6.5x55 reloading data

[Alpha1]

No I was not going to start straight out with that load Adam. I know the drill don't worry.
I am checking my own data to see what I ended up with last time. But thanks for the reminder of safe reloading practice and duly noted.

I have quite a few bullets for the 6.5 on my shelves it seems so I have selected three variants.
First up is 138grain Lapua scenars.
Second up is 140grain Selliers and Belliot.
Third up is 139grain Privi Partizan.

I checked the maximum cartridge over all length (COL) using the Hornady gauge and as I thought the bullet would fall out the case if I seated it to the measurement I got there would be zero bullet retention.
So bullet seating depth is not a issue as long as you don't go under the manufactures minimum seating depth.
Cartridge case length is another matter. I remember now after checking my notes the last time I reloaded for this rifle I had problems closing the bolt. I had neck sized the cases so I thought that might of been the issue so I full length sized but that did not cure the problem.
I then trimmed all the cases to 2.165 and the problem went away. I need to double check that measurement so don't take that as gospel.

Any way the cases are tumbling away as I type.

I think I will probably load twenty rounds of each bullet using N160 and shoot them over a chrono on Saturday and see how they perform.

Oh this is fun :shakeshout: Back to the reloading bench I go HI HO HI HO HI HO.

[Dougan]

When I was testing, I used a scout scope and a bag for accuracy to judge grouping - In the end I found that it didn't really matter what I did with the powder increments or seating depths; it was always pretty accurate at 200 yrds....

...they are just such a beautiful elegant straight shooting rifle tongueout - so the main challenge for me was finding a low load (just personal preference) that still sealed the case against the chamber properly.....I really could have benefited from a chrono though...

...enjoy your loading and testing - I look forward to the results.

[Alpha1]

WOW They are nice and shiny now. Out of the tumbler on the bench next step check case overall length cut primer pockets and trim cases to length.
Reloading-Reloading love it.

I might even take some pictures with my new snazzy camera. Then may be not.

Dougan the long eye relief scope you fitted that's interesting what mount did you use and have you still got it.
What scope did you use and have you still got it.

[Pudding]

Some data and info I produced and posted on another forum April 2012 here:

http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread. ... 5x55/page3

Post No. 103

Rgds

Harry

[Dougan]

Alpha:

- I used a cheap Walther X2 pistol scope (LER....oh I forgot sorry :roll: ...Long Eye Relief razz ) - As I was shooting from a fox hole it was easy to get good eye relief, but prone you might find a true 'scout scope' (IER...Intermediate Eye Relief) better...

...the mount is a 'B-Square no-smithing mount' - easy to attach/detach, and doesn't damage anything...it isn't excactly robust but fine for load testing.

I was blown away by how accurate the rifle was using the scope, and would love to put a ZF41 scout scope on it and use it for classic McQueens......but if I was going to spend that much, I might as well just get a sniper version Mauser (which is a definate possibility in the future).


Pudding:

- Thanks for posting the data - I notice you went for deeper seating as well....

[Alpha1]

Pudding thanks for the data.
tesnews
Dougan the mount sounds interesting I have a scout scope. Need to see what it shoots like on Saturday before I do any thing else with it.

I am thinking I may neck size a couple of rounds to compare and see if there is any difference from my last outing. tesnews

[Dougan]

You can borrow the mount - though I will need it back as I may try N160 myself in the next few months....

...PM me your address, and you should have it by Friday....

[Alpha1]

Dougan
Thank you very much I appreciate the offer. This week end is a bit of a decider as to whether I keep this old lady or move her on. If the reloading shows promise then she stays. If not then she is for sale.
This is a sort of last ditch effort.
But I really do appreciate the offer thank you my friend.

[Dougan]

You're very welcome Alpha - But you need to give me your address if you want it in time for the weekend...

By the way; do you have rings (to attach the scope to the mount) on the scope...?

[Alpha1]

Thanks again Dougan I have a mojo aperture sight on it at the moment that is set up for 100yds. I will try it with this set up first if it goes OK then I may take you up on your offer.
Thank you for the generous offer though much appreciated.