6.5x55 hunting load info. needed.

[lilabner]

Got a favorite hunting load for the Swede? I'll be loading for a new Tikka and would like to develop a loading versatile enough for both woods and plains hunts. Looks like something in the 129-140 gr. bullets might work as trajectories are comparable to a 30-06 with 180 gr. Am leaning toward the 129 gr. Hornady SP as I've had good luck with their bullets in my '06.

[Aardvark]

 I use 120 gr Nosler Ballistic tips with 42gr 4064 powder...

[Mikey]

lilabner - take that 129 gn slug and load it over 42 gns of 4064 - very accurate.  You are coorect about the profile of the 129-140 gn 6.5mm being similar to that of the 180 gn 06 slug.  Very close.  Lots of carry and penetration.  JMHO.  Mikey.

[ringo]

I use 45grs of R19 pushing 129gr Hornady.  It seems to work well, good accuracy, low recoil.

[gunnut69]

I use the 125 Nosler Partition and all the 4831 your rifle will handle. usually they shoot very well and exits are common. Its sort of a 243 on steriods.. light recoil. flat shooting and kills very well. The 140 grain bullets tend to shoot a bit better groups in my experience but exterior ballistics are not wuite up to the 125. I assume the fast twist in the original rifles(94-96-M38 Swedish) are the reason they tend to favor heavier bullets. I use the same loads in my M70 featherweight and it usually does well also..

[Sweet 6.5]

140 gr between 2550 and 2650 - keeps recoil mild and you
don't have to use premium bullets. I used Sierra Game King
but changed to Rhino's. I haven't used them on game yet but
they should be good - bonded with a solid shank.

[Cheesehead]

A max charge of rl-19 and Sierra 120 grain bullets are very very accurate in my 96.

Cheese