The title says most of what I'm lookin for.
I have the OLD standards. I'm also looking for ONE of the newer powders that work well in the cal & 129-140 bullets. I'm trying to keep any NEW powder inventory to a minimum.

Add'l info: IMR 7828 is the NEWEST powder I'm using. ANYTHING newer is new to me. If your favorite powder is an OLDER powder, I'm interested.

What's Your Favorite Powder for it?

THANKS

edited for add'l info:

Ramshot Magnum is probably my favorite among the newer powder for heaver bullets in the 6.5x55.

Not a new powder, but certainly my favorite for 129-140gr. bullets is RL22.

Steve

S C - THANKS, I've edited to add about my newest powder. I've not tried RL 22 either. It's new to me.

To repeat for any who might not read O P; I'm looking for your favorite powder for the 6.5X55 regardless of new/old.

Thank You

RL22 did well for me.

Jerry,

You may or may not know this...: But Reloader 22 bears a striking resemblance to Norma MRP.

GH

Gh - NO, I didn't know or haven't noticed anyone saying it before. THANKS

BobinNH said recently on the 'fire', Rl 17 is very similar to H205. That is very good for me to know. I'll double check that thread and verify. If I'm wrong, I'll edit and correct.

BOTH are good news to me. THANKS
Merry Christmas
Jerry

Gh - I just checked and Rl 17 being close to H 205 is what Bob said. P 6 of Bob Hagel Reloading Data thread. Just in case you missed it or might want to read it.

Jerry

R22

I like 7828 (only ever used long-cut in mine) as a main powder.

THANKS GUYS, I really appreciate your help and input.

Keep em comin.
Jerry

120 grains bullet and under - Ramshot Hunter works well, especially the Barnes 120

140 and up = Ramshot Magnum

RE-22 is the only powder I have used for that bullet weight range. The results that I have gotten are quite acceptable.

With 140gr bullets in my Ruger 6.5x55s I use H4350 or H4831.

Sir Mule Deer, what would be a good load with FPS for a 6.5x55 with a 120 TTSX and Ramshot Magnum? Are the Ramshot powders sensitive to temperature if so how much? Thanks for your help the 30-06 58 grains Ramshot Hunter in 180 grain is awesome accurate at 2800 FPS. As the young kids would say you have
"Street Creed". Thanks Buckfever1

buckfever,

With 120-grain bullets Ramshot Hunter works better than Magnum. Other good powders for 120-grain bullets are H4350 and Reloder 19.

Hunter and Magnum are pretty temp-resistant--not quite as much as the Hodgdon Extremes, but better than most powders.

H4831.It's so good,I have never had the inkling to try anything different. 130 to 140 gr bullets.
I figure if it ain't broke,don't try to fix it

If you have some 7828 already give it a try, it might work well. My go to powders are R19 for the 120BT and R22 for heavier stuff. Even though the 6.5x55 is a small case slower powders work best, or that's been my experience anyway.

Mr. T - IMR 7828 is the slowest burning powder I have and have used.

I don't mind adding ONE powder to my inventory to get optimum performance from the 6.5 Swede. I'm not saying 1 lb, but 1 new powder.

I'm down to my last lb of H 205, I have a few lbs. of H 450,it works WELL in my 6mm BELOW max for varmint loads.

I have several lbs of other powders as well and don't have room or need to spend the $ for multiple powders.

I have found great loads for my rifles/cals/bullets with powders BEFORE so many of these NEW powders came out. I also found that with the RIGHT primer, my powders LOST LITTLE vel in my COLDEST hunting temp.

That said, I have no need to change powders since these work for me. YMMV.

Thanks Again
Jerry

RL 22 works so well I just use it. If I ever see anyplace that actually stocks Ramshot powders, I intend to try some Magnum just to satisfy my curiosity.

Ramshot powders are supplimented with strontium 90 and naquida. They shoot faster than anything else, plus they take your trash cans to the road when you're not looking. It's good stuff.

So, Mule Deer is a Knight now?

Assuming you're talking about modern rifles, and looking for a combo of good accuracy and high velocity, then here are my first choices:
140+ grains: H4831SC, IMR4831, Rel. 19
120-129 grains: H4350 or any of the 4350s, Rel. 19
90-95 grains: XMR4064, H4895

The above powders perform great in my Tikkas and #1A. However, I plan to try some of the Ramshot powders this year since they have worked fine in other cartridges for me.

MT DD - YES, and I should have stated that in my OP.

