6.5x55mm and Rem CL 120 grainers...

I'd like to load my NIB Ruger MKII 6.5x55mm to its full potential for deer.

Powder recommendations please...

What kind of accuracy and velocities are you getting?

quote:

Powder recommendations please...

H-4350.....easy one!
Out of my 21" Douglas #1 contour barrel they roll out at 3,000+ FPS and accuracy is excellent!

Work up from Data on Hodgdon's website...

You can run the 120 grainer to around 2950 fps with relative ease and can do so using H4350, Re-19, N-160, N560, H4831 and Re-22. I've had a number of 6.5x55s over the years, and from a 22-24" barrel, if I got into the 2850 fps range with 120s, I was content as the beauty of the Swede is that is performs well without having to run it full-throttle. (I actually prefer a 140 grainer in the 2700-2750 range.)

As to the accuracy of the Rem CL, it can be pretty good -- easily MOA -- but will remain in the utilitarian category, particularly with newer bullets and the wider range of toleances Big Green seems to allow during production.

Reloder 17.

I can get 2900 with 120gr NBT's and Sierra's from a 20" 260rem, though I use Benchmark.

Re17 should work very well in the Swede.

My Ruger shoots well,but it's a slow gun. I can't get within 75fps of the posted Norma loads and most of my handloads are 75 to 100fps below book. When I had a Winchester,It was fast,but had a sticky tight neck and the reloads did not interchange between guns.No point in having two travel rifles and two different loads.I like the feel of the Ruger better,so it stays.I am working with Ramshot's Magnum powder right and use mostly 140 Nosler Partions.My next trip into town,I thought about trying the Barnes 120's....

TRy some W 748 or H 414 ( W 760)....

an older Speer Manual ( # 7) lists a load of 50 grains of IMR 4350 with a 120 grain bullet..

I worked it up in my Ruger, since more modern load data lists a max of about 47 grains of 4350...

however the Ruger Digested it just fine!

43 grains of 4064 also out of the same manual worked fine in the Ruger....

load data out there can push the 120s to as high as 3100 fps according to the listed data..

however, a chrony will tell you what your rifle will do..exceeding 3000 fps at the Muzzle was not hard..

Thank you gents I'll give it a try with IMR4350 first since I got that on the shelf

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Originally posted by Late-Bloomer:
Thank you gents I'll give it a try with IMR4350 first since I got that on the shelf

quote:

Originally posted by Bobby Tomek:
You can run the 120 grainer to around 2950 fps with relative ease and can do so using H4350, Re-19, N-160, N560, H4831 and Re-22. I've had a number of 6.5x55s over the years, and from a 22-24" barrel, if I got into the 2850 fps range with 120s, I was content as the beauty of the Swede is that is performs well without having to run it full-throttle. (I actually prefer a 140 grainer in the 2700-2750 range.)

As to the accuracy of the Rem CL, it can be pretty good -- easily MOA -- but will remain in the utilitarian category, particularly with newer bullets and the wider range of toleances Big Green seems to allow during production.

My experience is very similar. However I found H4831 & Re22 to be too slow for the 120 gr.

I also preferred the 140s in this caliber & even used the Hornady 160 RN.

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Originally posted by Nakihunter:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bobby Tomek:
I also preferred the 140s in this caliber & even used the Hornady 160 RN.

X 2 roger

If one stands a .257 Roberts beside a 6.5 X 55 cartridge he can hardly notice the difference and .007" difference in bullet diameter is about all there is!....they are that close to being identical!

If one is shooting the .257 Roberts (or even the 25-06 for that matter) he seems happy to shoot a 117 or 120 grain bullet....but add that .007 bore diameter and all of a sudden he just has to have the 140 (and larger) bullet.....

Hey....shoot what ever floats your boat...I learned from experience on the .257 Roberts that 120s are great deer killers.....(the 100 grain bullets are too!)

When it comes to the 6.5 X 55, I'm easily satisfied with the 120s and I appreciate the slightly improved trajectory they provide....

Everyone to their own here....

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bobby Tomek:
I also preferred the 140s in this caliber & even used the Hornady 160 RN.

X 2 roger

I'll drink to that also I've found that the Hornady 140 SP over H4831SC at 2750 fps to be an excellent hunting load for the 6.5x55.

