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6.5x55 Swede users?

EasyGravy

EasyGravy

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Mar 15, 2014
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Is anyone on here using a 6.5x55swede? Dont here much chatter about them outside Mauser talk. I have an extra long action at home thats rdy for a rebarrel and Im on the fenceline weather to stay chambered 30.06 or try the swede.
I tactfully aquired about 200 lapua 6.5x55 swede brass new in box from a friend who borrowed my spare duck boat and hasnt returned yet. So rents due.

Any insite would be great if anyone using. Would be mostly a 1-600 yard gun for targets, yotes, and maybe deer. Was thinking a htg/tex stock w/ new steiner when they drop.
 
Have 3, two heavies and a 96. One is a Howa with in an A2 and other modern rifle is a Mod 70 in a B&C. The Howa has a Krieger and the 70 just returned home couple weeks ago with a #6 Douglas. Been playing with the Winchester since it is a new arrival. I have several pounds of AA 4350. With no real breakin, the 70 does sub moa at 100 with 41.0g AA4350 and a 140g Nosler CC. Went up to 44.0g incrementally and the groups got progressively larger. Have a lot of AA3100, IMR 4350, H 4350, etc., to try. Also want to try some 107s.

Great round that has served a long time. What I like about it is that you can load it mild or wild and get satisfactory results.
 
I had one built and its a laser! Old Rem 700 long action
(1968) 30" Pac Nor barrel, HS PST stock, Jewel Trigger, and
bottom metal for AI 300 WM mags. Shoots 95 gr V-Max .25 moa at 3550 fps
 
I have a win 70 in 6.5x55 as well. It is really a pleasure to shoot. Very accurate and works pretty well on game. I just started reloading so I haven't got a good load worked up for it yet. I and trying some 125gr partitions over H4350 but haven't found a sweet spot yet. Only tested one day though...

Great round and very adaptable. You might read up on the 6.5x55AI if you hand load and want something a bit different
 
I have a Sako AV in 6.5x55z Swede. I run 129gr Hornady SST and Woodleigh 140's. Shoots incredibly well and is a pleasure to use.

P1030352.jpg
 
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I have one in a Tikka T3. Thing shoots lights out. I am currently shooting 123 Scenars, Lapua brass, 210m's, H4350. I have a long action in my safe, might turn it into another 6.5x55. Awesome round!
 
Swede is a babydoll. Killed my first deer with one and I LOVE it.
You will too, go fast on twist.
 
Swedish 6.5x55: The best military cartridge to date, IMO. designed in 1893!

My own selection of Swedish Mausers set up for target use:

IMG_0948.JPG


I won't bore you with what these century old rifles will do. Who would believe me? I know, some have barrels only half a century old! One of the CG-63's has a NEW Krieger!
 
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MSTN said:
Swedish 6.5x55: The best military cartridge to date, IMO. designed in 1893!

My own selection of Swedish Mausers set up for target use:

IMG_0948.JPG



I won't bore you with what these century old rifles will do. Who would believe me? I know, some have barrels only half a century old! One of the CG-63's has a NEW Krieger!
Click to expand...

My CG-63 has continually impressed me. I might have to break down and build a custom long range gun on this round.
 
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The Swede has a nice case, with long neck and good shoulder angles. People poo poo it because it belongs in a long action, but I don't care.
 
What kind of velocities would one expect to see with a reasonable length barrel, 24-26", and 140s? High 2900-low 3000?
 
I had a CZ 550 Full Stock in 6.5x55 with a 20.5" barrel. It was plenty accurate.

I was getting 2800-2850 with the 123 amax and 2650-2700 with the 140's. I would think you could get +/- 2900 with the 140's and a 26" barrel set up on a long action.

Great round the 6.5x55.



 
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Yeah, I don't think you're going to see 3000fps with a 140. 2900 might be doable depending on barrel length and throat. 3000 with a 140 is 6.5-284 or 6.5-06 country.
 
6555CZFS.jpg

I have a 550FS also.
I shoot 140g Partitions out of it at 2650. Very accurate; more accurate than I ever thought a full stock rifle could be.
 
