Question on Swedish 6.5x55 cast bullet load

[HikerLT]

I have a 6 bullet mold for 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser that I think was part of a Lee group buy some years ago - either here on CastBoolis or maybe on Gunboards - I can't remember.

Anyways, I finally got around to using the mold for the first time yesterday, after all this time....

The bullets weigh around 125gr

Sizing them through a .268 lee sizing die to press the gas checks on, very little to no resistance.

QUESTIONS:

1) should I order a custom .266 LEE sizing die , or do you think the .268 does sufficient job pressing the gas checks on ?

2) I searched the load books I have on hand, but need LOAD recommendations, preferably using something from what I have on hand : Unique, Trail Boss, 4350, 4110, 4895, 5744....??

Here is a pic of the bullet from this mold. Any info on this bullet and loads from anyone else using this same mold is greatly ap[preciated.

http://webpages.charter.net/hikerlt/Hobby/Swede_cast_2.jpg

[Maven]

Hiker, That was indeed a Cast Boolits group buy [Lee] mold. I have one that casts a bit heavier than yours, 133grs. on average. As for loading data, search here: https://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=001951264366462437169:ggn3vg-bjum Before you look for a sizing die, custom or standard, slug the bore of your rifle several times to determine the diameter and the final dimension you want to size to. (I size mine to .267", btw.) Until then, why not try lubing those CB's and shooting them as is, especially if the gas check can't easily be removed with a finger nail?

[blixen]

+1 on shooting them is the next step.

[Larry Gibson]

That is the 6.5 bullet I used for most of the HV testing I did some time back. You’ll find lots of usefull info on what I did here;
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?119495-6-5-Swede-HV-Finale
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?119495-6-5-Swede-HV-Finale

If you are not interested in HV loads then excellent loads are available with Bullseye, Unique and 2400 in the 1100 - 1800 fps range.

Also from the pictures those are "good" bullets. You don't mention the alloy but I'd guess it is COWWs? If so you will get excellent bullets if you add 2% tin to the COWWs. The texture will be much smoother and the driving bands will fill out and be sharp and square. They will also probably drop as cast at .268+ which means you will get more resistance in the Lee .268 sizer as they are sized. The GCs will also crimp on the larger diameter shank better. The .268 sizing will probably work well in your Swede milsurp throat IF the bullet goes into the throat w/o being pushed back into the case so the GC is seated below the case neck.

Photo's below show the same bullet as yours but cast with 2% tin added to the COWWs prior to adding the lead. Note the sharper and filled out driving bands, the smoother texture of the bullet and the bases cut off clean (left base) vs the crystalized break of the sprue off another bullet cast of COWWs = lead (right bullet).

The 6.5 Swede can be difficult and frustrating to get good results from because of it's fast twist. I was going to say I'm not trying to criticize but that wouldn't be quite true as I am. However, I am not trying to be critical but am trying to help point out the difference between what are generally perceived as "good" cast bullets compared to what are excellent cast bullets. Nothing different in casting technique or special knowledge required. Just add the tin to the alloy is all that is needed. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the difference.

Larry Gibson

[HikerLT]

Thanks fopr the advice and links for further research.

Question - is this bullet different or the same as the current active group buy for "6.5 cruise missle " ? http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?150107-MiHec-3-cavity-brass-solid-6-5mm-Cruise-Missle

[Larry Gibson]

No, that is not the 6.5 "Cruise missile". The CM is a 175 gr with a very long bore riding nose (pictured below). What you have is one of the renditions of the 6.5 "Kurtz" bullet though I'm sure 45 2.1 will set us all straight that it is not. However, many bought it believing it was the Kurtz bullet. The Kurtz (also shown) has a much shorter nose and both it and the one you have are Loverin style bullets.

Larry Gibson

[upnorthwis]

My favorite load. Lyman #266673 150 gr. but mine cast 143 with WW. Sized to .264 20 gr. 4227, COL = 2.900, CCI 200 primer, 1850 fps crono.
Won a Vintage Military match last summer with it. The guy running the line saw the cast bullets and told me it would be a race between me and the
person shooting the .30 carbine to see who gets blown off the target farther.