I have a Win 70 FTWT @ '90 model in 6.5X55. Also there is a plethora of info on loading for OLDER rifles.

Thank You for bring this to my attention.

Jerry

I shoot my 6.5x55 quite often and like the following powders.

95-100gr bullets -IMR4064
120gr - Rel 19
129gr - Rel 22 or Winchester WXR [Grafs had some REALLY cheap and it is a different lot of Rel-22]

I would look to WXR of Rel-22 for any bullet heavier than 120, but I have never loaded anything over 129grs. The Hornady SP wokes so good, I don't see a need for anything heavier.

back when I shot the Swede and H4350 is what it perk along with 140 Sierra HP's.

Dober

My 6.5x55 works well with IMR 4350 and RL19 with 125 and 140 grain NPs.

Well, if limiting yourself to one powder, and one powder only I'd have to go with RL-22 as well. Temp. sensitivity and all. It's been the most consistently accurate powder I've found in my rifle. And I've tested it from 129g to 160g.

Ramshot Magnum would be another good choice. As would Ramshot Hunter and one of the 4350's. I've not used 7828 much in the 6.5x55 but it's one I'd give a try if you already have a stock of it on hand.

Azar - I WOULD LIKE to not add more lbs of MORE kinds of powder.

I have several diff powders now. Among them are IMR 4350 & I4831
& I7828.

From the Hodgdon site, w 120, 129, & 140 bullets I4350 & I4831 give the highest vel. 2900, 2800, 2700 respectively. And that is LIMITED to 46000 psi.

Sooo I may already be in the ball park. I'm looking for the FAVORITE powder from you guys who've been shooting the 6.5X55 long enough to have PICKED the powder you like best.

Thanks; Merry Christmas; Happy New Year
Jerry

According to the A-Square manual, RL22 IS MRP.

5sDad - Thanks for the verification. For a few years I lived close to Red Stick, La (Baton Rouge). There was a LARGE s g store that handled GUNS & LOADING components, N.A. Guns which stood for Norkauer (sp ?) Assoc. They stocked some Norma powders. At the time I didn't have the extra money to use N powders.

Other than that I've never had Norma powders readily available, so I haven't used any.

It's great to know that Rl 22 is MRP.

I'm equally excited to know that Rl 17 is CLOSE to H 205. Understanding the burn rate relationship of 17 to 22 makes sense.
H 205 fell EXACTLY between IMR 4350 & IMR 4831. (for my applications) And MRP is/was slower burning than IMR 4831.

This makes for some interesting loading possibilities.
Thanks Again
Jerry

Used to use surplus H4831 with 129gr. When that was gone I tried RE19 and RE22 with 120 to 140gr and stuck with RE22.

CORRECTION ! CORRECTION !

I just noticed Hodgdon's pressure is listed as C U P. Not PSI.

If you want to know the correlation between PSI & CUP, our EINSTEIN (SERIOUSLY,not mocking) Denton has the mathematical forumla. on 'shootingsoftware.com'. I googled psi vs cup and brought it up. He has 6 pages and IN THERE is a formula. He has a great treatise on this subject.

I found what I needed.

Thanks Denton

Vihtavori N560, WXR, and Reloader 22. I have enough of these on hand, to last longer than I will live. But I would like to try the Ramshot powder.

Has anyone tried Retumbo in 6.5x55 with 140 grain bullets? I have some left from my 30-378 and 300 RUM days.

IMR-4350 has ALWAYS worked in all of my Swedes....haven't tried the H-4350 in the Swedes yet, but its all I realistically need in my Creedmoors.
good luck,
johnny

jwall,

If you already have a good stock of IMR 4350, 4831, and 7828 you have the range of powders you need (although you could also use 4064 if going for a lightweight 85-100g load). IMR 4350 was the first powder I ever tried in my 6.5x55 and it worked great with a 140g Hornady SP. I've never used IMR 4831 and only dabbled with 7828 SSC in the 6.5x55. But there is enough data out there with the "old standby" powders to get you what you want.

But, my answer to your original question about my favorite powder in the 6.5x55 is still Reloder 22.

Good luck!

Thanks Azar - Yes, I'm stocked well with the old standbys. Before these newer powders came along I found loads that delivered the Accuracy & Vel. I wanted SOOO I haven't felt the need to change.

NOW I have a new caliber to me. 6.5X55 and wanted to know from you guys EXPERIENCED w/it what your preferences are.

