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Thread: 6.5 Dutch and 6.5 Mannlicher-Schoenauer cast bullet load using TB

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy Rapidrob's Avatar
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    Jun 2009
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    Thunder Mountain,NM
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    6.5 Dutch and 6.5 Mannlicher-Schoenauer cast bullet load using TB

    Having run out of 2400 powder, I went through my stash and found I did have other listed powders for these two cartridges. Then I thought why not try something a little different?
    I worked up a load of Trail Boss powder and so far it seems to have very good potential for the 6.5 mm cartridges.
    Having a bullet trap set up in my reloading shop, I found that the safe max load was 14 grains with the accuracy load being around 13-13.5 grains using a 150 grain torpedo gas checked bullet ( RCBS) sized to .268 and using (Rooster Red lube).
    Fired cases seal the breech and show no signs of a pressure problem. Bolt unlocking force is normal by feel.
    Using the formula of weighing a full case of the powder and then multiplying the weight by .7 worked out very well to find the max load.
    The nice thing about TB powder is it is bulky. The seated bullet ( proper length for the cartridge) just touches the powder charge giving the case a 100% density loading. The powder burns cleanly as the cleaning patch showed.
    Both calibers are the same one being rimmed.
    I will test the loads this Saturday at long range ( out to 500 meters)
    A chronograph may be used if the weather permits.
    I see no problem using this powder in my 6.5 Carcano, 6.5 Jap and possibly the 6.5 Swede rifles and carbines.
    With the Swede having a much larger case volume, I'd need to work up to a safe load using TB.
    I'd thought I share this info just so we shooters have another powder to play with using cast bullets in the 6.5 caliber firearms.

  2. #2
    Boolit Buddy Rapidrob's Avatar
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    I fired 20 rounds of each today at two hundred meters. The load is slow at just under 1,500 FPS but both rifles shot very well at the 24x24" AR550 target.
    I would have liked to see a higher FPS of 200 or so but Trail Boss just wont do it at 14 grains. At 15 grains the powder wold be compressed a lot causing a much lower FPS due to poor ignition according to Hodgdon.
    There was no leading and the bores were cleaner than expected of powder residue.
    I have other powders on hand to try next.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check