Comparing loading data for the Swedish Mauser

[Dougan]

If your using Scenars then your're stuck with the Viht data, as there doesn't seem to be any other for a comparable bullet - your loads do seem to fit with the data though, all be it with a slightly deeper seating (Viht manual gives 3.150)...do you not find them a bit long for loading from the magazine?

They were fine from my magazine.

Well then you may be in luck - I have 200 139gn Scenars that I doubt I'm going to use.....PM me if you're interested...

[Alpha1]

Dougan how long have you been re loading. How long have you had your Swedish Mauser.
The 139 grain Lapau scenars are probably one of the best bullets you can buy for the 6.5x55 as long as the rifle is in good nick and the bore is OK.
My advice to you would be to keep them all though I do appreciate your offer. The first thing I would do is slug your bore to make sure that it is not shot out I would be surprised if it is but its worth doing.
Vitavouri powders are not the only powder you can use with the scenars you just need to work up a load using a suitable powder. Were do you do your shooting who do you shoot with and who is giving you advice on re loading for your swede. My guess is with a little bit of work we could work up a load for your swede with the Scenars and the N160.


Please keep the scenars post some more questions pm me if you want I am sure we can find a load for your rifle using the scenars.

[Alpha1]

SWEDISH MAUSER
139 Scenar Lapua Cartridge over all length 3.150 Powder = N160 37.0 grains to 41.2 grains.
Is this the same data you have.

[ovenpaa]

I agree the 139 Scenars are as good as it gets in a Swede and well worth persevering with.

I see we at long last have the new type L Lapua bullets in 6,5mm over here however they are 136 grain, I will have to get a box or two to test with.

[Dougan]

Dougan how long have you been re loading. How long have you had your Swedish Mauser.
The 139 grain Lapau scenars are probably one of the best bullets you can buy for the 6.5x55 as long as the rifle is in good nick and the bore is OK.
My advice to you would be to keep them all though I do appreciate your offer. The first thing I would do is slug your bore to make sure that it is not shot out I would be surprised if it is but its worth doing.
Vitavouri powders are not the only powder you can use with the scenars you just need to work up a load using a suitable powder. Were do you do your shooting who do you shoot with and who is giving you advice on re loading for your swede. My guess is with a little bit of work we could work up a load for your swede with the Scenars and the N160.


Please keep the scenars post some more questions pm me if you want I am sure we can find a load for your rifle using the scenars.

Alpha, you help is much appreciated, thank you...

...to answer your questions - I've been loading for my SMLE for 2 years (with no problems at all), and for the Mauser since last year - While some of my club-mates do reload (and I've converted a few), I think when it comes to the detail there is more experience here on the forum.

I don't think there are any problems with the rifle - The bore is good, and when I first had problems last year I had the gun checked by a reputable gunsmith...the bolt, head space, chamber and throat all checked out OK.


Anyway, I tried some more yesterday...

I had 3 batches - one of 39.0 gn at 3.050, one of 40.0 gn at 3.050 (so 0.5 gn either side of the minimum load) and one of 41.0 gn, but seated to 3.080 (wanted to try a lower load than the ones previously seated at that depth).

The first batch felt good (not too strong) and the cases looked fine...other than some slight sooting - The next batch felt noticeably stronger and had marks on the head from the extractor slot on the bolt face (I'll come back to that...) - The last batch gave stiff bolt lifts, so I stopped after 2 rounds.

So now having tried various loads (powder and seating depth), and being able to compare them across all the available data there is a basic pattern to the problem - That no matter what the seating depth, and corresponding powder amount the same thing happens...At even a few grains over minimum load I get stiff bolt lifts and ejector marks...back it off a grain, and I just get the ejector marks...but to get no indications at all I have to go below the minimum load; but then there's the sooting...

The 'in-between' loads (showing the ejector marks) are very accurate, but apart from the marks, the cases become a tight fit (too tight) for the chamber if only neck sized on the second re-loading.

I have it from a good source (Adam) that the marks on the head may not necessarily be a sign of over-pressure, but could indicate a 'poor fit' in the chamber, and/or a light load not sealing the case to the chamber and there for pushing back on the bolt face...

...a picture of the mark (at 3 0'clock on the case head) which I get on nearly every reload other than those less than the minimum load - I deliberately picked a noticeable one for the picture, but most are much fainter:

Have any of your cases had a similar mark...?


If it comes to it, I'm prepared to put up with a bit of sooting; though with new brass it can be quite a lot...the frustrating thing is that there are no problems at all with the PPU factory (no marks, no sooting no nothing)...so I know it is possible with the rifle...

[Dougan]

SWEDISH MAUSER
139 Scenar Lapua Cartridge over all length 3.150 Powder = N160 37.0 grains to 41.2 grains.
Is this the same data you have.

No - the only data I have for 139 Lap Scenars is the Viht manual - This gives the same COL, but a min of 42.1 and a max of 45.1 for N160.

[Dougan]

I agree the 139 Scenars are as good as it gets in a Swede

I agree too, which is why I got them - but with the problems I'm already having I'm not keen on switching to a bullet that has an even larger bearing surface than the SMKs...

...if anything I'm considering getting some of the PPU bullets, and/or trying some lighter ones...maybe 120 SMKs...

[Alpha1]

Alpha1 wrote:

SWEDISH MAUSER
139 Scenar Lapua Cartridge over all length 3.150 Powder = N160 37.0 grains to 41.2 grains.
Is this the same data you have.

Dougan that data is from the Lapau web site it is data for the Swedish mauser rifle.

[Dougan]

Alpha1 wrote:

SWEDISH MAUSER
139 Scenar Lapua Cartridge over all length 3.150 Powder = N160 37.0 grains to 41.2 grains.
Is this the same data you have.

Dougan that data is from the Lapau web site it is data for the Swedish mauser rifle.

I don't doubt it mate...read my opening post again...

...it wasn't until I got all the other data from Blu that I realised how different the Viht manual is for the Swedish Mauser than all the other data...

...just to clarify, I have the ' VihtaVuori Realoading Guide Edition 8'.

[Alpha1]

I have other makes of bullets in 6.5x55 in 120 and 140 grains I would be happy to swap you for some of your scenars if you want to try some other makes before you shell out any more cash on bullets.