450Bushmaster.net

I just bought a 6.5x55SE barrel for my T/C Encore and I'm looking for some good hunting load data. It seems a lot of the load data for this cartridge is convoluted because of all the military rifles chambered in it.

So I'm looking for load data for a modern rifle.

Any one got any?

mudbug-
What bullet weight and bullet are you thinking of loading?
--Bob

You probably have already read this, but look to the .260 Remington for parallels. I built one up on a Savage 12BV frame earlier this winter, with the plan to work up loads this spring. I have all the components for reloading. Just got distracted in late winter with the 450B, which is kinda diametrically opposite of it. Given the fact that Bushmaster has chosen to go slow on their uppers delivery, I will get back to load development of the .260 to make the time pass. My starting bullet of interest is the Nosler 120 gr Ballistic tip. I have 50 that I shot-peen plated with HBN, ready to start loading. Just waiting for morning temps to be warm enough that I don't need gloves. It's 39F right now. For my afflicted hands, that's glove weather unfortunately. If you're looking to push the envelope on velocity, consider Reloader 17. Otherwise H4350 or Varget are good choices.

Hoot

There's a lot of 6.5x55 data out there. Basically your looking at powders from 4350 to H1000 for bullet weights 120 grain to 140 grain. My favorite loads in the old swedes are : 120 grain Nosler ballistic tip over 50 grains of WC852s (substitute H4831); 140 grain speer hot core over 48 grains of RL22; and if you have the fast twist 160 grain Sierra RN over as much WC860 as will fit in the case, (I'll have to look up the exact charge when I get home). I have some pressure data that Sam Watson shot for me years ago on my old desk top at home. The best velocity/pressure relationship was 120 grainers over H1000.

I'm a big fan of the old swedish mausers and the 6.5 x 55
BD

I have killed around 13 deer with the 6.5X55 in a Rem 700 classic, its an accurate, and deadly cartridge with little muzzle blast or recoil, its been one of my favorites as it just gets the job done. I have used 120gr, 129gr 130gr and 140gr bullets but dollar for dollar the 129gr Hornady spire point is a great all around performer for deer sized critters. Hornady's load data is for a M96 mauser which isnt that strong of an action so one can add about 3 grains for their listed max loads, of course one should go slowly. Using the 129gr bullet they recomend RL-19 with a max load of 44.8grs @ 2,700fps. With a stouter load for a modern action one should be able to get around 2,850fps give or take a couple.

With a 120gr Nosler ballistic tip Nosler's #4 manual recomends 47grs or H4350 for 3,000fps out of a 23" tube or 48.5grs or RL-19 for 3002fps these are also max loads so should be approached slowly or not used with an M96 action. I have found H4350 to be a great powder, clean burning, and temp insensitive. Hope this helps...