Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters 6.5x55 which powder?

I've got a 21 inch 96 mauser and I'll be shooting 139gr PSPs out of it. Which powder? I'd kind of like to use Ramshot hunter, because I could use it in my 250 savage as well. Ramshot magnum would be ok too (not in the 250 though (grin)). I like Ramshot powders, but I'd load any other powder as well. Mostly going to be used for mule deer hunting in the mountains.

Hey Snake -

It's been more than a yr so I can't use the search feature BUT

I had a thread about this subject. The majority responses said, RL 22 gave the best vel & accuracy.

RL 22 ALSO elsewhere is reported to be TEMP SENSITIVE.

Either Ramshot Hunter OR Magnum came in second.

However several guys reported excellent results with powders FROM IMR/H 4350 and SLOWER powders.

Even with a moderate or small capacity SLOW burning powders turned in the BEST results

Good Luck

RL22 is the juice...

RE22, 4831, 4350, it doesn't matter much. Differences in velocity potential are acedemic. Put that 139gr pill in a vital spot anf get out your knife just like the Swedes.

I'm using R15, for the 100's.

Using H4350 for the 120's.

Using H4831 for the heavies.

760

I always wanted to try 760 in mine since it meters so nice. Tried Hunter and it shot like crap.

I use h1000 with 140s. Doesn't change much +30 to -30c.

Snake River,

I've had good results with several powders and 139-140 grain bullets in the 6.5x55, including H4831 and RL-22. My present rifle (a custom with a Lilja 1-8 twist barrel) shoots VERY well with Ramshot Magnum, I use the maximum load listed in their data and the rifle will put three 140-grain Nosler Partitions into 1/2-3/4".

I tried Hunter with 120-grain bullets and it didn't do so well, but haven't tried it with heavier bullets.

I haven't yet given H-4831SC a shake with a 140g bullet in the 6.5x55 (on my short list). I do like both RL-22 and RS Magnum in that application. I wouldn't shy away from trying RS Hunter there either if you're looking for a cross-over with your 250 savage. It's burn rate is not so different from H-4350, another popular powder with the 140's.

My little DWM Mauser likes RL-22 with the 140 gr Partitions and Lapua brass.

Gunner

IMR 4064 always did an exceptional job in mine.

Imr4350, H4350, RL22, and IMR 7828

I'm using H4831 in a M96 sporter, 130 gr AB's. Chronied at 2800.Same group sizes achieved as Mule Deer

Mine is a Rem 700 Classic with 22" barrel. Best load is 125 grain Nosler Partitions in Win cases with Fed 210 primers and 45.0 grains of IMR 4350 which shoots 100 yard groups 0.75" with muzzle velocity of 2890 fps. 129 gr Hornady and 130 gr Barnes also work well but not quite as accurate.

Alright, I've got a little RL-22 and I've already loaded 10 rounds with it. I'll have to look and see if I've got any 4831. I don't have any 4350 left (ok about a teaspoon full)That shot pretty well in my 250 savage, but I prefer Ramshot big game in that one. Unless hunter would have worked better. I'll report back once I find "THE" load.

Reloder 19 and IMR4350 have worked well for me in the 6.5x55.

I use 45.0gr H4831SC with 140gr match bullets (SMK for now) in the mauser. A bit more powder for the same bullet weight in a modern rifle.

The guy who won CMP Western Games (I came in 2nd place) recommended 4895 with the 120 gr SMK one year (other years, something different)

My 700CL set up for silhouette right now I'm using Varget & 120 SMK.

Poole