Larry Gibson

I ahve used nothing but 120s for deer, antelope and the occasional coyote. Don't see much need for trying any other weight. If I need something larger, I grab a rifle chambered fora larger cartridge. The 6.5 is capabale of taking just about any critter using 140s and larger and would feel comfortable doing so if it was the only rifle I owned. However, since a bunch I choose specific cartridges for specific game... and the still have too many choices.

Nakihunter-

You are correct in that Re-22 won't push the 120s as fas as H4350 will. But it will still give you more than ample velocity.
---

Also, I see one of my quotes somehow picked up a few extra words....

I do not use the 160s -- have never seen a need for them. I think somewhere along the way two separate quotes got jumbled together. I do LOVE the 140s, however -- and particularly so in the Swede.

In my Contender with a 26"/1:8 Match Grade Machine barrel in 6.5x30-30 AI (aka 6.5 Bullberry IMP), I have grown particularly fond of the 129 grain Hornady SP and the 130 grain Accubond. Driven by 37.5 grains of N160, I am getting just over 2600 fps from the long-throated barrel, not to mention superb accuracy and excellent terminal performance.

But with that being said, if I have a 120 grainer in the chamber, I certainly would not feel undergunned.

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:
If one is shooting the .257 Roberts (or even the 25-06 for that matter) he seems happy to shoot a 117 or 120 grain bullet....but add that .007 bore diameter and all of a sudden he just has to have the 140 (and larger) bullet.....

Not quite the case here. Used 25 cal. rifles a lot on mule deer and always regreted ( Sad not happy )that 140 grain bullets were not available in 25 cal. I mean why not they're only .007" smaller than the 6.5s. Also ,with the 120 bullets in my 25-06 IMP I had some really bad performance at close range. A premium or larger bullet would have done the job much better better. roger
In a number of 6.5s with which I've shot mule deer I can't remember ever having used a bullet lighter than 140gn. Many were taken with a 156gn. Barnes original and some with the 160 gn.Norma's and Hornady's. In my 6.5x.284 all 120 and 140 gn bullets shed their jackets going through the air.

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:
A premium or larger bullet would have done the job much better better. roger

Can't disagree with you on that one Roger.....as I've said before....the 120s I use in my 6.5 X 55 are Northfork HPs!

Interesting that in this thread It seems more folks are using bullets less than 140 than are using equal or greater than...

Some folks didn't say what they were using and quite a few are 129-130 shooters.

No matter which arena you are in, what it all boils down to is that the various 6.5s -- particularly the non-magnum versions which don't overly-tax the bullets with unnecessary velocity -- are superbly-efficient dispatchers of medium game.

I know they have served me well for many years.

quote:

Originally posted by Bobby Tomek:
No matter which arena you are in, what it all boils down to is that the various 6.5s -- particularly the non-magnum versions which don't overly-tax the bullets with unnecessary velocity -- are superbly-efficient dispatchers of medium game.

One doesn't have to hunt with a 6.5 very long to understand the truth of this statement!

Well said!

After testing my 7mm Mag at the range this weekend, that's why I have made a tentative decision that the action will become a donor for a real magnum, (which is why I really bought it in the first place) or sold, and leave the medium game to the much more plesant to shoot and plenty effective 7x64, 7x57 or 6.5x55.

I'm now admiring a fresh box of 120gr 6.5mm Barnes TSX bullets, thinking of the possibilities in my 6.5x55 CZ 550. I haven't yet quite found the "right" bullet for that rifle. Hummm.

KB

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:
If one is shooting the .257 Roberts (or even the 25-06 for that matter) he seems happy to shoot a 117 or 120 grain bullet....but add that .007 bore diameter and all of a sudden he just has to have the 140 (and larger) bullet.....

Not quite the case here. Used 25 cal. rifles a lot on mule deer and always regreted ( Sad not happy )that 140 grain bullets were not available in 25 cal. I mean why not they're only .007" smaller than the 6.5s. Also ,with the 120 bullets in my 25-06 IMP I had some really bad performance at close range. A premium or larger bullet would have done the job much better better. roger
In a number of 6.5s with which I've shot mule deer I can't remember ever having used a bullet lighter than 140gn. Many were taken with a 156gn. Barnes original and some with the 160 gn.Norma's and Hornady's. In my 6.5x.284 all 120 and 140 gn bullets shed their jackets going through the air.

roger,
The prime reason there are no .257 bullets heavier than 120 is because they would give practically nothing in return for the weight, and in fact would require a faster twist than commonly available in any .257 rifle. Heck, I couldn't get 120grs to shoot worth a chit in my 257R Ruger, that I gave away, and was ashamed of it later. What kind of friend gives his buddy an inaccurate rifle? He says that he will send it back to Ruger, since it hasn't been modified, and see if they won't make it right. I wish him luck with that, and certainly that takes a little guilt off my shoulders. Claiming that I didn't know it was so inaccurate helped, but I know that I suspected inaccuracy with testing the first box of ammo, which is why I lost interest in it real quickly.

