Custom 6.5x55 Build

Mr6.5

Beginner
Oct 8, 2024
9
37
Thought you guys might want to see a more traditional build.

6.5x55 Swed Mauser
Built on a fully heat treated BRNO VZ24 Action (fully blueprinted)
Hand carved and checkered Valero walnut stock (Made from a solid block!)
JARD Trigger
1:8 twist GM barrel
Topped it with Steel Leopold rings and a Burris 3-18 x 50 scope

I will be setting this rifle up to shoot the 120gr Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet with Staball 6.5 powder.

Hopefully another great dear slayer!
 

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That is one nice looking rifle and would appreciate your keeping us posted with your range and hunting results. I've always thought that I should have a 6.5x55 in my collection. I'm not sure I'm ready to do a custom build but would love to find one of the Winchester model 70 featherweights that was chambered in the Swede. What I'm finding is once you own one you're not willing to part with it.
 
Love the Swede! A great cartridge to shoot and hunt with!
Accurate, easy on the shoulder, and punches well above what its paper ballistics suggest. While I usually use the 140 gr bullet weights in mine, the 120 has performed well too, and works well on deer. For me, while I may be out deer hunting with it, many times it may get pressed into service for moose or elk on the same trip! (I save the 130's for the Creedmoor as the case has less capacity)
May you have many great adventures with it!
 
WARNING THE LOAD DATA GIVEN BELOW IS NOT SAFE FOR MILITARY ACTIONS

Made it to the range today to start tuning it up. Using Staball 6.5 powder, REM 9 1/2 MAG primers, and new WIN brass fully prepped. COAL was 3.000 for all rounds. I started with 44.5gr and worked all the way up to 48gr in .5 increments without ANY pressure issues. (could probably make it to 50gr) The best group was at 47.5gr 1/2MOA group at 100. CAUTION do not copy this I am outside of book with this load by 2 full grains!!! This is a fully heat treated action, if you were to shoot this in a military swed you would most certainly have a bad day.

I noticed the group start to open up after 47.5gr but strangely enough just about every group from 44.5 to 47.5 shot nearly 1/2 MOA, never experienced this before. I suspect this group will tighten up if I get closer to the lands, I am at SAMI length and WAY off the lands now.

BULLET: Nosler 120gr Ballistic tip
SPEED: 47.5gr of powder AVG speed for 5 shots 3123 (This is only a 22" barrel, imagine a 26Inch !!!)
POWDER: Staball 6.5
PRIMER: REM 9 1/2 MAGNUM
BRASS: Winchester
OAL: 3.000
CASE NECK TENSION: .003

Makes me wonder what the big deal is around 6.5 Creedmoor, the 6.5x55 has been around forever and from what I am seeing out shoots the creed when loading to modern commercial action pressures. I mean honestly this round is moving into 6.5-284 territory. My 6.5-284 is shooting a 143gr Bondstike at 2850fps with a 26" barrel, granted it shoots ONE hole but the 6.5x55 is really surprising me.
 

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