Rifle is a break open single shot Blaser K95 model.
Barrel lenght is 24 inches.

100gr Hornady SP at 3.02" o.a.l
RWS cases.
RWS 5341 primers behind 46.5gr of Norma 202.
Average for three, three shot groups is 0.65" at 110 yards.
Average speed was 3,229 Fps.
-
120gr Sierra at 3.12" o.a.l and 49.0gr of Norma 204 produced 0.55" groups at 2,930 Fps.

Looks like the roe deer in my region are in trouble!

Hi Montero!
Finally a user of the good 6,5x57R cartridge!
I use it myself, in a Krieghof Plus Drilling. And I don`t have so much reloading data for different bullets/powders..
It is a combination gun for both big and small game..
Maybe we can exchange some reloading data..? I haven`t been using this gun for a long time, so I don`t have a lot of different combinations, but some..
Tha last couple of years I`ve been using 140 Sierra GameKing and 139 Sellier & Bellott FMJ`s, shooting to the same impact..
My reloading data is only for Vihtavouri and Norma Powders.

Hola, Anders.

I am currently working with other combinations, different than the ones posted above.
Hopefully I wiil be able to test Sierra Matchking 107gr and Partition 125gr this weekend, and I will be posting the results.
So far the results with Hornady 100gr and Sierra 120gr have been very good as you can see.
Please feel free to shoe your loads here. It is a splendid cartridge which deserves more following than it gets.
montero

Montero,

If the Blaser distributor would pull it's finger out I might have a chance to see what mine will do in July with the extra 1.5" barrel.

I ran the loads through quickLOAD. The 100gr Hornady load is running 58kpsi , the Sierra 49kpsi. No doubt the K95 can handle 58kpsi seeing as it's available in 270 and 7mmrem mag but I must admit I'm planning on 3000fps max in mine for 100gr bullets.

That's darn good grouping - what power scope?

Yeah, it`s really a great cartridge! Can`t agree enough!
I`ll post some reloading data that I have soon. You see I`m a student, and my reloading data is at home. But I`ll get them when I`m home in the weekend..
If you would post some results from your next shooting session, I`d be really happy!

BTW: What kind of game are you using it for..?
At this moment I`ve only shot a couple of reindeers and some birds with it.. And a roe with the shotgun..
I think it`s a well suited cartridge for small to medium sized animals. I would really like to try it on a moose as well, with proper bullets/distance/angle.. But my .30-06 is better suited, so it`s joining me most of the time..

1894
The k95 is a sturdy little action. It is not only available in 270 but in some other high intensity cartridges such as the 300 Weatherby Mag or the 8x68S.
I am surprised of the estimation of the Sierra 120gr load that you got on QL. I expected it to be on the 55-58K psi range.

Anders,
It is my new rifle and I have not used it on game yet. I have used the more potent 6,5x65R and got very good results. I considered it unnecesarily powerful for roe and chamois and I hae seen my hunting partner take game very cleanly with the 6,5x57R that is why I moved down to it.

We'll stay tuned.

montero

Here are some more loads I tried this weekend. Distance was 106 meters or 117 yards.

Speer 120gr SP at 3.09" o.a.l on Sellier Bellot brass (170-171 grains weight as compared to RWS brass which is 184-185 grains) and CCI BR-2 primers. 50.6gr of NORMA 204 gave 2,967 fps and 0.73" inch three shot groups.

125 gr Partitions at 3.16" o.a.l in the same brass and WW LR Standars Primers with 51.6 grains of Rotweil 905 powder went 2,916 fps and 0.95" three shot gropus.

RWS factory loads with 93gr TM went 3,084 fps and 1.4" (only 1 group fired).
Blaser factory loaded 127gr CDP's went 2,625 fps and 0.85" (only one group fired).

Sellier Bellot brass is lighter than RWS. I have not measured their capacities yet, but I get equal velocities with 0.9 to 1.3 grains more powder (depending on the load) than using RWS heavier cases.

Such good results result in the dilemma of which bullet to use this roe season.

I really wish all my problems were like this.

Regards,

Montero

Montero,

How representative was that RWS 93gr factory group? I will pay a real premium for the 2 boxes I have ordered and I suspect I could get an accurate 100gr Hornady/Nosler load in 9 rounds......I still have time to cancel.

I like 100gr bullets for roe but that 120gr Sierra load looks very good indeed.

1894

If still in time I would change the order and buy two boxes of new cases instead.

In your paricular rifle they might perform different, but in mine 1.4" is the average of 5 three shot groupsa at 110 yards. Average speed has been 3,084 fps.

Montero

I shot over 150 roe with my 6,5x57. I too started reloading with the 120 grains Speer, but found them a bit soft resulting in too much meat damage. For years now I load them with 127 grains RWS Kegelspitz and I like them very much: good accuracy, controlled expansion and no meat damage. Yes, the deer sometimes still run some 50 yards but always with a good blood trail. For red deer and wild boar I get excellent results with the 140 grains Nosler partition.

