Im using Norma MRP 51grn. and rem 9 1/2 primers with Lapua brass. 3.150oal in the same set up as you. Tikka T3X 6.5x55. its pushing Moly'd 140 partitions and AB/ABLR at 2920fps
thank you for the load data. Always interested seeing this info from a person with the same rifle.
Half inch, 155 Mega over 46.5 H-4831 (surplus powder I bought in the ‘60’s) at around 2,500 FPS. I understand this old powder may be a tad slower than current production H-4831. It smells like new powder, no dust. It performs very well.
I shot quarter and 1/3 MOA groups with 139 Scenar over 47.2 MRP at around 2,650 FPS. 45 gr RL-17 was almost as accurate, still sub MOA, and faster at 2,749.
Those two bullets are the champs in this gun. It’s more finicky than my Shilen 6.5 Creedmoor. But does very well when fed what it likes.
The CM shoots a larger variety of combos sub MOA. The Swede shoots everything under 1.5”, but to a Loony, that’s not Kosher.
The CM likes the new 147 ELD-M, haven’t tried it in the Swede. I hear good reports on terminal performance with that bullet at Swede/Creed speed.
I have a Tikka T-3 Hunter and it shoots everything I have tried thus far well. A friend gave me a ancient box of 140 grain Speer flat base spitzers and they shot great. That was my first handload for this rifle.
Next I tried140 grain match bullets shoot, which shot even better. 129 Hornadys shoot into one hole. Somewhere I have a box of 120 grain TSXs which I bought for a Remington Model Seven in 260 which I sold. I bet they shoot, too.
Regarding you "dilemma", I go along with the 140 grain crowd. The 6.5s made their reputation as reliable killers using long and heavy for diameter bullets. That starts around 140 grains. I also have 160 grain Hornadys and 155 grain Lapuas which I haven't tried yet.
A friend swears by the 160 grain Hornady in his Winchester Model 70 Featherweight 6.5x55. He likes the quick kills he has gotten with minimal meat damage and a good blood trail.
The Scandanavians have been killing moose (their elk) for 100 years with the 6.5x55 and they're happy with it. You should be too.
Saw my niece drop a big cow moose at approximately 100 yards with the 120 TSX , quartering on shot.
Punched through bone, took out the top of the heart , broke 2 ribs on the off side. Dropped faster than any moose I’ve seen. Would not hesitate to use it . Or a good 140 grain , including Hornady
Thanks everyone. I'm thinking the partition and mega will be the experiment. The hornady round nose was mentioned but I'd likely just buy it in the factory.
Now for the evolution of the thread.... WHAT Powder...
I've seen 4831sc, 4350, and the mrp/rl mentioned quite frequently. While I have the eyeballs of experienced users, what is the recommended powder to push both bullets. In this thread I have seen some loads...curious to know if both bullets of different weights can be pushed effectively with the same powder or if different powders are recommended.
I'm running the 142 gr Nosler LR Accubond in my Swede and in my 264 WM. In the Swede ( a Model 70 w/ a Pac-nor 22" barrel) I'm using 45.5 g IMR4350 for 2810 fps. Groups are .3-.33 5 shots.
The 142 LRAB is a bit 'softer' than the accubond, opening down to lower speeds. I've only ever recovered one and that one was from the 264 and had traveled through 5' or so of an elk. I did use the 142 to take a medium sized axis with drt results.
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The Hornady 160 RN is a fine bullet and shoots remarkably in a sporterized 96 I have with 7.8 twist. The 155 has brought down lots of moose in Finland, Sweden, Norway, etc. I have some 160 Woodleighs (another no BS top notch bullet) but have not loaded them yet. If you want to go with the heavier bullets, give them a try. The Hornady RN 160's can be difficult to find sometimes - PM me if you need some help finding some.
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I bought two boxes of Hornady 160s when MidwayUSA had them. I also bought a box or two of the Megas. Haven't shot any of them yet as the 140s and 129s shoot so well.