Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: WA Redneck on March 04, 2009, 12:28:58 PM

Title: 6.5x55
Post by: WA Redneck on March 04, 2009, 12:28:58 PM: I have been loading my Ruger 6.5x55 with 140 grain Hornady SST bullets and 47 grains of IMR 4831, this is over the max for this bullet but, there is no sign of pressure and it shoots good in my gun. I have shot the same load for Remington, Sierra, and both SST and Interlocks bullets. I just came across some Nosler Partition bullets and would like to try the same load. I have no experience with Nosler bullets but, 47 grains is over the max listed for the 140's. My questions is in your opinion would it be a safe load or should I back off.
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: Slider on March 04, 2009, 12:31:43 PM: Start low and work your way up!!! ;)
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: Gutpile on March 04, 2009, 05:47:01 PM: Aside from your question have you considered 125 partitions? Thats what I use for my daughters .260 which is essentially the same thing as your swede. I know that doesn't answer your question, just food for thought.
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: WA Redneck on March 05, 2009, 06:25:24 AM: I have thought about the 125's but, just came across these 140's so thought I would give them a try first. They are going to have to be real good to get me to change from the SST's I've been using. How does she like the 125's? How does she like the 260?
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: docsven on March 05, 2009, 06:32:26 AM: Quote from: WA Redneck on March 04, 2009, 12:28:58 PM
I have no experience with Nosler bullets but, 47 grains is over the max listed for the 140's. My questions is in your opinion would it be a safe load or should I back off.

How many grains over is it? I think there is a little padding +/- on those published loads to cover liability so a couple grains over may not make a big difference. Best to stick with the recommendations though. :twocents:
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: Gutpile on March 05, 2009, 06:36:47 AM: Quote
I have thought about the 125's but, just came across these 140's so thought I would give them a try first. They are going to have to be real good to get me to change from the SST's I've been using. How does she like the 125's? How does she like the 260?

Well, I bought it for my oldest daughter a few years ago and now the youngest shoots it (it's a youth model). I don't think they care one way or another about the caliber. I love it though. I really want a .260 for myself but think I'll just get a 6.5 swede since I can't seem to find a .260. As far as the 6.5 partition, I think it's great. We've taken a couple of deer with it and they dont make it far. When I do get a .260 or a swede I'll look at the 125 gran partitions and the Barnes 120 grain tipped TSX.

I wont use sst's anymore though. I hit bone once with my 06 and it was like a grenade went of. It totally ruined a quarter. I couldn't believe the damage.

What rifle are you shooting?? I really think the 6.5's are the perfect deer caliber.
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: FALFire on March 05, 2009, 07:40:38 AM: Gutpile, if you are interested in another 6.5x55 I just might be able to help you out.

Let me know because I have a real sweetie that is built on a Remington 721 long action, stainless steel barrel and laminated stock. It comes with Redding dies, brass and bullets to go with plus it has a Leupold base and 30mm rings.
I can take a photo and send it your way.

Gary
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: Gutpile on March 05, 2009, 07:55:17 AM: I'm gonna hang tight for a little while longer but if it's still around later this summer let me or MHWASH know. I've been tossing around the idea of feeding my sickness for a new deer rifle for a while. Had hoped for a .260 but the swede and .260 are so close it wouldn't matter all that much. Pics would be great though. You can pm them to me or e-mail me. m_jfarrell@hotmail.com

Thanks.
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: FALFire on March 05, 2009, 08:02:26 AM: Okay, I'll dig it out of the safe and try to find the camera this morning to snap a few.
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: WA Redneck on March 05, 2009, 12:15:45 PM: What you asking for the 6.5? I'm down to my last two and always can find a place in my cold hard heart for another 6.5 Swede. I think they are better than the 260 since it is a longer case you can get more out of it. I've never chronied a 260 but I can't see how they could beat a modern day 6.5x55.
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: FALFire on March 05, 2009, 12:59:36 PM: .
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: Gutpile on March 05, 2009, 03:10:18 PM: :o :o
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: FALFire on March 05, 2009, 03:14:29 PM: What is nice about using the long action is the barrel can be rechambered to 6.5-06 then you can really gain some velocities.

Make me a resonable offer.
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: Gutpile on March 05, 2009, 03:16:24 PM: Quote from: FALFire on March 05, 2009, 03:14:29 PM
the barrel can be rechambered to 6.5-06 then you can really gain some velocities.

.

That'd be really nice. Thats one caliber I'd love to get eventually.
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: WA Redneck on March 06, 2009, 07:20:49 AM: For some reason the pictures were red box's with x's in them. Could you PM them to me please. I shot one of the 140 Noslers I originally ask about and there was no pressure signs. I'll load a bunch up and give them the accuracy test and high speed lie detector test this weekend. Hopefully they'll shoot as good as the SST's.
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: WA Redneck on March 09, 2009, 09:08:58 AM: I shot the Noslers this weekend and boy do they shoot good in my gun. One of the guys I shoot with shot a five shot group at 100 yards you could cover with a dime. I wanted to run some over the lie detector but, it was snowing and we didn't want to get it wet. I'm really looking forward to seeing how fast they are going. They should really be good deer/elk bullets.
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: Gutpile on March 09, 2009, 09:27:37 AM: Which noslers??? 140 partitions???

I've never had a rifle shoot any partition poorly. Maybe not the most accurate but none shot bad.
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: WA Redneck on March 09, 2009, 12:15:39 PM: Yeah they were the 140 grain partitions. I have only used Nosler bullets once before and that was in a 25-06 let's just say I'm not disappointed. Can't wait for deer season to roll around!!!!!
Title: Re: 6.5x55
Post by: boneaddict on March 09, 2009, 12:24:49 PM: HUGE fan of Nosler bullets, ESPECIALLY in the 25. I shot 117's until they quit them then went to 120s without any bumps.