6.5x55 Load Starting from Scratch?

[Hoss50]

If you were going to start reloading for a 6.5x55 from scratch what bullets and power would you focus on? A CZ 550 FS just followed me home unexpectedly.

 

http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-550-fs-6-5-x-55-adj-5-rd-fixed-mag/

 

This will be a medium range light hunting rifle. 400-600 yards on deer is my hope for this. Maybe out to 400 on elk.

 

I really want to hold out for a unit 12 deer hunt soon so I thought maybe a Barnes 127gr LRX, and then possibly another load with a ELD-X, Scenar, Berger,etc?

 

This is the components I know I will use:

Lapua Brass

Federal GM210's

 

Thoughts or insite?

 

Thanks Harley

[STOMP442]

140 Sierra game king or Berger vlds under one of the 4350s and it should be very happy.

[forepaw]

I probably have more info than you want to hear about, but the condensed version is: For reduced/practice/kids load (very good BTW): 17/SR4759/140 Nosler Custom Competition, Lapua brass, WLR primer, jump 0.025".

 

For a good med. range target load: 45/R19/140 Nos.CC, Lapua brass, WLR primer, jump 0.060". Vel. is 2600. This is an awesome 1000 yd. load.

 

I am still working to find a hunting load I am satisfied with. Right now I am using 48/R19/127 LRX w/ Lapua brass, WLR primer, jump 0.092". Vel. is 2950 out of my 22" Tikka with the same 200 yd. zero as my target load, but I am just not liking the accuracy. It is ok (>2.5" at 200 yds.) but not great. My guess is that you cannot push the LRX fast enough from the Swede case unless you are using about an 8 twist 26" barrel. I suspect that bullet was designed for the 6.5x.284 and maybe even the 6.5x300 Wby. I know Lance T Kenyon uses it to good effect in one of his 6.5 wildcats, and maybe even the .260 Rem. but at higher velocity, as he uses long, heavy barrels.

 

I have also used H4350 with the Nos. CC bullet. 44 gr. gives 2700 fps, with good accuracy. I haven't been using that load for two reasons: 1) Lapua brass does not seem to like Fed. 215M primers, and 2) H4350 can be a little scarce, and I prefer to keep what little I have for my .270.

 

The Nosler 140 gr. CC is not the most advanced 6.5 target bullet, but for the price it is really good.

 

I generally neck size, and body size about every 3rd firing. I anneal after the 5th firing. Right now I am on my 10th firing using new Lapua brass. It gets dirty, but does not seem to stretch in the T3 action.

 

Hope that helps.

 

forepaw