21 October 2004, 15:55
scwRe: CZ 550FS in 6.5x55; bullets for 1:8.6 twist
Sauer, it is amazing how well the swede likes that R-22 powder. I load for 3 (two are mine) and 47.7gr over a 140gr partition gave me the best grouping in each gun.
Have you tried many of the 160gr bullets? I like the partitions and game kings so much that I have never tried any 160gr bullets.
21 October 2004, 14:16
Cal SibleyHello Schromf,
I use the Lapua 139gr. Scenar with VV560 45.5gr. for a MV of 2600fps. It'll group .650" (5 at 100yds). I load it out to 3.126" since it's such a long bullet. Actually I get better accuracy with the Lapua Scenar 123gr. bullet and VV550 43.0grs. It's loaded out to 3.085" and prints at .485", but not every time. The MV is 2800fps. The bullet itself is only 1.298" compared to 1.367" for the 139gr. Scenar. Lapua and VihtaVouri make this caliber sing a sweet tune. I only use these loads at the bench though. The Scenars aren't really hunting bullets. Best wishes.
Cal - Montreal
22 October 2004, 00:30
Sauer 150Yes I have tried the Hornady RN 160grs bullet. For long I considered it to be the best heavy bullet for the caliber.
But after that Norma came out with their bonded 156grs Oryx that's where I would go if I were to load it with heavy bullets. The 156-160grs bullets we use MRP-2 or Re 25. A tad over 50 grs and you'll be close to 2600f/s without excessive pressure.
But for an overall load for all kinds of big game I would stick with a premium bullet in the 140grs range.
I'm just a sucker for one load each rifle and use it for everything I find the rifle/cartridge capable of. Maybe one does not need a premium bullet for a cartridge with muzzle vel of less than 2700f/s, but it sure makes you more confident in what you carry in the field, since it will penetrate any target out there with a large mushroom making the caliber at least one size larger than it actually is.
And that piece of mind is for me worth the extra 20$ in bullet cost