boomer68
Handloader
- Oct 23, 2006
- 900
- 119
Just picked up a Zastava in 6.5x55 and was wondering what a good powder/bullet combo to try first. Here is a picture of the rifle.
Loading 6.5x55
- Thread starter boomer68
- Start date
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 38,200
- 8,312
140 grain PT & RL22 and 125 grain PT & IMR 4350; 130 grain AB & RL19 or 120 grain AB & A3100 are classic combos.
It depends on the barrel twist as to the bullets. You need at least a 8" twist for 140 gr bullets. A 9" twist will shoot 130's and lighter. One of the 4350 powders works very well with most 120 through 140 gr bullets. I am using MAX loads of 46 grs. Accurate 4350 with 120 Ballistic tips and Sierra SP and 45 grs With 140 Sierra SP and Hornady interlock SP for under 46000 CUP according to the Accurate manual in my sporter Swede Mauser 96. Both are very accurate and I am getting 2950 fps with the 120s and 2800 fps with 140s from the 29" barrel. All the mentioned bullets perform superbly on deer. I really like the 120 ballistic tip. It looks like in your picture that your rifle is built on a Mauser 98 action. You can safely load a little hotter loads than most listed data with this action. The data most given is for max 46000 CUP for the less strength small ring Mauser like the model 96 or the Kreg Jorgenson action rifles.
I played around with some 100 gr Sierra HPs and Varget powder that was pretty accurate and VERY destructive on ground hogs. I am talking red mist. I have not used the 130 Nosler AccuBond in my 6.5x55 but have used it in my 264 Win mag and it does awesome on deer. It may be one of the best all round deer to elk size game bullets if you only have a 9" twist barrel.
I played around with some 100 gr Sierra HPs and Varget powder that was pretty accurate and VERY destructive on ground hogs. I am talking red mist. I have not used the 130 Nosler AccuBond in my 6.5x55 but have used it in my 264 Win mag and it does awesome on deer. It may be one of the best all round deer to elk size game bullets if you only have a 9" twist barrel.
Oldtrader3
Ammo Smith
- Nov 6, 2009
- 8,406
- 13
I mostly shot 125 Partitions with IMR 4350 I my 6.5x55.
I've had some decent groups with the 125 Partition with Reloader 19. The Ballistic tip bullets have done okay, both the 120 and 100.
I recently tried a load with 100 grain Partitions but my first attempt wasn't successful. I haven't given up on them yet, though.
I recently tried a load with 100 grain Partitions but my first attempt wasn't successful. I haven't given up on them yet, though.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 38,200
- 8,312
Alderman, your groups are very promising. They will work for hunting, and they hold the promise of greater accuracy in short order.
Jimbeaux82
Handloader
- Jan 6, 2011
- 416
- 196
I have a CZ 550 FS in 6.5 x 55. Here are 2 of the best loads I have tried:
140 gr NBT 47.5 grs VVN160 3.140" OAL WLR primers 2745 fps 1" groups (3 shot)
140 gr SST 51.0 gr H4831sc 3.100" oal CCI 200 2760 fps 1 1/4" groups (3 shot)
I recently worked up the VVN160 load and this is the best my rifle has ever shot. It is my new hunting load.
Good luck
140 gr NBT 47.5 grs VVN160 3.140" OAL WLR primers 2745 fps 1" groups (3 shot)
140 gr SST 51.0 gr H4831sc 3.100" oal CCI 200 2760 fps 1 1/4" groups (3 shot)
I recently worked up the VVN160 load and this is the best my rifle has ever shot. It is my new hunting load.
Good luck
