Ramshot Big Game will most likely be the powder of choice for 6.5x55 (check Western Powder's load data first), I have used it in 8x57 IS so can't see why it wouldn't work in 6.5x55.
EDIT: I checked Ramshot load data and there's no data for Big Game, but there is some for Ramshot Magnum and Ramshot Hunter.
If it's available in your area, Reload Swiss is a good alternative to Vihtavuori powders. RS60 is a bit faster burning compared to N160 (based on Reload Swiss' relative burn off chart) but is suitable for this calibre.
This powder costs me £69 per kilo local to me which makes it more affordable than Ramshot and Vihtavuori powders.
Minimum cartridge over all lentgh
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All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.
Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.
Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
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WelshShooter
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Re: Minimum cartridge over all lentgh
Swiss is not available but I might be able to pick up some ramshot.
Re: Minimum cartridge over all lentgh
I managed to get hold of a tub of Hodgdon H4350. A box of new Lapua cases and some 120grain A max bullets. I used federal primers.
All the cases were prepped and run through the action to check fit and function before moving on to load development.
I used a hornady gauge with one of the cases drilled and tapped and expanded to accommodate the 120 grain A max bullet to check maximum cartridge over all length. I checked several times the number came out at 2.866. So I loaded up a dummy round to 2.866 knowing things would be tight. The bolt closed and opened again but the bolt would not slide back I gave it a gentle tap with a soft face hammer and it popped out.
I then started reducing the cartridge length in small increments measuring each time and cycling through the action. The initial chambering had a shiny ring around the bullet were it had jammed in the throat. I eventually found a sweet spot were every thing functioned correctly I backed it off a bit more to be on the safe side I did not want the bullet touching the rifling.
I then assembled 30 rounds using the same measurements. I checked several re loading manuals for min/max powder charges the minimum is 44grains so I loaded them with 44.3 grains for starters.
We will see what happens to morrow.
All the cases were prepped and run through the action to check fit and function before moving on to load development.
I used a hornady gauge with one of the cases drilled and tapped and expanded to accommodate the 120 grain A max bullet to check maximum cartridge over all length. I checked several times the number came out at 2.866. So I loaded up a dummy round to 2.866 knowing things would be tight. The bolt closed and opened again but the bolt would not slide back I gave it a gentle tap with a soft face hammer and it popped out.
I then started reducing the cartridge length in small increments measuring each time and cycling through the action. The initial chambering had a shiny ring around the bullet were it had jammed in the throat. I eventually found a sweet spot were every thing functioned correctly I backed it off a bit more to be on the safe side I did not want the bullet touching the rifling.
I then assembled 30 rounds using the same measurements. I checked several re loading manuals for min/max powder charges the minimum is 44grains so I loaded them with 44.3 grains for starters.
We will see what happens to morrow.
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phaedra1106
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Re: Minimum cartridge over all lentgh
This is a 6.5x55 Swedish chamber? If so the starting load for a 120gr bullet with H4350 is 41.5gr with a max of 46, this is with a COAL of 3.0"
With a deeper seated bullet and therefore less case capacity I'd have started at around 40gr.
Hodgdon data is here, http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle
With a deeper seated bullet and therefore less case capacity I'd have started at around 40gr.
Hodgdon data is here, http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle
There's room for all Gods creatures, next to the mash and gravy :)
Re: Minimum cartridge over all lentgh
According to my Hodgdon manual the start load is 44grains and maximum is 47grains you are right about the cartridge over all length the recommended length is 3.0" How ever it is impossible to close my bolt on 3.0". I checked several manuals before starting they all quote 44grains as the stating load.
And I mean impossible no way can you close the bolt on 3.0".
And I mean impossible no way can you close the bolt on 3.0".
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phaedra1106
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Re: Minimum cartridge over all lentgh
How old are the manuals? the latest data is on the web site link.
Again, if you're not loading to the 3" COAL then the case capacity will be reduced and the amount of powder should be reduced accordingly, with 44.3gr in a reduced capacity I suspect you'll be close to the maximum load not the minimum. A-Max's are long and thin and usually load further into the case to start with, what COAL did you end up getting to work?
Again, if you're not loading to the 3" COAL then the case capacity will be reduced and the amount of powder should be reduced accordingly, with 44.3gr in a reduced capacity I suspect you'll be close to the maximum load not the minimum. A-Max's are long and thin and usually load further into the case to start with, what COAL did you end up getting to work?
Last edited by phaedra1106 on Fri Aug 12, 2016 9:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
There's room for all Gods creatures, next to the mash and gravy :)
Re: Minimum cartridge over all lentgh
I'll check it out.
I checked the Hodgdon web site seems you are correct and my manuals are wrong. I assumed the data in the manuals was correct. Thank you for bringing it to my attention I don't normally use Hodgdon powders it was all I could get.
I'll dismantle the ammo and start again. Thanks for the heads up. I guess it's time to bin my manuals.
2.860 lentgh is jammed in the neck. So I had to back off from that.
I checked the Hodgdon web site seems you are correct and my manuals are wrong. I assumed the data in the manuals was correct. Thank you for bringing it to my attention I don't normally use Hodgdon powders it was all I could get.
I'll dismantle the ammo and start again. Thanks for the heads up. I guess it's time to bin my manuals.
2.860 lentgh is jammed in the neck. So I had to back off from that.
Last edited by Alpha1 on Fri Aug 12, 2016 9:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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phaedra1106
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Re: Minimum cartridge over all lentgh
Just a thought, I know you said it was a custom match chamber, have you measured the COAL of the rounds you were given with the rifle?, and do you know what bullets are in them?.
I'd pull one and weigh it. It may be that the barrel has been custom chambered around a particular bullet, if it's something in the 100-110gr range that could by why heavier bullets with a larger profile won't chamber at "normal" COAL's.
Are you shooting at Ponteland tomorrow? if you are you'll be passing Durham on the way home, you're more than welcome to pop in with it your dies and some cases & bullets etc. and we can work out COALs etc. for various types, I have Nosler Custom Competition and A-Max in 140gr and some PPU in 139 that I wouldn't recommend for accuracy!. We can also set the dies (if you bring your press) to give you min headspace using your fired cases.
I'd pull one and weigh it. It may be that the barrel has been custom chambered around a particular bullet, if it's something in the 100-110gr range that could by why heavier bullets with a larger profile won't chamber at "normal" COAL's.
Are you shooting at Ponteland tomorrow? if you are you'll be passing Durham on the way home, you're more than welcome to pop in with it your dies and some cases & bullets etc. and we can work out COALs etc. for various types, I have Nosler Custom Competition and A-Max in 140gr and some PPU in 139 that I wouldn't recommend for accuracy!. We can also set the dies (if you bring your press) to give you min headspace using your fired cases.
Last edited by phaedra1106 on Fri Aug 12, 2016 9:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
There's room for all Gods creatures, next to the mash and gravy :)
Re: Minimum cartridge over all lentgh
I guess I could do that. What weight of 6.5 bullet is normal for deer out of interest.
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phaedra1106
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Re: Minimum cartridge over all lentgh
Probably around 140gr
There's room for all Gods creatures, next to the mash and gravy :)
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