OK, so I bought this 6.5x55...

[Waddison]

I will be handloading for a new CZ in 6.5x55.
The case has significantly greater capacity than the .260 Remington, which I also load for. The books are maxing the 120 gn bullets right at .260 velocities (Sierra) or slightly less.
Is the relatively low velocity-to-case-capacity ratio a function of loading to the safe pressures for the old Swedish Mauser '96's?

I'm not looking to stress the gun. I'll be loading for accuracy for fun paper punching. (I already have the huntin' irons tuned and scratched! ) I'm just curious, is all.

Waddison

 

[Sunray]

"...for the old Swedish Mauser '96's..." Nope. it's because of the number of Krag-Jorgensen and M-94 Swedish Mausers. European ammo is loaded hotter. According to Chuck Hawks anyway.
Mind you, even using Norma powders(don't ask me if or where you can get it) and data, the velocities between the .260 and 6.5 are about the same with the same bullet weight. http://www.norma.cc/sida/eng/index.html

 

[steve4102]

Yes, much of the load data for the 6.5x55 is on the lighter side.

Both of my 6.5's love R-22. Here is some load data that may interest you.
http://www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=120

If velocity was my thing, I would have no problem exceeding 260 velocities with my CZ 6.5x55's.

Is this your first CZ? I have several and they are by far the most accurate out of the box rifles I have ever owned. Good Luck with yours.

 

[Walkalong]

The 6.5 X 55 Swede is like the 7MM Mauser. Bullets with great sectional densities. (unless you go for light bullets) Great hunting rounds, both of them.

 

[Waddison]

Steve4102:
I also have a CZ 527FS in .222 Remington which will consistently shoot less than 3/4" at 100 yds. Out of the box with only a tweaked handload. (24.1gn VV N-133, CCI-BR, RP case, Horn 40gn v-max.)
I, too, find the CZ's to be high quality firearms. Fit and finish is above average, in my opinion. The 6.5x55 (550 American) came with scope rings. I love the single set trigger on these guns. Can't complain about the price, either. They are very competitive and an excellent value IMHO.
Waddison

 

[steve4102]

deleted

 

[Hokkmike]

I use 45 grain of 4350 with a 120 grain ballisitc tip....2850 fps at the muzzle. Very accurate. I mean VERY.

 

[Ol` Joe]

I will be handloading for a new CZ in 6.5x55.
The case has significantly greater capacity than the .260 Remington, which I also load for. The books are maxing the 120 gn bullets right at .260 velocities (Sierra) or slightly less.

I`d take a second look at those 6.5x55 cases.
Ken Waters found, in a old issue of Handloader I`ve got around here somewhere, that the difference in case capacity in water between the 260 and 6.5x55 was 2gr or less then 2 gr when filled to the bottom of a seated bullet, depending on case manufacture as I recall. I`ve rifles chambered in both cartridges and find with like pressures I get very similar velocities in them with same bullets.
The Speer and Nosler books are listing powder charges for "modern" rifles and they are over the 46K CUP SAAMI load, 50K CUP in Speers case. This is CUP and not to be confused with PSI. 46K CUP translates to 51,000 PSI in the Swede and the SAAMI max avg is 60,000 PSI in the 260 Rem. The difference in 4000 CUP in the Speer Swede loading I can`t say but it will bring it very close to the 260s rateing.
Keep the Swede as intended, a mild highly accurate medium range cartridge and it will likely do anything you need in the lower 48 on game and may suprise you on paper. .

 

[Waddison]

Ol'Joe

Thank you very much for your input.

I really have no intention of making the 6.5x55 a hotrod. Meek, mild and one-hole, 100 yard paper punch is fine and dandy with me. I happened to have both cases setting side by each last night and the Swede looked significantly larger. And it is considerably longer.

I noticed the taper of the Swede vs. Rem., too. Is the greater taper a military functionality/reliability design for battlefield conditions?

I like the .260 Rem. for hunting and already has its Field Scars.

Waddison

 

[USSR]

Have been using a custom-built F Class rifle in 6.5x55 for 1,000 yard competition for 2 years now. My loads drive a 142SMK at 2925-2950fps, which is typically about 75-100fps above what most .260's do. Great round when you are using a modern action at modern pressure levels.

Don

 

[dcloco]

My standard Swede 96 round pushes 140 grain bullets in the 27xx range. No signs of pressure. Of course, worked up to this.

 

[Bob F.]

Have 2 '96's, one of which I've sporterized (read Bubba'd). Barrel cut to 22". A few yrs back I bought 3 Model '96's, all Gustavs, $100 each. Traded one off to my cousin/shooting buddy. Picked up a Model 38 (?) carbine for $250 IIRC. 2 of the 96's were all matching numbers. What powder for the shorter barrels?
They all shoot great, but always manage to get a flyer. Also is Lapau brass long enough? I bought 100 Win cases and they don't make "trim to" length. Those sucker have Lllooooonnggggg throats!! Gonna load up some Speer 120's. We have a steel gong at 500yds, maybe 30" dia. What a hoot to bang it with some regularity!!

I've used 4350, 4398(?) & H-380 w/ 120 & 140 gr. Shot most out of the 22" bbl. All good, but still looking for "THAT" load. Interestingly, the 38 w' steel buttplate seems to kick less! Powder too slow? No fireball. Anybody loading Varget?

Thanks guys.
Bob
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[Bob F.]

Oh! And regarding the strength of '96 Mausers: I did a no-no; loaded a good load in different cases without working up! I know, I know....

Anyway, sandbagged her and laid the crosshair on the dot, squeeze, bang, what the h---? Got thumped on the forehead, no blood, musta had my cap pulled donw and the scope hit it. Jacked another round in, samething. Then I noticed the blown primer, checked the first case, ditto. No damage to gun or shooter (weaing ashooting glasses). Love those old junkers!!LOL

Bob

 

[hawkeye1]

Also have a M96. Sporterized with scope and all. Love it . Great shooter with 120 grain Nosler BT. Because of the extremely long throat I am considering 140 grain bullets. Anybody had any luck with these? Which ones and which powders? I am not a super velocity hound, but accuracy.

 

[Bob F.]

From what I've read the 140's are best, although one of the load manuals (Speer?) says they got best accuracy from the 160 RN. Kinda like shooting a telephone pole!?!? Should make a helleva brush, black bear load!

Still looking for recommendations for best powder for the 20-22" bbls!!!!


Bob