Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Quick load help with 6.5x55

Would someone be kind enough to run some quick load numbers to check pressure for me? I ran rl26 in a 24.125" barrel, 1/8 twist. 48 grains for me excellent accuracy at 2845 with a 140 grain Accubond. I know it's hotter than I predicted, but I want to ensure it's a safe load. Thanks.

I called Nosler. Since this has had lots of views, I thought I would pass along they don't have any data, but they felt in a modern action it should be safe.

Not an apples to apples comparison ,but Berger shows a load of 49.4 gr. of Rl -26, with a 140 gr elite hunter. The Berger load data for 6.5x55 is pretty conservative otherwise, so I am sure your load is completely safe.

This is a berger QL run but check out the PSI.

Cartridge : 6.5 x 55 Swedish
Bullet : .264, 140, Berger Hunt VLD HuntG7 #26504
Useable Case Capaci: 51.963 grain H2O = 3.374 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.150 inch = 80.01 mm
Barrel Length : 22.5 inch = 571.5 mm
Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 55114 psi, or 379 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 105 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

19 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 90%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Alliant Reloder-26 98.9 50.9 3.30 2855 100.0 55114 12855 1.202 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

One thing about QL it seems the burn rate they have for R26 is way too slow almost identical to R25. In smaller cases it is closer to R22 so QL will give you higher charges and lower pressures than what it should be. If you correct it to the Alliant data you get more accurate pressure info and charge weights.

I think they based their data on the lab data for burn rates.