I have a new Tikka T3 hunter in 65x55. It has a 1:8 twist. I'm interested in target shooting accuracy at 100-200 yds. Bullets in the 120gr-140gr range are said to be best for this twist rate, but several people have reccommended much lighter 107-108 gr bullets. Can anyone comment on reloading 6.5x55 for maximum accuracy without the need to take account of hunting considerations. Thanks

With 123gn Lapua HPBTs I get a one hole group at 100 yds and with 140gn Sierra GKs consistant 1 inch groups. Hornady 129 gn SPs also returned good groups.

I will also 2nd the 123gr Lapua, great bullet for accuracy out as far as you want to shoot. The 139gr LApua & 142grSMK are also exc.
My .260ai has a 1-8 PacNor & handles everything from 85gr Sierra to the 142grSMK w/ equal accuracy. RL19, H4350 & IMR4831 will work well w/ 120-129gr bullets. For the 139-142gr, try the slower powders, H4831sc, RL22 & IMR7828 (my favorite). If you want to give the light wts. a try, go w/ IMR4064, RL15 or VV150. I'm shooting very consistent groups in the 1/3MOA range w/ VV150 & the 85gr Sierra @ 3450fps.
I understand that the 6.5x55s have long throats so you'll have to play w/ seating depth a bit for best accuracy.

In my Sako I've had really good results with both 120 and 140 grain Barnes XLCs and RL19. I also tried 129 grain Hornadys, which did okay. I moved from there to Barnes and was so happy that I didn't look elsewhere. 140 grain Nosler Partitions may also be good. I have a box of those, but will probably never shoot them...

Thanks to you all. lots of good ideas. Stevespages web sight has a nifty table which relates bullet length to twist rate and velocity. For a twist rate of 1:8 it would appear to favor long bullets, 1.230-1.393 inches, fired at velosities under 2800 fps.Any comments? Thanks

The best precision, I have got with my 6,5x55 is with a Sierra Bullet 140 grians GameKing Boattail. I have only shot roedeer with it. I use Norma MRP powder a good powder for the heavier bullet with a 120 grain bullet the loads gets compressed.

Johannes

Geekay and Fredj338...What powder would you recommend with the Lapua 123gr? Thanks

RL19, H4350 & IMR7828 all work well. Most guys have good luck w/ H4350 if you just want to try one. I would expect you could get close to 3000fps.

I usually stay with the "deer rifle" weight bullets - Hornady 129g over 47g H4350 gives me 5-shot groups into an inch at 100 yards, using a Win M70 FWT.

Jaywalker

The 100 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip works very well in my M700. It's just a plain Jane ADL, but will punch a one-holer at 100yards. 50 grains of RL-19, WLR primers, and a COL of 3.050". That load has proven to be accurate enough that I haven't even tried anything else for shooting practice. I worked up a 130TSX load for hunting that also shoots quite well. I believe the barrel is a 1 in 8".

If you're going to be punching paper all day, you might as well give the lighter bullets a chance. Best of luck with whatever you decide on trying.

irwin

My CZ 550 likes 45 grains of H4350 and Hornady 129 gain Inter's. It is sub MOA and kills deer on the spot.

John

I have 3 Swedish M96s in 6.5x55 and a Remington Classic also in 6.5x55. My Classic doesn't shoot the Sierra 140s worth a hoot, and I can only conclude its the 1 in 9" twist although it does very well with the Lapua 139gr Scenar. I shoot mainly the Lapua Scenars in 108, 123 and 139grs. pushed along by VihtaVouri 550 and 560 powders. All in all it's a good caliber and the Finish compoonents make it even better. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Again..My thanks to all the contributers. Looks like many snowy winter hours on the range are ahead

ADI 2208 / Varget

quote:

Originally posted by Wallace Gaye:
Thanks to you all. lots of good ideas. Stevespages web sight has a nifty table which relates bullet length to twist rate and velocity. For a twist rate of 1:8 it would appear to favor long bullets, 1.230-1.393 inches, fired at velosities under 2800 fps.Any comments? Thanks

Yes! The 1/8" twist was originally itended for the long 155-160-grain RN military bullets that this round was first loaded with. This twist is still good for such bullets, and for the long, pointed boat-tail 140 grain target bullets linke those made by Norma or loaded in the Swedish military ammo they started using after dropping the 160-grain round nose bullet.

Bullets under 139 grains might shoot OK, but will usually perform a little better in slower twists.

There is NO BEST bullet and powder combo for the 6.5 x 55 in the ones I own...

Compared to other rounds, it is pretty darn accurate with a lot of stuff...

There are no real bad choices out there...

If you are talking strictly target or match shooting, then either the Sierra Match Kings or the Lapua bullets will give you what you are looking for....

IN my opinion, and experience on my rifles... 1 in 8 twist is plenty for the 142 grain bullets and down... the 160 Round Noses seem to stabilize well in a one in 8 also... Swedish Mausers had a one in 7.5 inch twist...

Good luck..

cheers,
seafire