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Data for 6,5 x 55 / 142 smk / 1 in 8 Border Barrel

sierra777

Private
Minuteman
May 26, 2010
2
0
53
NL
Hi,

I have a custom built 6,5 x 55 SM, Border barreled 1 in 8 twist rate and ran into a lot of 142SMK's for an agreeable price.

Anybody got any advice on an ideal load for the 142's for my rifle? Preferably but not necessary with VVN560, since I have it on shelf.

Pls note that the rifle is short chambered, max OAL (touching on the lands) with the 142's is 76,2 mm (in inches that is 3,11)

Tnx a lot in advance, regards

Sierra777
 
Re: Data for 6,5 x 55 / 142 smk / 1 in 8 Border Barrel

I don't have any answers for you, but I am also looking for loads for the 6.5x55. I have some H380 on the shelf and I am looking for actual (not pre-1896) loads for it. I hope you don't mind my piggy backing on your thread.
 
Re: Data for 6,5 x 55 / 142 smk / 1 in 8 Border Barrel

I had the best luck with H4831sc. (most accurate) out of 6 powders. I started low and worked up in half grain increments until I saw pressure. Never tried any Vit, but N560 looks good on paper.
 
Re: Data for 6,5 x 55 / 142 smk / 1 in 8 Border Barrel

If you don't mind my asking, where did you see pressure signs? Don't worry, I'm not going to go out and try that load without working up, but I'd like to know where other people are seeing pressure with this cartridge so I know when I'm in the ballpark. I know the published loads are conservative for this cartridge, but I don't know how much so. I'd like to get a feel for what people are running in modern actions.
 
Re: Data for 6,5 x 55 / 142 smk / 1 in 8 Border Barrel

You didn't say what kind of action. Not a small ring Mauser I hope.

I've used 46gr N560 in my Tikka 695 (short throat, match chamber) with a 139 Scenar @ 3.050" to get 2950 fps.

With a 140gr HPBT Sierra at 3.110, the VV load data lists a starting load of 45.2gr and a max of 48.3gr (2770 fps) with N560. They don't list a load for the 142gr SMK.
 
Re: Data for 6,5 x 55 / 142 smk / 1 in 8 Border Barrel

Just a general reaction. It is a custom built action, not an old Swede. Yes, I should have ordered in 6,5 x 47, but I have an old Swede and (then) thought it would be beneficial to have one caliber for both guns. However, that's a different story.

I have worked out loads ranging from as low as 41 grains to 46 grains VVN560. 41,6 does excellent at the short range (here in NL we shoot indoor 50 meters), but for the long range: nada.

Since I am not an extremely experienced reloader: pressure signs: I really don't know. I THINK the primer is starting to crater at around the 46 grain mark, and do not dare to go further. But honestly: I am not even sure the primer is cratered. Definitely the primer is not flattened or bulging out.

Since I have a deep setting for the bullet due to my short chamber, the max load looking at capacity only would be approx. 48.7 grains.

Please help me on since I have a match coming up for 500 meters and: I am not getting anywhere near what I had hoped on with the 142 SMK's.
 
Re: Data for 6,5 x 55 / 142 smk / 1 in 8 Border Barrel

I have two loads with mine that really shoot well. One is 42gs of H4350 and the other is 45grs of H4350. The 45gr load is nearly capable of keeping up with my 6.5x284. The 42gr load is around the 2800fps mark with 139 Lapuas.

I chose to shoot the 42grs to help with barrel life on my rifle and its deadly accurate to 1000yds.
 
Re: Data for 6,5 x 55 / 142 smk / 1 in 8 Border Barrel

Around 50grs of 4831sc gives me 2800 in a Tikka 22.5 inch barrel.There's room for a little more. This is with a 140.Very accurate for a ultra light rifle. I think my next tactical rifle will be in this caliber.