I just purchased a Barrett Fieldcraft in 6.5 X 55 and want to develop a load for it. Anyone have the Swift data? I'll probably use IMR or H4350. Thanks!

Swift load manual #2 for 6.5x55

IMR 4350, Start load , 39.5gr @ 2453. Max load is 42.5gr @ 2650.

Highest velocity load listed for 130 Scirocco in the 6.5x55 is 2730 FPS using Vihtavuori N-560.



I don't load the 130 Scirocco for my Swede but I do load it for a 6.5x284.
I've had my best accuracy when the bullet is seated deep and allowed to jump a bit, it showed pressure when seated out near the lands.

Holler if I can help!

I've had the best luck with them in my 6.6x55 at .010 off. They shoot around 2900 with 48 grains of RL 19.

https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/6.5x55.html

Agree with jump.

The SSII can be COAL sensitive. If it's not shooting, adjust COAL and jump.

You read stuff about them not being accurate. IME, they shoot very well with the right load/COAL.

DF

Thanks for the load data and your experience with SS"s. You've said the same thing that the folks at Swift told me. Seat them .030-.070 off the lands. I'm going to try a box of their loaded ammunition first and see what happens and then go from there. What bullet/load are you using?

Wow, that's about 3.0 grains over max according to the Alliant Reloading Guide.

I wonder if that's the powder (N-560) that Swift is using for their ammunition. That velocity is pretty close to what Swift advertises for the 6.5

We need to look at pressure. If a .270 can operate at 60K+ psi, why can't a Swede with good brass (I use Lapua) in a strong action, operate at 60K psi.

Book data, from what I've seen, operates well below 60K.

Would appreciate input on that.

DF

I looked back at the load data for RL-19 and noticed that the recipe was for a 140 gr. Speer SP so my assertion that your load was 3 grains over max was incorrect. My bad. Did you use the 140 gr. data and work up to pressure signs or what? I plan on using Lapua brass as well and with the Fieldcraft action I hope to be able to exceed book velocities.

Mine is a Ruger M77 action with a 24 inch Pacnor barrel. I started low and worked up. It could probably go more but I like the speed and the damage they do. I wasted many trying them from .030 to .120 off like everyone suggested. Start close and work back is my suggestion. What's there to lose?

Yeah, I'll start at 0.10 and work back in 0.005 increments and see what happens. Guess I'll buy a can of N-560 and RL-19 as well to test.

RL-26 might be a good option too. I am in the early stages of developing some loads for my Swedes with RL-26 and am optimistic.
Duane

I look forward to your report. RL-26 is an amazing powder.

DF

I too am soon to be working with RL 26 in 6.5x55. Keep us posted as you progress.

Don’t over look RL-17 with the 130’s Accubonds...... they shoot .179” in my Tikka stainless T3..... 47 grs with 210 match primer in Lapua brass pushes them 2900 FPS

Ok, my Barrett Fieldcraft 6.5x55 has come in and the scope mounted and bore sighted. I purchased a box of Superformance 140 gr. SST's and fired it up this weekend. The range was only 50 yards and I was trying to get it zeroed only and break in the barrel. I am impressed with the rifle to say the least. Now I was hoping someone could give me a min/max load out of the Swift manual for the 130 Gr. Sirocco using either IMR 4350, IMR 4831, or H4831. As soon as I can work those loads up I'll post up the results. Thanks in advance!

Well crud, I should have looked farther up the thread since I started it. Does anyone know what the OAL is of the 130 gr. Sirocco factory load? Thanks!

I loaded up some of the Sirocco's this weekend, but did't get a chance to shoot. Hopefully I can get away this Friday afternoon. Using the Hornady bullet length comparator found that the overall length when touching the lands was 3.102 inches. I didn't have the .264 bushing for the comparator so I had to go with OAL rather than the distance to the ogive (which is my preferred measurement). I started with IMR 4350 and used the load data from the Nosler manual for the 130 gr. Accubond and CCI 200 primers seated to an overall length of 3.072 inches. I used the same load data for RL19 with CCI 200 and seated to 3.072. I've got 3 rounds each load in .5 increments, but am curious about what to do about the seating depth.

They guys at Swift recommended seating depths of .030-.070 off the lands when I called them recently about the Sirocco in my .223. Should I increase the seating depths by say .010 as my powder charge increases or what? I'm trying find a good load quickly and save on components.

Thanks in advance