Re-loading for 6.5x55

[Laurie]

My Tikka T3 Varmint is only a week away and I want to get some handload information for hunting. I will be using Lapua cases and if possible, use Lapua projectiles. I was thinking of Naturalis 140gn or Mega 155gn for pigs,goats etc. And the 100gn Spitzer for varminting. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Laurie

[300RUM]

I'm not sure on the hardness of those Naturalis 140gn or Mega 155gn projectiles, but I have found the 120gr sierra/speer more than enough weight for all but large NT boars. Then a 129 to 140gr pill comes into its own. On the varmint scene, the biggest blow up on a crow I've ever seen was with a 100gr sierra out of 6.5X55. (and I've used calibres from 220 swft to 300mw on them). I put it down to the 1 in 7.5 twist rate in those swedish mausers. My mate has even used 100gr BT's to good effect on our western channel country pigs. In 264 cal those BT's are the hunting not varmint variety. Great calibre, I hope you enjoy it.
Cheers Brett

[Drew Jaeger]

Laurie. My old pig load for the 6.5x55mm was a Sierra 120gr Pro-Hunter with 48grs of AR2209. Shot my very first and largest boar with that load. Very effective indeed.

[300RUM]

Laurie. My old pig load for the 6.5x55mm was a Sierra 120gr Pro-Hunter with 48grs of AR2209. Shot my very first and largest boar with that load. Very effective indeed.

Yeah spot on thats exactly the load I use.
And my 100gr load is 45gr 2208 for over 3100fps
These are low pressure mauser loads too, you should be able to crank those up a bit in modern action too.

[Laurie]

Thanks
I will try a few loads and post the results.
Regards
Laurie

[300RUM]

Don't forget the 85gr sierra too if you really want to blow stuff up. Couldn't really use it in my swedish mauser because of the 1 in 7.5 twist rate. Blew up about 3200 fps. Be real nice in a modern rifle at around 3400 fps plus.