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6.5x55 improved load data???

JustC
Anyone have or know where I can find data for this wildcat? I have a rifle that a local LEO wants me to sell for him (trued up mod70, HS Precision stock, jewell trigger, 26" contour 7 or 8 barrel). I am considering picking it up for my 600yd LG rig,..but I would like to shoot it first. He is something of a novice and has pierced a few primers,..so I pulled all his ammo down and dumped the powder.

Can anyone help with this one?

Thanks

why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • richbug
    Any time I play with AI cartridges, for starting load I use a load just under max for the parent cartridge, and work up to 5-10%over max watching for pressure signs.

    My border collie is smarter than your honor student.
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  • mrbruce
    You can use the low end of the 6.5-06 data to start off in the NOSLER #4
    data load book, and go from there.
    (( 45.5 gr=H4831 and a 140 Nosler Partition to start))
    (( 44.5 gr=H4350 " " " """" """"""" " """
    H4350 & H4831 are very good powders for it depending on bullet weight.
    My choice would be 45.0 gr H4350 for a reasonable load!!!!!

    mrbruce

    Gun control is hitting what your aiming at.
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  • JustC
    Thanks guys. I did the same parent load+ way on my 280AI and 6.5-06AI,..but dissatisfied with the increase,..and subscribing to the theory that the AI shoulder forces a more complete burn inside the case, I moved on to the slower powders which are the ones that I think justify the conversion. I went to RL22, N165, even H1000[:0] The H1000 behind a 140gr a-max in the 6.5-06AI makes pert near 3000fps but it burns dirty. I went back to RL22 and got 3200fps[}:)] But I figure that is a bit much (no pressure signs though) so I backed off a bit.

    mrbruce,..I was thinking H4831sc or RL22 or N165, or N550. Any thoughts?

    Thanks again gents,..glad to see some more Ackley guys around.

    why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
    Got Balistics?
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  • nononsense
    JustC,

    This cartridge like the 250 Savage, shows the greatest improvement over some of the others where the gain is negligible. The improvement to the sharper 40 degree shoulder, though, carries a cost and that is it doesn't show the traditional pressure signs like we are used to seeing. The first signs of being over pressure are usually too late and case or primer failure in one form or another is immediate. Normally I use a chronograph to work up loads where I have little or no information. Another variation on this cartridge would be the 6.5 x 55 Arch or the 6.5 x 55 Bob Jordan Improved.

    I am having better luck with Re-25 and Ramshot Hunter in cartridges with this volume. They both burn very clean and yield good velocities at appropriate pressure. The VihtaVuori N-160 and N-165 will work as well but it will come up to pressure just a bit faster than the other two. N-550 is just a bit too fast for this application, especially with the heavier bullets. IMR/H-4831 don't burn as clean as I would like in this barrel length/powder capacity but IMR-4831 will be the better of the two.

    I know that you have the experience but I suggest that you check the distance to the lands for the OAL before getting set with loads. The original OAL is terrific for the longer, arrow-like VLD bullets such as the AMAX or Scenars.

    As an aside, pierced primers are not always an indication of just overpressure. If you have a good tight chamber and the pressures seem reasonable, a pierced primer is an indication of a larger than acceptable firing pin hole in the bolt face. Normally I just bush the firing pin hole and drill/ream a hole much closer to the diameter of the firing pin and all is well. Also, check the concentricity of the firing pin spring under compression. The coils should line up without bulging in various spots. Smooth and polish the inside of the bolt body to reduce the drag from the spring. The bushing is the most important, though.

    It's an excellent cartridge, enjoy!

    I'm using the 260 Rem. and a wildcat 6.5 X 250 Savage AI for intermediate range rifles.

    Best of luck!
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  • JustC
    Thanks nononsense. I will check the firing pin whole and consult the gunsmith about it. As far as overpressure goes,..this guy used his 95gr v-max data for the 140gr Berger pills[:0][B)] Can you say,..."NOVICE"[V] It was a mistake and not a knowingly foolish move,..but still he needs to stay away from handloads and wildcats for a while. he is actually selling most of his stuff and buying a new truck (good move). The pierced primer loads looked like the ejector tried to imbed itself into the case head[:0] Talk about shiny craters and carbon on the casehead,...jeeeze!!! I pulled all his ammo down and dumped the powder and tossed the overpressured Lapua 2x fired cases (safety first)[8]

    I wish I had kept one of the original loads to show you,..the throat appears (without measuring) to have been cut for long seating the VLD's. I'll run the Sinclair tool and see if I can seat a dummy round to show you.

    Thanks again guys.

    why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
    Got Balistics?
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  • nononsense
    JustC,

    Boy, I feel really bad after reading that description of the seller's reloading ability and his fired brass...He had someone looking out for his safety for sure! The description of the brass sends shivers down my spine. How did the back of the lugs look? Lug seat? I hope that there wasn't any setback. The firing pin hole is always worth looking into just for the sake of knowing that it's in the center and o.k. or that it needs to be fixed.

    I wasn't trying to check up on you but just pass along my observation about the original OAL being great for the new, long VLD bullets. I was doing some experimenting with the Swede and had access to a new reamer ground to the European specs and the throat/leade length worked out very well when Bergers and Lapuas were seated to touch the lands. The neck and throat could have been a pinch smaller in diameter but the rest of the body was a nice fine fit.

    Good luck with the project and be sure to let us know how it works out!
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  • JustC
    nononsense,..just to make myself feel better..the rifle will be taken apart by the smith and checked over. I beleive there were only 3 cases that looked that way,..so I think he figured something out pretty quick. That is the problem with 1 guy giving data to another guy with mixed up info,..and the second guy had no idea. he was told the load worked before and so on and so on. I think a grand total of ~56rnds have been down the tube,..so hopefully a short break-in and load developement will bring her where she should be. I would think the throat with it's sharp edges would take those 3 rounds with no damage (crosses his fingers)[:)]

    Way I see it,..
    action trued/squared etc $400 modest used value
    trigger $175 modest used value
    barrel $400 still new by most standards
    bedding $50
    stock $150 used price
    redding comp dies $100 modest used value
    box of lapua unfired $45

    and I can get it for maybe 70% of that total.[8D][:p]

    I think I may load some rounds and throw on the NXS that is looking so lonely on the shelf in the safe.

    why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
    Got Balistics?
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