Dutchgus,
A few years ago I used the 120gr Speers to take two large (30 and 33 kg field dressed) Alpine Chamois. Both shots were broadside and in both case the bullets failed to pass through. The bullets had turned inside out and had completely lost their cores.
Cartridge was the higher velocity 6,5x65R, though.
At the slower velocities of the shorter 57mm case, and roe being much smaller than chamois I was not expecting too much meat damage. But after your experience I will give it a second consideration.
What velocity do you load the 127gr KS?
Were I hunt roe, trajectory, and wind deflection are an issue...
Thank you.
Montero

Montero,
With 47 grains N160 I get 845 m/s; 46 grains H4350 gives 835 m/s. These are not hot loads. My rifle is a Sauer 200 and COL is 75,5 mm, which means that I set the bullet a couple of mm further out than RWS factory ammo. Yes, the KS has a somewhat lower BC (0,38) than the Speer, but I don't think that will make a lot of difference up to 200 meters.

I thought I would add to this seeing as my rifle (identical to Montero's) has arrived

100gr nosler BT
RWS brass
WLR primer
44gr VVN150
COL 3.008" (seated one calibre)

MV 3,030fps, accuracy 0.54-0.74inches

Seems to work well.

When I lived in Bavaria, about 20 miles from the Czech border, we made extensive use of the 6.5X57mm rimless version in both Mauser and Mann.-Schoenauer rifles for both Reh and Gamswilde shooting. In those days, the ONLY ammo available for either the 6.5X57 or the 6.5X57R was the RWS load with 6,0 gram (93 grain) bullets. However, it was very deadly on these little critters. I love that cartridge! (ALL 6.5's for that matter, including the 6.5X50 Arisaka).

Montero:

It has been a while since we talked about the 6.5 x 57. ONe of my favorite rifles in my cabinet is a Winchester Model 70 that I had rebarreled to the 6.5 x 57. One it I had a 28 inch heavy sporter barrel with a 1 in 8 twist, Pac Nor barrel, from here in Oregon.

I have loaded it quite a bit with about any bullet you can normally buy in the USA. The powders I use the Most are IMR 4064, 4895 and RL 15. The last one is Swedish made, ( a Bofors powder, but I don't know the Euro equivalent).

The Model 70 action will take a fair amount of pressure. I only load some of the lighter grain bullets in it faster. My all around preference bullets are the 120 grain Ballistic tip, or the 125 grain Parition. Both of these in the long barrel are pushed as high as 3250 fps. The rifle is also throated out so that the bullets can be seated out to take full advantage of the magazine length.

The bullet combo I have seen that has done the most terminal damage tho, is with the 105 grain SSP partition Nosler. It is for the European market, but I can get the bullet here in Oregon at the Nosler factory as a blemish bullet at times. I stock up when the are available and use them strictly in the field. I shoot the 100 grainers and the 107 Sierras if I need to target shoot.

I have pushed this bullet as high as 3500 fps in the long barrel. That semi Spitzer does a lot better job of damage than the 100 grain SP Partition in my opinion. I hear in Europe there is a 120 grain SSP partition. While I use 140 grainers in mine, I think the best overall two bullets are the 105 and the 125 grain partitions.

My brass is Winchester, in the 257 Roberts+P that I neck up to 6.5. I use a variety of Large Rifle primers and have noticed anything better or worse with any brand.

Good luck this fall out hunting.

Hola, Seafire.

It has been my first season with the 6,5x57R and I absolutely love it. So far I have shot 8 roe bucks, 1 roe buck and a number of red foxes.

I have tried Hornady's 100gr Spire Points, Sierra 107 gr Matchking (that failed miserably, did not expand, at all), Sierra 120 gr PH and 125 gr Partition.

So far, I have found the Sierra 120s to produce de best balance of penetration, expansion, instant kills, meat spoiled, etc.

In spite of the velocity difference, these results are coioncident with the ones I obtained with my previous 6,5mm, the larger, faster 6,5x65R.

By the way, I could not get any Nosler 105s from Nosler 2nds', even tried with Hirtenberger of Austria who loads them commercialy, at no avail.

Regards,

montero

Sorry, Seafire,

I meant
...8 roebucks, 1 large wild boar, and a number of red foxes...

montero

Mr Montero:

Do you know if laws in Spain will allow bullets to be shipped to you without invoking any hassles with Spanish customs?

If we don't have to deal with Governments doing their usual messing with everyone to justify their existance, I would be more than happy to get the people over at Nosler to ship me some when they have some available. I am sure I can buy some from Nosler if they are making them, thru their store being a local person.

If that be the case and you would want some I would be more than happy to secure some for you and ship them to Spain for you. It would be my pleasure to help out a fellow hunter.
Cheers.

Seafire,

I have recently checked with Midsouth Shooters Supply and they confirmed that there are no restrictions (export licence, etc) as long as the countervalue of the bullets sent was below US$100.