As of now, Rl 22 has the majority recommendations as for number. Other good powders are mentioned so I already have a couple of good powders to begin.

Also since Rl 22 is CLOSE or the SAME as MRP I have ideas for possible applications in some other calibers I have. Therefore I might very well use it elsewhere as well.

Thanks Again,
I'm still listening:

Jerry

+1 H4831sc with 140
Works well in my model 70

Use IMR 4064 and the charge weight of your rifle's choice.

jwall,

I recently picked up a New Haven Model 70 Classic Featherweight in 6.5x55, accordingly my experience with this cartridge is limited but I'll offer what has been working for me.

I shoot 130's and 140's with H4831sc. It certainly works well, but I'm still dialing it in.

I, too, found that RL-22 was like Norma MRP; however, I read one person say they are the same. I wouldn't agree with that. They are not exactly the same; the RL-22 is a little bit faster burning power. On one of the charts that I have access to that lists burn rate of 1 to 266 powders, it lists Norma MRP at 233 and RL-22 at 237. Actually, Win 785 is listed at 238. So, I would say that Norma MRP is "similar" to RL-22, but I have used both of these, and call me a nut, but my barrel "feels" hotter than the RL-22 than on Norma MRP, but just a "smidge." Which one is more accurate? I know RL-22 is a great choice, but I have been shooting my CZ 550 in 6.5x55mm for 4 years. After my first season with it on the range, I sold my 30-06, my .270, and my 243 WSSM. RL-22 was what I started with. Right now, I am actually in a duel out between powders. I just may jump to the Finns on powder.

Hi, have you tested out the V-560, Norma MRP, and the RL-22 in a line up?

4831sc

I don't have a swede, but I do have a 6.5x57 and it loves RL22 and 140gr interlocks.

Re 19 hands down

I tested some VV-560 for the first time yesterday in my Model 70 Fwt. The Oehler 35 had some surprises in store...

First were some five-year old loads of 47.0 grains RS Magnum/WLR/140 Partition. Three shots were 2243, 2219, and 2181 fps. Pretty damn slow!

A few weeks ago, someone asked about a Terry Wieland article in "Rifle" that recommended 48 grains of IMR4350 and a 140 Partition in "modern" rifles. (Mauser 98 or later.) I maxed-out at 47.5 grains with a Federal GM210M primer and got 2774, 2763, and 2753 fps. No obvious pressure signs, which made me happy: This was some OLD powder with lots of red dust. I'm going to do some further experimenting with fresh powder.

VV-560 loads were using Barnes 130 TSX and GM210M and ranged from 48.5 grains to 50.0 grains. Velocity with the max load was 2678, 2680 and 2689 fps. These loads had an OAL of 2.825 inches. 49.0 grains gave 2626, 2610, and 2659 fps. The same load (49.0 grains) with and OAL of 3.01 inches gave 2770, 2791, and 2799 fps. I'll be doing some more experimenting with the longer OAL.

Thnx Guys for these recent responses.

In the last 2-3 yrs. I've been shooting, actually hunting, with some WW factory 140 SP. Those bullets were 139 HSP. I recovered a few from my pond dam and they had expanded to the point you could SEE the H Interlock ring. I posted pics in another thread and don't remember which one.

I've killed 4-6 WT deer with those factory bullets and they worked well.

We are all individuals so speaking for myself, 2700 fps doesn't even make my butter warm much less melt it.

I've been working with IMR 4831 and 129 HSPs but haven't found a combo that satisfies.

I'm currently waiting on delivery of Nosler 120 BT and my GOAL is 3000 fps. w/accuracy of course.

I've been a 270 W, 6mm R, 7 RM & 300 WM shooter/hunter for many years. That said 2700 fps makes me yawn!

I've had no problem getting 3100 fps in the 6mm R w/100 gr bullets SO I'm hoping to get at least 3000 fps with the 6.5 120 gr bullets.

I've also been developing a 284 Win this year so everything is slowly progressing.

Thnx Again for your interests.

Once I tried 47 grs of RL-22 on most any 140, I just quit looking. If I can ever see any Magnum anywhere I will try that next.

Depending on lot RL-22 in four different Swede rifles, a Ruger 77 and three Winchester 70's it will hit around 2750 anywhere from 46.5-48.0 grs.

I might get higher, but I figure to what end. Hit it once with that combo and that tag is filled.

I'd say if you need (maybe want is a better term) 3,000+ another cartridge might be best. You have to stand on it to hit or exceed 3,000 much with 129-130, 120 is easier to do so that might work for you.

