6.5 X 55 loads?

Hi guys,
I just picked up a Zastava M70 rifle in 6.5 X 55 Swede. It's a modern Mauser 98 design that was also sold as the Remington Model 798.
I just wondered if anyone here has a favourite "go-to" load for this cartridge. I know several site members use the Swede.
I am an experienced handloader, and I do know all rifles are different, but I also know that there are certain loads that just seem to shoot decently in a lot of rifles.
I have some 140 Hornady SST bullets and I'm going to try them with H4831 and Hybrid 100V powders, but if anyone has any good ideas to try, I'd be happy to hear them.
Thanks!

Try 44 or 44.5 gr of H4831 with the 140 gr SSTs. GoldenLakePete recommended that load to me a few years ago for 160 gr bullets, and it was bang on, but it also works well for the 140 gr SSTs. That load comes up as above max depending on the source of info, but it seems perfectly safe in both my Swedish Mauser M38 and a my sporter version based on an M96. Should be fine in your modern action.

I have a copy of Ken Waters' Pet Loads, so let me know if there is any powder you are interested in and I can see if he did anything with it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rf2

Try 44 or 44.5 gr of H4831 with the 140 gr SSTs. GoldenLakePete recommended that load to me a few years ago for 160 gr bullets, and it was bang on, but it also works well for the 140 gr SSTs. That load comes up as above max depending on the source of info, but it seems perfectly safe in both my Swedish Mauser M38 and a my sporter version based on an M96. Should be fine in your modern action.

I have a copy of Ken Waters' Pet Loads, so let me know if there is any powder you are interested in and I can see if he did anything with it.

---

Thanks!
Modern rifles should be able to handle 47.0 grains H4831 (according to Handloader and Hodgdon) but I'll start well below that. Apparently some pretty slow powders will work so I will likely try Vihtavuori N160 and Reloder 22 if I can find some; perhaps Ramshot Magnum. If I can make this rifle shoot well it could be a good one for my brother to teach his grandsons to shoot with.

I love that round. I took the wife out shooting before the moose hunt. She had never fired a high powered rifle and within minutes I had her shooting a 2" group with it at 100 yards.

It is her rifle now.

Here's a thread I started a while ago where some members gave some load information.
https://www.oodmag.com/community/sho...r-the-6-5-X-55

Watch your brass, I am using PPU brass and it is thick, the load is dang accurate but really slow and pressure signs show up fast.

If you have commercial brass then start working up with that and shoot for accuracy.

My load is 40.5gr IMR 4831 with a 143gr ELD-X bullet.

The best thing about the 6.5x55 besides its accuracy is its flexibility, fox to moose it can do it! A goto might not be as good as a purpose driven round so once you find that goto talk to more about the specialties IF you think it is worth your time.... always more to learn, here is Norma's 6.5x55 ammo to show the variety
https://www.norma-ammunition.com/en-...rs/6-5-x-55-se

I don’t hand load but my Tikka T3 was super accurate with Norma 156 gr. Oryx. The Moose, Deer and Bear that I shot with it didn’t go very far. Awesome round.

I have a Winchester Featherlight 6.5x55. For deer I use 125 grain Nosler Partition...with IMR4350 powder (44 grains) . They shoot 1/2 inch groups and kill deer like they were hit by lightning. I could load hotter but this works for me. For coyotes I use 95 grain Hornady V-max....same powder and 45 grains. Again I could load hotter but I get 1/2 inch groups. I tried IMR 4064....but my gun did not like it. Good luck....it is a great cartridge....from groundhogs to moose....it can do it all.

Thanks all, for the ideas!