100 grain

Your loads of 40/41grs of R22 are very light.

Speer suggests starting at 44 gr and Alliant suggests a max of 48.1 gr. Subtracting 10% as a starting place
gives us 43.3 gr with a 140 gr bullet. I suspect you will find as velocity goes up with higher powder
charges the POI will drop. I have loaded the Swede with 46-47gr of R22 & a 140 gr bullet in a old M96
and presently use 47.5 gr with a 140 gr Sierra BT in a rebarreled Mark X. I`d raise the charge a couple grs
and see if POI drops and accuracy improves, I`ll bet you will see some improvment.

1.

2. It's a m96 (actually a m41/B), receiver dated 1908. I've only taken it shooting one time so far -
with factory ammo. I shot a box of 20 Fed Classic, and then shot 10 rounds of Win super-X.

The rifle shot great groups with both (at 50 yds), although 14" high   . One thing that bothered
me was that one round of Fed Classic resulted in a stuck bolt - could not lift the bolt handle to
eject the round. I did manage to lift the handle after fiddling with it for a while. Does this mean
the ammo was too hot?

I read somewhere that when loading for old swede rifles, to stick to pressures < 45000. I loaded
up my first handloads for this rifle last night. I used the once fired brass from my previous
shooting session, and used a Lee Collet neck-size die to neck size only. I seated the bullets
(Hornady 140gr SP) out to 3.015". I then used the Lee FC die to put a crimp on.

The powder I chose was Reloder 22. I loaded 5 rounds each of: 40gr, 40.5gr, 41gr, 41.5gr.

There is a large discrepancy between manuals on the swede and 140gr bullets with Reloader 22.
Speer start load is 44gr, max load is 48gr. Lee is very similar with a start load of 43.9gr and a max
of 48.1. However, Sierra start load is 37.7gr, and max load is 45.7. That is considerably lower
than the other manuals. Unfortunately Hornady does not list R22 with their 140gr loads.

I chose to make my test loads as mentioned above - from 40gr to 41.5gr. May be light, but I
want to take care of this old sniper rifle, and all I do is shoot paper anyway.

What do you guys use for your m96 swede loads?

I may go to the range tomorrow to try out these 20 handloads. Hope they don't shoot 14" high
like the factory ammo. I may need to adjust my Ajack sniper scope. I know how to due to this
thread:

http://pub176.ezboard.com/fcurioandrelicfirearmsforumfrm45.showMessage?topicID=14.topic

bender, Jul 28, 2007

#1
 3.

BsChoyMember

Joined:

Jun 14, 2005

Messages:

1,344

Location:

Upstate NY

I have shot up to 47.5 grains of RL 22 in my swede (M38) and had no ill results. The actions are strong
enough to take a little more than the listed pressures. Those pressures are more for 96's in bad shape
and the M1894's. Mine looks like it will need to have the bullets seated out more however, and mine
shoots about 8-10 high at 100 as well. It is the norm.

BsChoy, Jul 28, 2007

#2

4.

TexastbirdMember

Joined:

Jul 20, 2007

Messages:

280

A friend of mine found some tall front sight blades some years back to help our Swedes zero out at 100
yds. I can't remember where he got them. I haven't reloaded for the old girl yet, but will soon now that I
have some brass to work with. I would be interested in your results.

Texastbird, Jul 28, 2007

#3
 5.

Jake in TXMember

Joined:

Nov 7, 2004

Messages:

157

Location:

Ellis County, TX

Bender,

I also shoot an m/96. Mine is a Mauser Oberndorf, dated 1900. I starting load was 40 grains of RL22,
using 140 grain Sierra Matchkings. My most accurate load is 45.2 grains. My m/96 still has the original
rear sight, with the shortest distance of 300 meters. This is why these rifles typically shoot so high at 50
and 100 yards. I use a target which is 8" in diameter and hold on the bottom of the color. At 50 yards,
I'm putting the bullets in the center.

I believe you are starting out OK. I personally do not like American made brass for 6.5x55, as the case
head diameter is typically too small. Lapua and Norma make correctly dimensioned brass for 6.5x55, but
it is pretty costly. Wolf Gold brand uses Prvi Partizan brass from Serbia (I believe), and it is much more
reasonably prices. Good luck with your load development. Maybe I'll see you at a range.

Jake in TX

Jake in TX, Jul 28, 2007

#4

6.

BsChoyMember

Joined:

Jun 14, 2005

Messages:

1,344

Location:

Upstate NY

Jake, your 96 shoots center hits with a proper 6 oclock hold? Is that with the listed 45.2 grains??

BsChoy, Jul 28, 2007

#5

7.

Jake in TXMember

Joined:

Nov 7, 2004

Messages:

157

Location:

Ellis County, TX

BsChoy,

Yes, it does, at a 50 yard range (not 100 yards).

Jake in TX

Jake in TX, Jul 28, 2007

#6

8.

benderMember

Joined:
Aug 10, 2006

Messages:

970

Location:

TX

my first time at the range (as detailed in the OP), shot 14" high at 50 yds. The night before I went to the
range, I set the elevation dial on "1", for 100 meters.

