Compact Firearms and Cartridges of Pedigree Part III

When we left off in Part II, the following bullets has been selected and dimensions had been determined. I included the information here also to save time flipping digital pages.

Warning: Bullet selections are specific, and loads are not valid with substitutions of different bullets of the same weight. Variations in bullet material and length will alter net case capacity,  pressure and velocity results. Primer selection is specific and primer types are not interchangeable. These data represents maximum loads in our firearms and test equipment and may easily be excessive in other applications. All loads should be reduced by 3%,  and developed following safe handloading practices as represented in established reloading manuals produced by component manufacturers. Presentation of these loads does not constitute a solicitation for their use, nor a recommendation. Cartridge: 6.5x55mm Swedish   Firearm: CZ 550 FS   Max COL: 3.150″   Bullet Diameter: 0.264″   Primer: CCI 200   Barrel: 20.5″   Reloading Dies: Redding FL   Max case length: 2.165″   Group: Distance 100 yards – Three shots For use in modern bolt action rifles only. Not for use in military surplus firearms.

COL and Capacity   Load Data & Performance Bullet Type Bullet Weight C.O.L. Inches Net Grains Water   Powder Charge Grains Muzzle Velocity FPS Muzzle Energy Ft/Lbs Group Size Inches Sierra HP 1710 100 2.835 53.3   AA4064 45.5 3134 2180 0.8 Sierra HP 1710 100 2.835 53.3   Re17 51.0 3293 2407 1.0 Sierra HP 1710 100 2.835 53.3   Norma URP 50.0 3217 2297 0.8 Sierra SP 1720 120 2.990 57.3   Re19 51.0 2992 2385 0.9 Sierra SP 1720 120 2.990 53.3   H4831SC 52.0 2954 2324 1.1 Sierra SP 1720 120 2.990 53.3   7828SSC 53.0 3019 2429 0.7 Nosler Part 16320 125 3.080 53.3 Re19 50.0 2911 2351 1.1 Nosler Part 16320 125 3.080 53.3 H414 48.0 2936 2393 1.0 Nosler Part 16320 125 3.080 53.3 7828SSC 52.5 2972 2451 0.9 Hornady 2620 129 2.935 51.4 Re19 48.5 2864 2349 1.1 Hornady 2620 129 2.935 51.4 7828SSC 51.0 2929 2458 1.1 Hornady 2620 12229 2.935 51.4 Win 760 46.5 2872 2363 1.2 Lapua 4PL6019 136 3.100 51.6 Re19 48.0 2799 2367 0.6 Lapua 4PL6019 136 3.100 51.6 H4831SC 49.5 2828 2415 1.2 Lapua 4PL6019 136 3.100 51.6 7828SSC 50.5 2867 2482 0.9 Berger 26409 140 3.260* 53.4 Re22 51.0 2820 2472 1.2 Berger 26409 140 3.260* 53.4 7828SSC 51.0 2827 2484 1.1 Berger 26409 140 3.260* 53.4 Norma MRP 52.0 2870 2560 0.8 Nosler 26725 140 3.085 51.8 Re22 50.0 2810 2454 1.0 Nosler 26725 140 3.085 51.8 7828SSC 50.0 2816 2465 0.8 Nosler 26725 140 3.085 51.8 Norma MRP 51.0 2861 2545 1.0 From A Prior Real Guns’ Project Norma Oryx 66524-1 156 3.000 50.1 Re22 48.0 2669 2467 1.1 Norma Oryx 66524-1 156 3.000 50.1 7828SSC 48.0 2688 2502 0.9 Norma Oryx 66524-1 156 3.000 50.1 Norma MRP 48.5 2690 2507 1.0 Woodleigh 80A 160 3.100 50.8 Re22 48.0 2656 2507 1.2 Woodleigh 80A 160 3.100 50.8 7828SSC 47.5 2635 2466 1.2 Woodleigh 80A 160 3.100 50.8 Norma MRP 48.0 2649 2494 1.0 * Exceeds SAAMI Maximum COL. Max Loads to 60,000 PSI,  Exceed SAAMI MAP 51,000 PSI

A case of handloads being adapted to take advantage of a rifle’s potential. Good round, good hunting rifle accuracy. Low recoil, modest report.  So what about those 160+ grain slugs we keep hearing of as the demise of Swedish moose…s. If you have a desire to put moose or elk on the menu, and you want to do it with the 6.5x55mm SE, there are two very good heavyweights for that purpose. Why do they not appear on the reloading table? For my 6.5x55mm applications, I use the first 4 bullets on the table as they are, depending on weight and construction, ideal for coyote, deer, black bear and hogs.

The heavyweights that follow actually outperform the lighter weight bullets by putting their high BC to good use and holding onto velocity and energy over significantly longer distances. Why then don’t I just use the heavyweights? The first reason is that I do not hunt very large game with the 6.5x55mm.  The second reason is cost. I shoot a good deal and $60 to $72 for a 100 component bullets is unreasonable when there are bullets that will do the job for less than half the price. If I were going on a hunt for moose or elk….

Absolute velocity is higher for the lighter bullet, however, the rate of velocity loss is significantly higher. Kinetic energy for the heavyweight is higher from muzzle to farthest range. Momentum is important as an indication of sharply increased penetration for the heavyweight. The Sierra 120 grain shoots flatter, but the difference is negligible for hunting.

Interesting cartridge, proven excellent performer. Unfortunately, time to move on to another project.

Compact Firearms and Cartridges of Pedigree Part I
Compact Firearms and Cartridges of Pedigree Part 2
Compact Firearms and Cartridges of Pedigree Part 3