NVBRONCRIDERS 6.5x55

[SJB358]

Jake wanted me to post up the pictures of his rifle and the bedding. I will let him explain it all.

 

[DrMike]

Fifty-two point five is not exceptional in providing diagnosis, but fifty-three is strange. It looks less like a bedding issue than a tight spot in the barrel channel, Jake.

 

[nvbroncrider]

Shot the Swede again today and I'm completely puzzled. I thinking I may have a bedding issue I'm not sure shot 3 groups 2 @ 52.5 gr of 7828 and 1 at 53. First shot in the first group I thought I pulled the next 3 went in a vertical line. Next I shot the 53's dropped the Minox 4 inches and fired. I got a horizontal group. Then shot another group of 52.5 and its okay 1.25" or so but I think I have a underlying problem.

 

[nvbroncrider]

Fifty-two point five is not exceptional in providing diagnosis, but fifty-three is strange. It looks less like a bedding issue than a tight spot in the barrel channel, Jake.

Mike,

Barrel is free floated. Could it be a high spot or something in the bedding? Might try one more group bringing COAL in and see if it makes a difference.

 

[SJB358]

What is your action screws torqued to Jake? I know I would check them pretty closely before you mess with the bedding. It looks pretty good to me.

 

[FOTIS]

Maybe a pressure point pending on barrel diameter?

Shim time.

 

[IdahoCTD]

7828 Seems a bit slow for a 6.5x55 to me (granted I'm no 6.5mm expert as I haven't really shot one in 10+ years). You might try H4831, R-19, H4350, R-22 etc. instead.

 

[DrMike]

7828 Seems a bit slow for a 6.5x55 to me

I'd tend to agree with that assessment. I'd likely opt for a faster powder. It still looks as if there is a pressure point on the barrel as the rifle heats up.

 

[JD338]

Jake,

Try shimming the front of the action before the recoil lug with a piece of cut to fit credit card.

JD338

 

[BK]

Jake,

Try shimming the front of the action before the recoil lug with a piece of cut to fit credit card.

JD338

Or matchbook.

 

[Polaris]

There's no consistent stringing pattern. Groups look pretty symetrical. Usually a bedding issue will show vertical. What does a 10 shot group w/o barrel cooling do?

I'd try some more load work after testing torque on action and scope mount screws. IMR 4350 will be your friend based on my experience. Also not all rifles, especially lightweight sporters will shoot cloverleafs.

 

[1Shot]

You need to try different bullets and loads before you go fooling with a bedding job. You did not say which bullet you are using. Those look like Partitions and they ARE NOT TARGET BULLETS. In my experience some rifles just don't like them. Like has been said in the 6.5 X55 IMR 4350 is the best powder I have found. It might not get you the very top velocity but it is good enough and it usually is VERY ACCURATE. Give 46 to 47 grs IMR 4350 with 120 ballistic tip or Sierra a try. With 140's try 44 to 45 grs IMR 4350.

 

[elkeater2]

Could be something in the scope mounting system, either base screws or the ring attachment system. I've had a couple walk around and produce inconsistent groups like that. Had tapered base screws in square base screw holes one time. The mount builders use different configuration screws with the same thread size. Finally started using an inch-pound wrench and torqued to specs. That helped too.
EE2

 

[jason miller]

7828 Seems a bit slow for a 6.5x55 to me (granted I'm no 6.5mm expert as I haven't really shot one in 10+ years). You might try H4831, R-19, H4350, R-22 etc. instead.

I saw a quickload runout using a higher pressure limit like more "modern" cartridges once. If you want to run a 6.5 swede to 60K psi(or a little more), 7828 is actually one of the best powders available with 130's and 140's.