However, when I got home and removed the scope from its metal protective container, I noticed it was
set on "6" (600 meters). I'm not sure if I accidentally moved it before shooting, or after shooting at the
range when I was stuffing it back into its container, or if I accidentally moved it while unpacking it when I
got home... in other words, I'm not sure if I accidentally moved it to "6" AFTER shooting, or BEFORE
shooting.

If I was shooting with it set on 600 meters, then that would mostly explain the 14" high POI. If it was still
set on "1" while I was shooting, then I'll either have to aim low all the time, or take off the elevation dial,
and refasten it back on, but at a 90 degree angle to what it was before (that would in effect allow it to
go lower than "1").

Jake - the 45.2gr would probably be close to the mil-spec performance. I may buy some Norma brass. I
figure since I am using a Lee Collet neck sizer, that I'll get good life out of my brass.

Next time I take it shooting, I'm going to double check that it is still on "1" before shooting.

bender, Jul 28, 2007

#7

9.

dclocoMember

Joined:

Jan 31, 2006

Messages:

497
Bender - is your M41/B have all matching numbers?

Those were hand selected and custom built. NICE rifles...a bit expensive today...but WELL worth the
money.

dcloco, Jul 28, 2007

#8

10.

Ol` JoeMember

Joined:

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Messages:

2,085

Location:

michigan

Your loads of 40/41grs of R22 are very light.

Speer suggests starting at 44 gr and Alliant suggests a max of 48.1 gr. Subtracting 10% as a starting place
gives us 43.3 gr with a 140 gr bullet. I suspect you will find as velocity goes up with higher powder
charges the POI will drop. I have loaded the Swede with 46-47gr of R22 & a 140 gr bullet in a old M96
and presently use 47.5 gr with a 140 gr Sierra BT in a rebarreled Mark X. I`d raise the charge a couple grs
and see if POI drops and accuracy improves, I`ll bet you will see some improvment.

Ol` Joe, Jul 28, 2007

#9

11.

benderMember

Joined:

Aug 10, 2006

Messages:

970

Location:

TX

since the 6.5 x 55 is still chambered in modern rifles, and also formerly in the rem 700 and win 70, I
thought maybe the loads in the manuals were a little hot for the old swede military rifles.

My next 20 reloads will be five each of 42, 42.5, 43. 43.5gr of Reloder 22.

As stated in the OP, I seated the bullets out to 3.015". It looks kind of funny, with the bullets sticking out
that far, but I read that the old swedes have long throats.

would a 120gr bullet shoot lower?

Ol' Joe - the ammo that was shooting 14" high was factory, not my light reloads. It was the first time I
had shot 6.5 x 55, but it felt pretty stiff to me... so I'm sure the factory stuff was of a decent power.

bender, Jul 28, 2007

#10

12.

SlamfireMember

Joined:

Dec 29, 2006

Messages:

10,684

Location:

Alabama

You will need a tall front sight as no combination of bullets will reduce the point of impact 14". Sarco has
them. http://www.sarcoinc.com/mauser.html#9

You knock off the old sight, with a brass drift, install the new sight. Go to the range and first get your
windage correct at something like 25 yards. You can do a bit of front sight filing at 25 yards, but don't
over do it. When you get out to 100 yards that is when you reduce the height of the front sight a little bit
at a time. About .006" equals one inch at one hundred yards. I would use a 6" dial micrometer to
measure sight height before and after every filing. I would keep write the blade height down after filing.
That way I would get cautious about not filing too much as I got close to getting the elevation correct. As
you are real close you should concentrate on getting a good flat top to the blade.

It should take about an hour. File a bit. Shoot a bit.

In my 29" M1896 I chronographed some 1986 143 grain Swedish Ball. The average velocity was 2615 fps.
If I were to duplicate that load I would give IMR 4350 a try. That powder is relatively slow burning, has
given me great results in things like 270, 243. Should work well in a 6.5

Slamfire, Jul 28, 2007

#11

13.

Bob F.Member

Joined:

Sep 30, 2003

Messages:

1,117

Location:

Princeton, WV or thereabouts

I think Brownell's carries those sight blades also, about $5-6 IRRC. Looking for powder suggestions for
the 120gr bullet in a 20" bbl?!?!?

Bob

Bob F., Jul 28, 2007

#12

14.

benderMember
Joined:

Aug 10, 2006

Messages:

970

Location:

TX

to clarify, this is a m41/B which has a scope.

This scope is off to the left side, so you are able to use the iron sights even if the scope is mounted. It has
a quick-release mounting system, so that the rifle can be quickly changed to scope or no-scope.

the 14" high is while I am aiming with the scope. I have not shot the rifle using the iron sights yet.

dcloco - the rifle is mostly matching (the receiver / bolt group is mostly matching), some parts elsewhere
on the rifle are diff numbers. Purchased thru Samco. I am mostly happy with it, it is in fairly nice shape,
and I have gone over it part by part and compared everything to what Poyer says in his For Collectors
Only swedish mauser book. It seems kosher. And yes, it was quite expensive...

