about got the new sako finnlight 6.5x55 going. I bought a leupold vx3 2.5x8x36 and my optilock ringmounts should be here next week.

I will probably go with forster dies and cci br2 primers. For brass should I use the Norma or lapua?? Also has anyone have a good load using h4831sc?? I tend to prefer the Hodgdon powder because of consistency. I build the loads in dallas and hunt them in south/west texas and northern missouri very broad temperature but even greater humidity differences.

Bullets I have been leaning toward 125 nosler partitions and 120 BT. I might also try 130 ttsx or scirocco??

Also was it is the hottest/best factory load you can buy??

DrMike · Jun 1, 2013

I'd say you're gathering some fine components for your 6.5X55. Among all my 6.5 mm rifles, I don't own a single 6.5X55. Man, I have have to rectify that oversight.

SJB358 · Jun 1, 2013

Same here Mike. I'd love to have one.

LDG, I would run Lapua if you could get them and Forster is never wrong for dies in my book. I'm slowly replacing all my other dies with Forster. I would think the 130 AB or 125 PT would be awesome. As for powder, RL17 shows a bunch of promise in the 7mm Mauser but I'd imagine H4831 would be a great standbys as well.

gerry · Jun 1, 2013

When I had a 6.5x55 H 4831 sc was an excellent powder I pretty much only used 140's in that gun though. I would imagine Norma would load the best factory loads if you can find them. You can't go wrong with either Norma or Lapua brass.

vodekzz · Jun 2, 2013

I would use Lapua brass, no other brass for 6.5x55 . Powder N560, Norma MRP, RL-22 for 140 gr bullets and 130 gr. For 120 BT and 100 gr BT I use with good result H4350.
My coyote load is 100BT or Sierra 100 gr with 49.5 gr of H4350.
Primer is 210 Federal Match or CCI BR 2.
I have tried H4831 sc but I did not get as good results as with above powders.
Norma, Lapua has good comercial ammo. Look at Midway USA.
Your Sako will love 140 gr Accubounds and 120 BT. I did not had a good luck with 130 gr bullets.
I use Reddings Competition dies.
Velocity as below:

Velocity: 100 gr - 3000 FPS
120 gr 2850 fps
140 gr 2650 fps.

My rifle is Sako85 stailness hunter. I use to have Finnlight but I like a bit heavier rifle like Stainless Hunter, since it feels more stable for me for 100 yards and over . It comes with nice wood also.
Vodekz

Jimbeaux82 · Jun 3, 2013

H4831 50.0 gr 140 gr SST or NBT 3.100" OAL Rem 200 primer Federal Brass 2700 fps 1 1/4" in my CZ 550 FS.

Have killed several nice bucks with this load

Jimbeaux

1Shot · Jun 4, 2013

It is not hard to find a load that shoots in a 6.5X55. One of the loading manuals I read makes this statement or something similar. "Feed the Swede with any medium to slow burning powder and it will sing a pretty song."
I have been using IMR 4895 and Varget for target loads in my military 96 Mausers running 140s in the 2500s fps range. I have one Mauser 96 that some Bubba had started hacking on that I got very cheap and turned it into a nice sporter. I left the 29" barrel on it. With Accurate Arms 4350 I got what I was looking for and did not try any other powders. With 46 grs AA4350 and 120 ballistic tips, Rem case and Fed 210M primers, COAL 3.050 I get 3000 fps. With 45 grs AA4350 and Sierra 140 Game Kings or Hornady SP Rem case and Fed210M primers, COAL 3.050 I get a touch over 2800 fps. COAL of 3.050 is a long as I can load the round and have it function through the magazine. These Mausers have very long throats made for the 160 gr RN bullets. Both loads are outstanding in accuracy. The both kill white tail deer with authority. These are MAX loads, just under 46000 CUP, for the Mauser 96 according to Accurate Arms ballistics person that I talked to. With your rifle you could step up these charges a might to increase your velocity out of the shorter barrel. That long 29" barrel on the Mauser 96 gives the velocity though.