I had an offer I couldn't refuse. For $499 I took home a new CZ 550 American in 6.5x55 SE today. This will compliment my CZ 550 Safari Magnum 375 H&H quite nicely.

I was wanting to do load development for the 6.5 using the 130gr TSX and 130gr Sirocco. However, I'm not sure if the 1:8.6 twist in the CZ is too slow for these long bullets. Has anyone else with CZ or near same twist rate tried loading these long bullets?

The Greenhill calculator says it would require 1:7 twist for the long (1.353") Sirocco. I've seen slow twist rates, for caliber, that would stabileze out to 100 yards, but at 200 and 300 yards they would key hole the target ... especially when it gets really cold.

I wouldn't worry about the 1 in 8.6 twist...

a one in 8 is better, but even in those longer bullets, with that weight, they should stabilize just fine....

if they wobble a little, just maybe give them a little more velocity...

6.5 x 55 load data is always on the light side giving pressures of only 44K CUP or so..so you can juice them up some if you need more velocity...

good luck with the new rifle...

cheers and merry christmas...
seafire

Wish I could find a deal like that. I'm trying to find a 6.5 for my nephew to "grow up with." Also for him to take with us on a trip to Africa in a couple of years.

Like mentioned above, the 6.5 is usually capable of more than what is published in the manuals with careful reloading. The other half uses one and loves it.

I'm currently working on 130 gr Sirocco loads for her Swede and and my 6.5x57R. Should be an interesting bullet & caliber combo.

The 6.5 Swede is a weird caliber regarding rate of twist. I have several Swede M 38's and M 96's. Their rate of twist in the barrel is 1:7.5 wchich would suggest a long heavy bullet. Having a purchased over 1000 Sierra 120 MatchKing bullets for a very reasonable price, I loaded some with 40.5 grains of IMR 4064, and a W-W primer. The group at 100 yards was just one ragged hole. Without witnesses, I'd be called a liar.

These rifles shoot 140 grain bullets equally well. Go figure. I say start at Sierra's "accuracy" suggested load and give it a try. Good luck.

ChopperGuy ... if a Ruger MKII in 6.5x55 will fit what your looking for, check out:
www.luvtohunt.com

High Mountain Hunting Supply
(509) 679 2230

The owner emailed me again to say; "Looks like Ruger is going to have a clearance sale if you are interested. Probably save you about $25.00." This from the $499 asking price.

I have a Model 70 Featherweight in 30-06 that I just put a new take-off 6.5 X 55 barrel on that I purchased from Jim Kobe for $50.00. Took it to my smith to check headspace on. $50.00 if he has to run the reamer in. $100.00 switch barrel hunting rifle. Right price!!

wish i could find a full stock that cheap.

quote:

I have a Model 70 Featherweight in 30-06 that I just put a new take-off 6.5 X 55 barrel on that I purchased from Jim Kobe for $50.00. Took it to my smith to check headspace on. $50.00 if he has to run the reamer in. $100.00 switch barrel hunting rifle. Right price!!

That barrel came off a featherweight that I sold to Jim Kobe. It had 27 rounds down the tube, and about five cleanings. It was starting to settle in when I sold it. It should shoot well for you. Try some Lapua brass.

LD

Got a call from my smith and the featherwieght barrel headspaces fine and was test fired. Forty bucks plus change. With the $50.00 for the barrel and the $40.00 to the smith I now have a rifle in a caliber that is new to me for under $100.00. Again, right price. Thanks to Jim Kobe and Lawndart!