How do you know the 120 and 140gr bullets shed their jackets in the air?

I'll bet you $ that I don't have that problem with TSX bullets.

KB

6.5 cal bullets weighing 120, 125 and 129 are all super killers on deer sized game.I've used the 120 Noslers on deer and antelope out of an old swede in 6.5x55. The 125 partion and the 129 Hornady give up very little to the 270 in effectiveness on deer and all with very little recoil.I found a Husqvarna 1640 in 6.5 Swede and it is lighter and groups as well as any sporter. If there is a better comb for a youth I can't think what it might be.

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Originally posted by snowman:
I found a Husqvarna 1640 in 6.5 Swede and it is lighter and groups as well as any sporter. If there is a better comb for a youth I can't think what it might be.

Same could be said about an old-fart combo too, and it would be just as true. Maybe more so, since an old-fart would be more likely to appreciate a H 1640 in 6.5. Youths tends to not yet fully appreciate the traits of really fine rifles, and classic cartridges.

A fresh Tikka in 6.5x55 would be a good one too.

KB

I have used my 6.5X55 in a Rem 700 classic to kill at least a dozen deer with bullet weights from 120,129,130 and 140grs and all have killed very well. Only a 140gr Speer hot core didnt exit, so i dont use that bullet any more, the powder of choice has been H4350, which is cleaner burning than imr 4350 is is more temp insensitive.

Just for kicks i would like to try the Barnes 100gr TTSX, im sure it would work like a charm. I also have to try the Hornday 160gr RN just to say i have killed with it, but i dont think its necessary with todays great bullets...

Dont know about the Rem CL, but I know data for the 120 grs Sierra:

Reloder 22: 53grs@3003 fps (max)
Norma MRP: 53@3011 fps (max)

Source: Ladeboken (independent reloading manual)

quote:

Originally posted by fgulla:
Only a 140gr Speer hot core didnt exit, so i dont use that bullet any more, ..

How well did it down the deer? Sounds like it used all it's energy to destroy tissue. **** That ain't all bad. If that shot was placed right I'll bet you didn't have much tracking to do, if any. roger

quote:

Originally posted by Kabluewy:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by bartsche:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by vapodog:

The prime reason there are no .257 bullets heavier than 120 is because they would give practically nothing in return for the weight,We differ on this as IMHO it would be more adequate for elk size game.the BC and SD would have a significant gain.In the .257 premium bullets would not be necessary. and in fact would require a faster twist than commonly available in any .257 rifle.This is fact, but why not?
Heck, I couldn't get 120grs to shoot worth a chit in my 257R Ruger, that I gave away, and was ashamed of it later. KB

The two .257s and one 25-06 IMP that I've used handled all 120 grain bullets with good hunting accuracy. One Browning .257 would hardly do better than 2MOA with any bullet not alone the 120gn. roger

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Kabluewy:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by bartsche:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by vapodog:

The prime reason there are no .257 bullets heavier than 120 is because they would give practically nothing in return for the weight,We differ on this as IMHO it would be more adequate for elk size game.the BC and SD would have a significant gain.In the .257 premium bullets would not be necessary. and in fact would require a faster twist than commonly available in any .257 rifle.This is fact, but why not?

Again, there is little to gain, and besides we have the 6.5mm for faster twist and heavier bullet. Kinda puts the .257 pill in perspective, which is why I will probably never have another rifle in 25 Cal.

Same thing with the 270. They tried the real heavy bullets in the ten twist - didn't work - and little to gain, especially when the 7mm does it so much better.

KB

The old 120 nosler solidbase is my hunting bullet of choice ( if anyone has some to sell let me know!) I have very seldom recovered one, from any range on animals from coyote to caribou, shot from 260 rem to 264 mag. I dont see where a heavyer bullet could gain me anything.

