If we're talking the 6.5x55mm as "the Swede", it is the ballistic twin of the 260 Rem. The Hornady 129gr IL-SP has been my go-to bullet for this rifle for the last 20 years, sitting on top of 46.5gr RL-19.
In developing this load, I noted another cluster on my ladder test around 43.5-44.0gr, or thereabouts. That might be better for a vintage, lower-pressure military action.
Either way, this bullet should shoot sweetly in the Swede.
The 6.5x55 may have a ballistic twin, but; 260 Remington barrels have a slower twist. The 129 maybe ideal in the 260 (in theory and practice, I never had one) but; those results will not extrapolate to the Mausers. Folks say they work. I believe it. I bring up the 260, because that was a great idea that should have been popular.
It is too bad how things turn out for the 260Rem. That is life. We still have 7mm-08. Good enough. And, all more reason to stay with the 6.5x55 even if selection of modern guns is limited. I have a Ruger 77 and a Winchester Featherweight M70 in the ol'Sweed.
I rather load to moderate pressure levels for easy results than be watching for flattened primers on the latest wizbang cartridge. And, it is my firm belief that most rifles deliver better accuracy working off modest pressure levels of the published Sweed reload data.
I was looking for a 7mm-08 Rem when I got my 260 Rem. The shop didn't have what I wanted, but showed me an M77 Mk II in 260 Rem. I bit, and am glad I did. One of the best hunting rifles I have in my arsenal.
I agree with the idea of not hot-rodding a cartridge. The loads I've worked up on it aren't max loads...I usually see a sweet spot a grain or so before I hit max load limits, a couple of grains higher than the more modest sweet spot. I figure, if I need the extra velocity, step up to a bigger cartridge. That's what they're there for.
The 260 Rem was very popular among the benchrest circles for years. The inherent accuracy of the .308 case, with heavier bullets than most 6mm's could shoot, meant it could still be shooting bugholes at distances that would begin to spread the smaller calibers out - at least with the technology of powders and optics 20-25 years ago.
Today, it's a different ballgame.
What brought the 260 Rem down wasn't barrel twist (like the 244 Remington). It was simply a new kid on the block - the 6.5mm Creedmore, taking advantage of newer technologies in powders and optics.. Slightly less powder for the same bullet weight = less expensive to shoot over the long run. That's just plain ol' economics at work - getting further along on the same basic resources. In the benchrest world, pennies will add up quickly, with the volume of shooting and handloading many do there.
Over the last decade, the Creedmore cartridge line is all the rage. Never have bought one.
I finally got my 7mm-08, and am working up loads for it now.. It's just as sweet shooting as my 260 Rem.
