Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Favorite Powder For 6.5 X55 129-140 Bullets?

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.