new life for an old Swede

[Salavee]

For those who fancy the abilities of the old 6.5x55 cartridge, some of the new powders can bring out the best of what that iconic old cartridge really has to offer. None accept these new powders as graciously as the old 6.5x55 Swede. Due to aging and the physical shortcomings of many pre- war and wartime production rifle actions, ammunition makers have been forced to apply lower pressure limits to the cartridge in the name of potential litigation issues that could be due to a number (as in millions) of weaker actions that were made during that period. Many thousands are still in use today. Even the modern 6.5x55 SE rifle, built around a high quality action has been subjected to these same limitations,with very few loading manuals offering modern load data using updated chamber pressures and new powders
Although it is a wonderful cartridge, having proven itself for over 100 years in both the military arenas and in the hunting fields, the Swede has been forced "to the back of the bus" by the above mentioned constraints.

Now, with the introduction of a number of new powders from a variety of manufacturers, the old Swedish war horse can enjoy new life. Given this new opportunity, it wouldn't surprise me if she makes her way back to the pinnacle of 6.5 caliber hunting cartridges .. if given half a chance. With her record, I think she deserves it.

Here is a sample. Safe in my rifle only !



6.5x55 SE 129 SST @ 58,859 psi 24"bbl /53.2 gr RL-26/
Husqvarna 1640 HVA /RKS 24 " bbl / 8 gain twist.


100 200 300 400 500
MV 3051 2851 2666 2432 2395 2142

ME 2654 2333 2021 1754 1512 1312

[pat brennan]

Impressive numbers, how was the accuracy? I have a real affection for "the swede".

[Salavee]

Originally Posted by pat brennan

Impressive numbers, how was the accuracy? I have a real affection for "the swede".

Once this cold front is outa here, I'll put a few rounds on the targets.
I expect the best accuracy will come at less pressure but that remains to be seen with this powder. I'm developing a hunting load so if I can get some consistent 1.25" 5 shot groups I'll be quite happy. If it comes at these higher velocities, so much the better. So far,so good.

[beauvalkid]

Good post and l share your support of the old Swede. Another current powder that works and is accurate with Lapua 139 bullet in Lapua brass is VVN160. The velocity does not come close to your figures with your lighter bullet but it moves along at 2716 fps. In 2 five shot groups that produced sub MOA the loads averaged 2717 in the first and 2716 in the second group with extreme spread at 50 and 46 in the second group. VVN160 is a clean burning powder and l plan to use it to further test with 140 grain Nosler Partition bullets and 140 grain North Fork bullets for hunting. It might just replace my 270 Win as my primary hunting caliber.

[Digger1]

H4831sc works great in the old M98. Had 140 Sierras up over 2900 but ELDx 143s at 2700 make one ragged hole. Nice thing with the low recoil, my 11 year old daughter just showed me up with her first one hole group at 100 yd. Anyone want to buy a .243 Savage Ladyhunter?