IMG_5584 crop.jpgI love my CG/63's, but I just picked up a modern M70 match rifle 6.5x55 and it's pretty amazing.
Larry Racine full build with Rem Varmint contour 1:8 twist, set up for irons and stripper clips.
I put a Nightforce on it, and with some load development this could be my favorite rifle.
 

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I am shooting the Swede in a CBI 8 twist 30" barrel. With Berger hybrid 140s, 47.4 grains of RL-22 gave me around 2935fps, but that was a pretty hot load and I haven't chronoed since backing down. The very first loads I loaded (ever, not just in the Swede) grouped in the .3s, and even some junky PVI "gold match" surplus grouped .8" for a 10 shot group.

To me, one of the most appealing features is that Lapua brass is comparatively stupid cheap(for the 6.5 family of cartridges).
From my source:
6.5x47L - $90
.260 - $84
6.5x284 - $106

6.5x55 - $64

I virtually find that fact alone enough to end the debate of the 6.5s
 
Have a 1994 Rem 700 the only year they made a 6.5x55 with a 28" McGowen 1:8.5. Shoots the lights out. It's boarder line boring under 800 yards.
18898564bfd8d4e8070607f86b5023d1d30e6b59.jpg


I'm also currently building a 6.5x55AI on AWT chassis with a bartlein 30" 5R
 
Nice move on the Swede. I love this round. My wife took her deer with it at 507yds. last year. A real pleasure to shoot.
 
Oh what the hell, I don't post much here but this is up my alley. Here's my ugly duckling. I upgraded to a DBM and a new stock a few months ago and haven't got any good pics yet.

You can believe me when I say this biche hammers. 29" Krieger, Rem700 stainless long action. Won a few ribbons at our long range steel shoots here in N. NV. This barrel has been fast. 136Scenars at 3050, no pressure problems. Killed several antelope, and marmots. Still shoots lights out after 2500+ rounds.
 

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Mine. Sako TRG M995 in an A3 and re-barreled in 6.5x55.



65_zps872af666.jpg




140g Hybrids at 2970fps. 5 shots.
photo16_zpsf4a99107.jpg


5 at 600y
090113_zpsd6ef5b5a.jpg
 
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That's like .09MOA
Fantastic group.

I think 6.5 Swede in modern actions is one of the most underrated cartridges around. Layton's getting 2970fps and micro groups, im getting 3020fps and hitting 1000yard+ moa sized plates. And it's not uncommon, just not talked about in every thread.
I personally hope it stays this way. With 62 cent Lapua brass, RL22 being decently available compared to most and the velocity and accuracy I get - I kind of want it to myself and am glad I don't see them everywhere.
I think the LA is a big mental hurdle for some who cant imagine not rapidly cycling through 10 rounds, as is most of us precision .308 and 6.5 Creed/260 Rem owners rapidly cycle on our SA's anyways.
 
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sjoliat said:
I am shooting the Swede in a CBI 8 twist 30" barrel. With Berger hybrid 140s, 47.4 grains of RL-22 gave me around 2935fps, but that was a pretty hot load and I haven't chronoed since backing down. The very first loads I loaded (ever, not just in the Swede) grouped in the .3s, and even some junky PVI "gold match" surplus grouped .8" for a 10 shot group.

To me, one of the most appealing features is that Lapua brass is comparatively stupid cheap(for the 6.5 family of cartridges).
From my source:
6.5x47L - $90
.260 - $84
6.5x284 - $106

6.5x55 - $64

I virtually find that fact alone enough to end the debate of the 6.5s
Click to expand...

This.
 
If you're ever inclined my CZ 550 American shot the 160's quite well with 4064 and the deer I poked looked like they'd been run through with a pool cue.
120 TSX's over H414 worked quite well on deer as well.
 
PS-G1_Sniper said:
That's like .09MOA
Fantastic group.

I think the LA is a big mental hurdle for some who cant imagine not rapidly cycling through 10 rounds, as is most of us precision .308 and 6.5 Creed/260 Rem owners rapidly cycle on our SA's anyways.
Click to expand...

Thanks PS. And this has been what I've seen when I start talking to people who inquire. They figure if they are going LA they might as well step it up to a 6.5-284, etc, etc. lol, And I kinda like not seeing many around as well.
 