So if anytime you have the chance of buying some and sending them to me I will be very grateful.

We can contact each other on our e-mails for further details obviously including payment and shipping instructions.

That was a kind offer, one which I highly appreciate, Seafire.

with complments,

montero

The above load - 3shots at 100yds for 0.25"

[url= http://"http://www.hunt101.com/?p=58648&c=500&z=1"] [/url]

[ 09-10-2003, 15:31: Message edited by: 1894 ]

Master 1894:

Thanks for sharing those results. I don't know if it is a pity, other shooters don't KNOW about the 6.5 x 57, or if it is a good thing, for those of us that do. The latter scenario does make us all feel like we are " In on a secret" while the other hunters, subject themselves to recoil and poorer results, yet are too macho to admit it.

As Seniore Montero states in his signature " we band of Brothers"..... must be speaking of us Band of 6.5 x 57 Brothers!

Excellent Results! Good luck this hunting season!

Seniore Montero:

Called over at Nosler today, but they do not have any 105 grain Partitions in stock and have not had any for a while. I do not know if that is a standard European catalog product or was a contract production for one of the European distributors.

Will keep my eye out for you.

J Christenson,
Grants Pass, OR USA

another load worth trying, gentlemen.

Speer 120gr at 3.15" overall legth
Fed 210M primers on RWS cases
46.8gr VV550 for 2,950 fps (Johan, you are a legend )

0.5" 0.7" 0.6" at 110yds (3, 3 shot groups)
1.0" 1.1" at 228yds (2, 3 shot groups)

montero

Montero,

Wow - who needs a x65R with results like that!

Have you tried the N550 with the 125gr partition or 120gr sierra?

Hey gazors,
up to now, i haven�t reloaded my 6,5*57R because i had some of the RWS KS Bullets in 8,2g left.
I have to say, that meatdamage is sometimes heavy when u hit a bone,... but it never failed to work well.
Only last time where i need 2 shots for my this years roe buck!
He was standing behind a tree, so i had to shoot right onto the shoulder.
As i fired i thought i saw a piece of a tree "flying" .. but the buck was knocked down ( as everytime) so i forgot what i thought i saw.
5 minutes i saw the the roe buck crawling away ..but it was unpossible to shoot because of the trees and the high grass.
So it tokk me nearly 5 minutes to spot him again and then watining for a good position.
He seems to getting fitter and fitter, because he walked away with no bigger signs to see..
The second shot knockes him down and finished it.

As i took a closer look i manage to see that the bullet of the first shot must have fragmented, although the bullet left the buck on the other side.

First Pic:
U can see the core of the KS Bullet "stick in the meat of the " of the whole where the "bullet" left the body


On the second Picture you can see the wholes of the first and second shot:



The buck:


Maybe the shots are a little bit too high some of u may say,.... but the high grass and the situation itself gave me not that much space of thinking / waiting.

I�m realy glas that everything turned out for good! Really!
Not a nice feeling t o see your game crawling away.

On wild boars i get good results too, although i only can look back on two boars which i shot with the 6,5*57R.
One was a boar with about 70 / 80 KG and the other 50 KG.

cheers for now,

Konst

P.S:: Hope it work with the pic�s... if not i�ll try again

thank you for sharing, Konst.

I have not used the 8,2gramm ks but some friends have. They say they do not cause a lot of meat damage and they are adequate should they run into the eventual keiler when stalking.

I am therefore surprised if the big nasty wound your second shot produced on your buck, for which I say waidmanns heil!

1894,

no I have not tried it, yet. So far, I have loaded the 125 Partitions with what was left over in an old can of Rotweil 905, and the Sierras with Norma 204. I am currently out of supply od these, so the next I load will be with 550.

regards,

montero

Hey Montero,
what i totaly have forgotten to tell:
My Father has used the Nosler PT in the 6,5*57R as he got his new brake down rifle. The cartridges where fabric-laboration of HIRTENBERGER.
The nosler PT doesn�t kill roes very quick... it seems that the "heavy" constructed PT works like a solid on roes.
But on wild boars it works superb.

All the best and Weidmannsdank
Konstantin

Seafire,

The problem, if such a problem exists, could not be the speed at which Hirtenberger loads the 105gr Partition in 6,5x57R since Partition's front core expands easily, even at long range and consequently low velocity.

Not killing roe deer instantly might have more to do with the fact that roe deer are small and fragile animals, with a thin skin and light bones and the very soft expanding bullets kill them faster than anything else.

Anyway, Seafire, you always surprise me... 3,600 fps out of the 57mm case with a 105gr bullet !!!

Sounds scary, to say the least...

Regards,

Montero

Montero;

that velocity out of a 6.5 x 57 exceeded my expectations by about 100 ft plus, but I have a long barrel on the rifle ( 28 inches).

In that rifle, with that powder, my velocities are consistently higher than what the manuals indicate that they should be. However, it has not shown any problems with the loads.

And we both know the accuracy of the cartridge.