Sierra told me today that for the 142 gr SMK, 35.8 grs of varget is their accuracy load. Anybody loading 6.5x55 with varget?
Rl 22 was their honorable mention.
Rl 22 was their honorable mention.
6.5x55 and Varget?
- Thread starter targaflorio
- Start date
Re: 6.5x55 and Varget?
I used 36gr with 120's and 140's, and the same loads should work as a generic for the .260. It was accurate, but it was also a smallish charge for the case capacity.
The me, this could indicate a faster than optimal propellant; but this could also suggest that Varget is tolerant of low charge densities.
I'd prefer H-4350 for the Swede if I still had one.
I used 36gr with 120's and 140's, and the same loads should work as a generic for the .260. It was accurate, but it was also a smallish charge for the case capacity.
The me, this could indicate a faster than optimal propellant; but this could also suggest that Varget is tolerant of low charge densities.
I'd prefer H-4350 for the Swede if I still had one.
Re: 6.5x55 and Varget?
Thanks guys. I have Varget, RL22 and H1000 in stock, so I will try those and see if one doesn't work just fine.
(I typically like to fill the case as much as possible...)
If none works, I will try H4350, 4831 or a Vihta Vuori. I like the fact that the slower powders show less peak pressure. The Varget accuracy load is only doing about 2500 fps.
Thanks guys. I have Varget, RL22 and H1000 in stock, so I will try those and see if one doesn't work just fine.
(I typically like to fill the case as much as possible...)
If none works, I will try H4350, 4831 or a Vihta Vuori. I like the fact that the slower powders show less peak pressure. The Varget accuracy load is only doing about 2500 fps.
Re: 6.5x55 and Varget?
40gr. re-22 pushing 140gr bullets (Sie btsp, Nos bthp, Spr fbsp)in my long barrel Karl Gustov 1896 model gets me 1/2" groups.
Dont know about the carbines.
That is with new, sized Norma brass with Fed 210 primers and SAMI OAL.
I am too cheap to shorten a barrel just to get the possible lead somewhere near touching a spire point bullet (chamber was designed for round point, so I would need custom, extra long necks just to get near the lands...), and the work would double the cost of an already 1/2 MOA rifle...
40gr. re-22 pushing 140gr bullets (Sie btsp, Nos bthp, Spr fbsp)in my long barrel Karl Gustov 1896 model gets me 1/2" groups.
Dont know about the carbines.
That is with new, sized Norma brass with Fed 210 primers and SAMI OAL.
I am too cheap to shorten a barrel just to get the possible lead somewhere near touching a spire point bullet (chamber was designed for round point, so I would need custom, extra long necks just to get near the lands...), and the work would double the cost of an already 1/2 MOA rifle...
Re: 6.5x55 and Varget?
Varget is very accurate, but slow, try RL-22. There are a lot of 6.5X55's up here and RL-22 is a popular powder for heavier bullets.
Varget is very accurate, but slow, try RL-22. There are a lot of 6.5X55's up here and RL-22 is a popular powder for heavier bullets.
Re: 6.5x55 and Varget?
I wouldn't recommend RL22 if you like consistency regardless of temperature. I quit using it when my velocity varied up to 150 fps depending on temperature.
I shoot a 22" 6.5x55 in a Tikka. My favorite load is a 123 A-max seated over 40 grains of Varget. It is a light easy shooting load that makes 2700 fps. I've taken it out to 1000 yards, but it's best under 500. It's ballistically similar to a standard 308 load, with far less recoil.
If I wanted max velocity with 140 class bullets, I would shoot H4831SC or H4350. If you've got a modern action, you can use 260 Rem loads and work up from there. The Swede only holds a few more grains.
-Dan
I wouldn't recommend RL22 if you like consistency regardless of temperature. I quit using it when my velocity varied up to 150 fps depending on temperature.
I shoot a 22" 6.5x55 in a Tikka. My favorite load is a 123 A-max seated over 40 grains of Varget. It is a light easy shooting load that makes 2700 fps. I've taken it out to 1000 yards, but it's best under 500. It's ballistically similar to a standard 308 load, with far less recoil.
If I wanted max velocity with 140 class bullets, I would shoot H4831SC or H4350. If you've got a modern action, you can use 260 Rem loads and work up from there. The Swede only holds a few more grains.
-Dan
Re: 6.5x55 and Varget?
I haven't had good luck with varget in x55. VV560 worked great with 139-142gr bullets, H4350 was good also.
I haven't had good luck with varget in x55. VV560 worked great with 139-142gr bullets, H4350 was good also.
Re: 6.5x55 and Varget?
Just finished a 6.5 Swede rifle. Using 44.0 grains of Power Pro 4000 with a 140 gr Berger VLD. Far better results then RL 22 or 4350. If you can get yourself a lb, give it a try.
Just finished a 6.5 Swede rifle. Using 44.0 grains of Power Pro 4000 with a 140 gr Berger VLD. Far better results then RL 22 or 4350. If you can get yourself a lb, give it a try.
Re: 6.5x55 and Varget?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jdberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm burning IMR 8208 in my 55 with good results. </div></div>Which bullet is that? What charge weight? Thanks, I have 8208 to try as well.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jdberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm burning IMR 8208 in my 55 with good results. </div></div>Which bullet is that? What charge weight? Thanks, I have 8208 to try as well.
Re: 6.5x55 and Varget?
100 grain ballistic tip, 22 inch barrel, Tikka T3. Worked up to around 3200fps. It's a little fast, but it will work with heavier bullets as well. I use 8208 in 308, 6.5x55, and 6x47L.
100 grain ballistic tip, 22 inch barrel, Tikka T3. Worked up to around 3200fps. It's a little fast, but it will work with heavier bullets as well. I use 8208 in 308, 6.5x55, and 6x47L.
Re: 6.5x55 and Varget?
Be careful with using fast powders and heavier bullets like the 140's. You can run into some serious pressure problems really easily. Still, I would just go with something the speed of 4350, but if you want to run a fast powder work up in small increments.
Be careful with using fast powders and heavier bullets like the 140's. You can run into some serious pressure problems really easily. Still, I would just go with something the speed of 4350, but if you want to run a fast powder work up in small increments.
Re: 6.5x55 and Varget?
Yeah.... I'm going to try my RL22 and H1000 first. Slow and steady wins the race.
Yeah.... I'm going to try my RL22 and H1000 first. Slow and steady wins the race.
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