Honest Ma, I'll never ever use another 6.5 ,140gn bullet again.In fact ; Ive seen the light! As long as I can shoot 120 gn. bullets accurately in some of my 25s I may just get rid of all my 6.5s. roger

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:
Ive seen the light! As long as I can shoot 120 gn. bullets accurately in some of my 25s I may just get rid of all my 6.5s. roger

roger,
I'm gonna try and get to the range this weekend, and try some of those 120gr TSX 6.5mm bullets. I'll keep you posted.

I compared them in length to some Norma 156gr bullets, and some 140gr Hornady SST bullets, and they are darn near the same. Should be interesting.

Here's a picture of the best groups I've done yet with my CZ 550 in 6.5x55, shooting 140gr Hornady SST. I think there's room for improvment. Also are the bullet length comparison - SST 140gr, TSX 120gr, Norma 156gr



KB

I started w/ 140 and 160gr w/ my 6.5x55's, but found my 1600 liked 120 and 129gr better. I traded off 500 140gr bullets.

quote:

Originally posted by Kabluewy:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by bartsche:
Here's a picture of the best groups I've done yet with my CZ 550 in 6.5x55, shooting 140gr Hornady SST. I think there's room for improvment. Also are the bullet length comparison - SST 140gr, TSX 120gr, Norma 156gr
KB

KB! There is always room for improvement but those two groups are just fine in a medium to big game hunting rifle. you're not thinking varmint or you wouldn't be using those bullets. roger

OK, roger
I went to the range after work today, and tried the 120gr TSXs. Started with 42grs, and worked up to 46grs of H4350, which is max per Hodgdon data. The group sizes were all about the same - three shot groups. But overall this bullet didn't shoot any more accurately than the 140gr Hornady SST.

So, I'm staying with the Hornady SST for now. They are less expensive than the TSXs and come 100 to a box.

I'm thinking of trying some Sierra 140gr BT, because I'm curious and I've had real good accuracy in other rifles with Sierras.

KB

I dont think there are a lot of things a 120gr TTSX cant do. They expand and kill excellently, solids give great penetration even on large game, what else can you want? Besides light recoil and fun to shoot! Also, the Swedes have used the 160gr rn bullets to kill just about everything there is. Also, this caliber offers some of the highest BC's that can be found. Hornady is also now offering a solid in this caliber. It's my new favorite!

Kabluewy, try the Tipped tripple shocks and see what you think.

While they are a tad spendy, I'm sold on the Northfork 120 Grain hp.....My 6.5 X 55 drives them a tad over 3,000 for a great trajectory and terminal performance that can't be beat.

About the cost.....The bullets run about a buck-a-piece...last year I fired a three shot group at the range to confirm the scope setting and one shot at a nice mulie buck.....$4.00 for the entire season!.....The previous year I sighted in the rifle with Hotnady SSTs and then fired a three shot group with Northforks, adjusted the scope and fired another three shot group.....and one at a 5 X 5 whitetail that is mounted in the shop! That's about $11.00 in two years.....and I still have roughly 40 rounds to go!.....(another 10 years).....That's not too pricey in my way of thinking.

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:

quote:

Originally posted by fgulla:
Only a 140gr Speer hot core didnt exit, so i dont use that bullet any more, ..

How well did it down the deer? Sounds like it used all it's energy to destroy tissue. **** That ain't all bad. If that shot was placed right I'll bet you didn't have much tracking to do, if any. roger

Bartsche

The bullet was placed perfectly, but without an exit, and very little blood, it was a little hard finding that buck in the thick mountain laurel, he didnt go far, but i didnt pick up blood until 30 yards and it was sparse, at best. Im not a big fan of the "energy dump" theory, energy doesnt kill an animal, destroying its clock work does. Give me an exit every time and i'll be a happy camper, which the 6.5X55 has done, except once

By the way with a 120gr barnes TSX or Nosler 120gr BT i have used 49grs of H4350 thats a MAX load...

quote:

Originally posted by Jpat:
I started w/ 140 and 160gr w/ my 6.5x55's, but found my 1600 liked 120 and 129gr better. I traded off 500 140gr bullets.

....and I thank you for them. I have torn up quite a few targets and milk jugs with them!

Thanks, Jim!