Need 6.5x55 load using IMR 4320 for a Ruger #1

[brstevns]

Asking for a cousin, He wants to try IMR 4320 in the 6.5x55 in a ruger NO. 1. Looking for 140 gr to 160 gr bullet loads.

[koger]

have some great loads with IMR3031, load for a buddy's Ruger 77 and 3 others I have. I have built over 100 rifles in that caliber, been shooting my go too 96 swede since 1985, the year I built it. I did load development over 2 years, and have data for 85,120, 140. qmd 160 grain slugs. All shoot into 1/2", 3 shot groups at 100 yds, out of the glass bedded, floated barrel 77 with a 2# trigger I went thru!Pm me if interested.

[MUSTANG]

Had the Lee Reloading Manual (2nd Edition) sitting beside me as I read this thread. There is no listing for IMR4320; for any weight bullet, in any listed 6.5x55 loading. Perhaps someone has 1st hand experience with this powder and the 6.5x55 cartridge.

[AZ Pete]

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle lists the information you want.

oops, they do not list 4320. But, RCBS 1971 loading handbook lists IMR 4320 w/140g. jacketed bullets. 33.3 to 40.4 g.
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[uscra112]

I loaded 35 grains of Varget with a 140 grain Gameking. That's kept moderate because the rifle is a Norwegian Krag. Varget is a virtual twin to 4320. Be a good starting load for a Ruger #1.

[Joe K]

I have found data in the Lyman 46th edition, Hornady Third edition and Pacific Rifle/Pistol Cartridge Reloading book. I’ll PM you the info.

[swheeler]

Hornady Third Edition
IMR 4320

140 gr SP- 32.5 to max 39.7 @ 2500 fps 3.015" OAL
160 gr RN-32.0 to max 37.6 @2300 fps 3.035" OAL

2002 IMR Reloaders Guide
140 gr Sierra sbt- IMR 4320- max 37.5 , 2465 fps, 45500 cup, OAL 3.00"

More- Sierra Second Edition
140 gr Sbt, IMR 4320 33.3 to max 40.4- 2500 fps

Start low and work up

[swheeler]

Lyman 47 has 4320 data also. You didn't look very hard!

[6.5 CM]

4320 is not a good choice for the 6.5x55 w/a 140. 4350 or 4831 are the go to powders.

[Larry Gibson]

4320 is not a good choice for the 6.5x55 w/a 140. 4350 or 4831 are the go to powders.

+1 ^^^^^^^^^

[jmort]

RL-22 will give better results

[swheeler]

Since the OP specifically wants to try IMR 4320 there is no reason he shouldn't, he now has published data to start with.

[EDG]

4320 is fine if that is what he wants to try.
I had a can I never tried so I burned it up in a 7mm Rem Mag with 140 grain bullets. It worked just as well as 4350 and 4831 for shooting holes in paper.
The old IMR booklet had data for all powders for each listed caliber.
You can find the pdf on line.

[Larry Gibson]

Since the OP specifically wants to try IMR 4320 there is no reason he shouldn't, he now has published data to start with.

No one said the OP should not try or "shouldn't" use 4320 in his 6.5x55. It was just mentioned there are better choices and some examples given.

[swheeler]

Need 6.5x55 load using IMR 4320 for a Ruger #1
Asking for a cousin, He wants to try IMR 4320 in the 6.5x55 in a ruger NO. 1. Looking for 140 gr to 160 gr bullet loads.

I posted you some data specific to what you asked for. ;-) 4320 140 and 160's

[brstevns]

Need 6.5x55 load using IMR 4320 for a Ruger #1
Asking for a cousin, He wants to try IMR 4320 in the 6.5x55 in a ruger NO. 1. Looking for 140 gr to 160 gr bullet loads.

I posted you some data specific to what you asked for. ;-) 4320 140 and 160's

Want to thank you, I passed it on to my cousin

[Larry Gibson]

bstevns

If your cousin becomes interested in IMR4350, IMR4831 or H4831 with 129 or 140 gr 6.5 bullets there is some very good tested information on https://goodsteelforum.com/forums/topic/129-sst-and-a-6-5x55-swede/

If he can't get there I can repost here if he's interested.

[swheeler]

No problem, glad to try to help and answer the question you asked.

[flintlocke]

I guess it's a little late now but I have used 4320 in the Swede extensively. However the guns are radically different than your strong Ruger. Model 1896's sportered to a 23" bbl and another shortened to 20". As published in Lyman #44 manual, accuracy load quoted was 42 gr 4320 with 140 grain gave me 2520 fps in the 23". I eventually went to 41 grains for 2490 fps and 1" groups. The 20" carbine produced 2345 fps and sub 1" groups, consistently. Did not use 160 grain Hornady round nose but used .263 dia. 156 grain over 39 grains of 4320. Got roughly 80 fps less for each rifle, and groups opened slightly to about 1.3", plenty good for me. Excellent case life. Bear in mind your chamber surely must not have all the freebore the Swede military chambers do. I know you are sick of cautions, but 4320 is not Johnsons Baby Powder. You can get pressures quickly and often not in proportion to the charge weight increases. If you doubt my 40 years of observations, just go to the Norma Burn Rate site. Best **** chart on the internet, it has relative velocity X relative pressure rankings....and you will note, they place 4320 a lot closer to 3031 than all the other charts which show it as being near as same to H380. No matter, the Ruger will handle it and I am certain you will be pleased with the accuracy. Flintlocke