Recommendation needed for Cast 6.5x55mm & IMR 4895

[Garand]

I am currently shooting a 1900 manufactured Mauser M1896 Rifle using Lyman .265" 150 grain SPGC #266673 bullets in a Pre 1912 Military Rifle Silhouette Match requiring the use of cast bullets. With Red Dot I am currently getting a nice 100 yd gallery load giving me 1,392 fps. During a recent 200 yd silhouette match I noticed that at that range my groups have opened up severely and that noise generated by the impact was minimal making it difficult for the spotter to count hits.

I have been told that next years match will reach out to 300 yds, so I think that it is time to work up a new load. The targets are stationary and not knockdown, so noise of impact is important. Due to current powder shortages I am limited to what I have at hand which is Red Dot, Unique & IMR 4895. Can anyone recommend a load that will give decent accuracy at up to 2,000 fps with IMR 4895?

[Tatume]

In my experience the next heavier jacketed bullet starting load of 4895 (IMR or H) at the Hodgdon web site will put me in the ballpark. I run this powder down to 1600 fps and up to 2250 fps with cast bullets and no problems. Take a look at

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/

I think that will get you what you need.

Take care, Tom

[Larry Gibson]

I have considerable experience loading cast bullets in the 6.5 Swede for more than 35+ years. With 4895 I suggest you start at 19 gr and work up to 26 gr using a Dacron filler (1/2 - 3/4 gr) under that 266673. Accuracy that holds to 300 yards above 1750 - 1850 fps or so may be difficult to obtain with that bullet. The reason being the 7.8 - 7.9" twist and high RPM generated by it. However useable accuracy for use on full size silhouettes at 200 yards shouldn't be too difficult to obtain.

You might find the "milk jug" thread informative on the problems encountered when loading cast bullets in the Swede.

Larry Gibson

[Garand]

Much appreciated guys, thank you

[michiganmike]

Good Morning:

I can speak only indirectly to your question as I do not reload for a 6.5X55 Swede. I do, however, cast and reload for my 7mm-08. And I have found H4895 to be an excellent powder. I cast two bullets: the RCBS #82018 and the Lyman #2660405. The former is rated at a 168 grain bullet, but actually yields 180 grain bullets with Lyman #2. The latter is rated at a 150 grain bullet, but gives me 145 grain bullets with COWW.

The Lyman is a Loverin design. And with 23 grains of H4895 is so consistently accurate that it is almost boring to fire it, as one round after another comes in falls into a sub-2MOA group @ 100 yards.

Yes: two different rifles, two different cartridges. But they are in the same neighborhood. IMR 4895 is a good choice imo. Let us know how it works out for you please.

MichiganMike