Why is load data for the 6.5 x 55 so anemic? Is it because they assume you might be shooting a Swede Mauser and thus there are issues with action strength? Can the 6.5 x 55 be loaded hotter (than the manuals indicate) in a strong bolt action? Its got way more capacity than the 6.5 x 47 and presumably Laupa 6.5 x 55 brass is every bit as strong as 47 brass, so I don't understand the low powered Swede load data.

TIA,

Jordan

Saami data is for the weakest action the cartridge was built in. The Sweed is no different.

The load manual should state if the loads are okay in modern rifles or not. The Nosler manual does and I load my Rem 700 Classic to their max loads with very good results. Not sure about others.

Thanks Sniper. So, is there a rule of thumb in terms of velocity increase the brass is actually capable of in a strong action? I assume the Lapua 6.5 x 47 and 6.5 x 55 brass are identical in strength. Just trying to run some ballistic tables on the 55 and can't find realistic velocities in any load manual. They're too low. Any real world experience in a strong action?

What I really want to know is whether the Swede can motivate a 140 grain bullet to 2950 fps in a strong action? Anyone know?

TIA,

Jordan

Rob, I"d run a QL for you but it hasn't worked since I upgraded my system. Recently there was a thread comparing the 6.5 in a modern action to the 25.06. As I recall, there was some QL data posted as the 6.5 compared very well. I think it was in "Ask the Gun writers"


Here you go:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...w_does_a_hot_loaded_6_5_Swed#Post9261384

Thanks Sniper. I'll check out the threads and QL.

Jordan

Rob, 2950 with a 140 grain bullet is probably a bit much. With 47.5 grains of H4350, I get that much with a 129 grain bullet.

I will say 3k with a 140gr bullet sounds a little overly ambitious to me. That's what I'm getting out of my .270. In the Sweed, even in a modern action, that would be on the warm side.

Thanks Denton and Sniper. What would be reasonable with a 140 grain bullet in a 22" tube, if you'd care to hazard an educated opinion.

Thanks,

Jordan

Just a SWAG, but probably 2800 or so out of a 22" barrel.

Sounds about right.

Rob, if you want 3k just drop back to a 130gr bullet.
The 130gr NAB
H4831sc
CCI200

This is a proven combination in the Sweed.

Nosler's newest #7 has some GREAT data for the 6.5 Swede.

I just picked up a 6.5 Swede myself, so I haven't loaded the first round, but Nosler's data, along with QL has me pretty excited to get it set up.

The Swede rifles I load for, Ruger 77 and Winchester 70's and from 46.5-48 grains of RL-22 top out 2,800 to 2,850, depending on powder lot. That is about the upper limit with any 4350 I have used, or H 4831, for that matter. I arrived there by graphing out velocity increases and charge wt increases. The 2,800 fps level seems where the graph curve begins to flatten out. Everything works and I have no desire to push that any further, mostly because I see no need.

Mine do... 1919 built Karl Gustaf Mauser
Model 70 and a Model 77 Mk 2..

The first two have long barrels.. the Ruger has only a 22 incher...so 2900 is its limit, without pushing it hard...

I also have all three rifles where they can easily chamber a round with a 140 grain Corelokt seated to the first cannelure..

so the round doesn't have to have a bullet seated real deep in the case...

I use 260 data in the Swede and work up from there...

A lot depends on where you feel comfortable running your pressure. Personally, I like to run mine about 58-59-ish KPSI.

QuickLoad sez 46 grains of H4350 under a 140 grain pill gets you a peak pressure of 59.3 KPSI and an MV of 2799 FPS in a 22" barrel.

Again, 50 grains of H4831sc gets you 58.5 KPSI and 2769 FPS.

And 48 grains of Ramshot Hunter gets you 59.7 KPSI and 2804 FPS.

And, finally, 50.5 grains of RL22 gets you 58.3 KPSI and 2830 FPS.

Remember, these are computer model estimates, and computer model estimates are what got the world in trouble on global warming. These are not tested or safe loads.

So, yeah, somewhere close to 2800.

Now my old Carl Gustaf gets 2800 with 140s, but that's a 29" barrel. And the software says that I could break 3000 FPS with RL22 at 58.3 KPSI. Momma!!