I have two mid-1980s vintage Winchester/USRA 70 FWTs, from the European export run of push-feed rifles, that are throated for 156/160 grain RN bullets, so shorter/lighter bullets have a fair jump of free-bore to the rifling. These rifles have never shot particularly good groups with bullets lighter/shorter than the 129 grain Hornadys. If you want a faster 6.5x55, the easiest path is via a 6.5-284 finish reamer and its added 9 grains of case capacity, 57 to 66.

I have the same rifle as you. The 130 grain Barnes is the lightest bullet I've played with, mostly because I've had such good luck with 140-160 grain bullets. I've taken around a dozen deer with heavier bullets and only one with the 130; all at Minnesota "woods range". The Barnes shoots as good as Partitions and Game Kings. A little more velocity is okay; but I don't think the right bullet, in the right spot, is going to gain anything with 100-200 extra FPS.

Agreed Steve and the 120gr bullets are ordered. Thnx.



I just checked the distance to lands in my 70 XTR FTWT and it is 2.725" That is reasonably close on the 140 gr pointed bullets. The SAAMI OACL (COAL) is 3.150"
Only shooting will tell the tale.



I agree and understand but my hunting distance can and does change frequently from 20yds----400yds in the same day. I guess I'm spoiled to fast flat shooting cartridges. Thnx.

H4831sc......H4350.....VN560.......

I have been using N560 in my Swedes for about 20 years now.Good stuff.

I have loaded for the Swede and the 6.5X57, from 100g to 165g original Barnes bullets. Best powders I have found have been IMR4895, IMR4350, RL-19, RL 22 and Vitavouri N550 and N560. Some have more velocity than others, and there maybe more newer powders that offer more. With the Swede, I have found velocity is not that important, at least not trying to squeeze out the last 50fps to 100fps. The animal will not know the difference

Mine likes 139 Scenars over MRP, which is pretty close (if not the same) as RL-22.

DF

4064, 4895, RL 15 burn ranges

So did you get 4 on the ground and a couple that maybe died later?
If you want to use a 6.5 and anchor stuff on the spot use a 100 grain ballistic tip or barnes TTSX at full throttle, or the good old standby the Sierra 120 grainer, in my experience nothing will kill faster

I know you like faster burning powders, but ya gotta be careful with them.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...oops/Search/true/Whoops.....#Post9777780

DF

Don't make ASSumptions! ! !

That is 4-6 without checking records.

I use more than 1 rifle and killed multiple deer each season !

RL19 works very well for me in the 6.5x55 with 125 and 140 grain bullets.

This 560 is a powder I've never used but might have to give it a try. THNX

Rl 19 and 22 seem promising, altho 22 is pretty Temp. Sensitive.

Yes DF, that's been my experience as well. I'm not saying they won't work but they have not given OPTIMUM performance for achievable velocities.

Me using those powders, I gather is old school...

however even if I sacrifice 100 or so fps, they always give very consistent accuracy...

but in loading for the Swede all these years now, I have come to the conclusion, its much like a 223....

when it comes to accuracy, its harder to find one that won't work well in the case....

Seafire -- "old school", I don't know about that. <G>

I'm a JOC convert from the 70s and a Hagel-ite & JRS disciple from the 80s. I was thinkin I am pretty 'Old School'.

Old habits are hard to break!! However I have 'let up' on the accelerator some since joining the Campfire. Several here have had good influence on me, among them are Mr. B (Mule Deer), Denton, Dr Howell, et.al.

It seems things have changed a lot toward 'conservative' hand loading, at least round here.

So, maybe WE are both old school.

Have a good day.

I've use RL22 for many years. Great accuracy and good velocity make for easy shooting and many dead animals.

Now, you can shoot the Swede pretty fast with the right RL-15 load.

I know what 52 grains will do with a 100 gr. NPT...

It'll make a .264 WM blush...

Now, don't try that at home...

DF

Previously, Ramshot showed 49.8 as their top load using the 140 Partition and Magnum. That is the load I worked up to, and it gives great accuracy with no pressure signs on the brass. I believe Mule Deer has used 50 grains. I haven't chrono'ed yet so I can't speak to speed.

I really like n560 in the swede and the Springfield.great velocity and accuracy.

IMR 4350 is doing about 0.8 moa in my chopped Swede with 140 grain pills. Had an unused supply available so I started with that. Since it did not appear to be broken, I've done no further research.