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sjoliat said:
I am shooting the Swede in a CBI 8 twist 30" barrel. With Berger hybrid 140s, 47.4 grains of RL-22 gave me around 2935fps, but that was a pretty hot load and I haven't chronoed since backing down.
Click to expand...

Did you see pressure signs? What brand of brass.
Im running a little north of you in FPS with a 1:8.5 28" and more powder on Norma brass with zero pressure signs after hundreds of rounds. I've gotten 4-5 reloads out of each so far and still going strong, just annealed them.

PM me for recipe as I wont post it public, but if you didnt see signs I would venture forward comrade!
 
PS-G1_Sniper said:
Did you see pressure signs? What brand of brass.
Im running a little north of you in FPS with a 1:8.5 28" and more powder on Norma brass with zero pressure signs after hundreds of rounds. I've gotten 4-5 reloads out of each so far and still going strong, just annealed them.

PM me for recipe as I wont post it public, but if you didnt see signs I would venture forward comrade!
Click to expand...

Definitely had pressure signs - sticky bolt, flattened and cratered primers. I just remembered though that the culprit load was 48.1 grains RL-22 at 80F outside temp. At 65F load was okay, yielding 2925-2950 fps, minimal pressure signs. Backed down to 46.8, but I'm out of the node now and accuracy sucks. The brass was virgin Lapua, CCI BR2s under 140 hybrids touching the lands.

My experience has been that the RL-22 is fairly temperature sensitive. I am planning to try some H4831 when I get some free time.
 
If you're touching the lands back off about .010". My experience with hybrids in 4 calibers is that they like a little to alot of jump. You're also building pressure too quickly by touching imho.

L

edt: I just ran my normal load through QL setting it to touching and the pressure spikes 9k psi.
 
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With a slow burning power, off the lands is going to build that pressure nice and slow instead of pressure spiking. That said I load just about on the lands and run more than 1 full grain of RL 22 more than you when you were seeing signs.
I also agree that RL22 is heat sensitive, but shoot mine in 80-90 degree weather so far with not one pressure sign yet.

Norma brass, Tula LRP, 140 Amax. I've also run similar amount of power with 139 Scenar, 140 VLD and 140 SMK and no signs yet on any.
I've heard Norma brass is the best when it comes to 6.5 Swede uniquely, but I wouldnt imagine there is that much of a difference.

Personally I wouldnt got with a faster powder to solve the problem, with the nice long case of the Swede and a long barrel like yours I would try VV165 or even some H1000 load development.
 
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I ran out of barrel with H1000 and N560 but I only have a 26" barrel. He'll definitely get more burn out of that 30".

L
 
I've been wanting to find some of either of those powders for my 6.5x55AI custom build with 30 Bartlein. RL22 should still net me some pretty nice velocities all the same.
 
Layton said:
Mine. Sako TRG M995 in an A3 and re-barreled in 6.5x55.



65_zps872af666.jpg




140g Hybrids at 2970fps. 5 shots.
photo16_zpsf4a99107.jpg


5 at 600y
090113_zpsd6ef5b5a.jpg
Click to expand...

What barrel length is that Mr Layton?

Also, PSG1, which 160gr bullets are you talking about? You wouldnt be speaking of the Matrix 160s would you sir? How do you like them

Thanks so much yall.

PS: That M995 is a sweet piece btw Mr Layton.
 
Forgetful Coyote said:
W

Also, PSG1, which 160gr bullets are you talking about? You wouldnt be speaking of the Matrix 160s would you sir? How do you like them
Click to expand...

I believe MLC was talking about the 160's
I have no experience with 160gr 6.5" never felt I had enough umph to stabilize and send them at adequate speed, but who knows.
 
Glad to see so many 6.5x55 fans. It is my favorite cartridge.

I have a mint Sako Hunter A III in a wood stock with a medium contour barrel. Less than 500 rounds through it, all 140 Nosler Ballistic Tips ( I haven't shot this rifle in years). I will never get rid of the gun as it was a Christmas gift from my brother back in the good old days B.W. (before wives). Since I will keep it, I have no problem making it look and hopefully shoot like Layton's beautiful rig pictured above. Who does such work that anyone would recommend/ Thanks.
 
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