If I can figure out a good handload, and maybe get the scope POA/POI to be closer, it will probably
become my favorite milsurp...

by the way - I love the 6.5 caliber, it' seems like a great caliber.

bender, Jul 28, 2007

#13

15.

SCWMember

Joined:

Feb 15, 2007

Messages:

31
Location:

SLC Utah

My load for my 1914, 1911 and sporterized Swede of unknown date is 47.5gr of R22 and a Nosler
Partition or Sierra Game King. Both have the same POI and I have shot a 1" group with the 1911, 2 1/2"
with the 1914 and 9/16" with the sporter, all at 100 yards.

H4350 and 4831 have also been good, but I've had the best results (obviously, those are damn good
groups imo) with the R22. The Swede loves lots of slow powder and a big, long bullet.

Unless you use Norma brass you may experience some denting in the shoulder area when you resize the
brass. US brass is slightly different dimensionally than Swedish brass, but shouldn't be a problem after
the first reload.

SCW, Jul 29, 2007

#14

16.

dclocoMember

Joined:

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Messages:

497

Not bragging about my shooting capabilities or inabilities...but two of my three Swedes I will put up
against any (within reason) over the counter rifle at ranges of 600 yards or greater.....even if they use a
scope! The Swedes are GREAT rifles.

dcloco, Jul 29, 2007

#15

17.

benderMember
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970

Location:

TX

R22 seems to be what you all are using. The bullets I'm using are the Hornady 140gr SP - they have a flat
base. I think when these are gone, I'll buy some BT ones. since I am using the neck-size only die, BTs are
much easier to seat.. and supposedly they fly straighter... but I'm not sure about that.

what twist rate do M96s have?

I need to get me one of those m38s too...

bender, Jul 29, 2007

#16

18.

BsChoyMember

Joined:

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Messages:

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Location:

Upstate NY

I am using the 140 hornady's too. I think I will go to 140 sst or amax just cuz I love hornady bullets. Was
toying with getting the nosler 140 hpbt but not sure about the close performance it may have on
animals, namely deer.

BsChoy, Jul 29, 2007

#17
 19.

highlander 5Member

Joined:

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Messages:

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Location:

lynn,ma

here's a formula to figure how much higher/lower your sight needs to be.
take the height that you are off in inches divide by the distance you're shooting in inches multiply that
number times the barrel length that number will be how much you sight has to come up/down.
Example I had a rifle that shot 9" high at 100 yards from a 28' barrel
so 9" divided by 1200" = .0075 x barrel length 28" = .210 higher front sight

highlander 5, Jul 29, 2007

#18

20.

Ol` JoeMember

Joined:

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Messages:

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Location:

michigan

what twist rate do M96s have?

1/7.5", most new Factory rifles I`ve looked at have 1/8".

Finn Aaguaard (noted African hunter & writer) wrote in his tests on the 6.5 Swede, the best bullet in his
opinion for the 6.5x55 was the 140 gr Sierra BTSP for use on deer sized game. I`ve used it and the 140
Hornady with better accuracy going to the Sierra in my rifles. I feel a bit different about the best bullet
though and have settled on the 129 gr Hornady SP for deer in both my 6.5 Swede, and 260 Remingtons.
It seems to perform as well as the larger hornady and is a bit more accurate then either 140 gr bullet in
my rifles.

Ol` Joe, Jul 29, 2007

#19

21.

BsChoyMember

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Upstate NY

Highlander, I hate to correct you but there are 36 inches to a yard and 100 yds would be 3600 inches. 3
feet to a yard 12 inches to a foot. Thanks for the example though

BsChoy, Jul 29, 2007

#20

22.

benderMember

Joined:

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Messages:

970

Location:

TX

I went shooting this morning and shot my first 20 reloads in my swede rifle.

I loaded 5 rounds each of: 40gr, 40.5gr, 41gr, 41.5gr.

my first shot (40gr) was 2" to the right of the bullseye. My 2nd & 3rd shots (also 40gr) were in the
bullseye... I thought "wow, my problem is solved...". Unfortunately, all other shots (hot barrel I guess)
were high and to the left. Highest shot was around 7", most were between 2" and 6" high. Still, it was a
lot better than the first time I shot the rifle with factory ammo (14" high). I figure I must have moved the
elevation dial accidentally while shooting the first time.

I agree that 40gr seemed kind of light... I liked the feel of the 41gr load and the 41.5gr load. I don't hunt,
so for shooting paper it seems good enough.

1/7.5"

good twist for long skinny bullets...

bender, Jul 29, 2007

#21

23.

steveklMember

Joined:

Jul 31, 2004

Messages:

394

I have a regular 1896. Is it possible to put a scope on it like the M/41 without permanently altering the
rifle?

stevekl, Jul 29, 2007

#22
 24.

benderMember

Joined:

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Messages:

970

Location:

TX

hmmm... not sure. Somebody may make a no-gunsmithing mount... but nobody that I know of

bender, Jul 29, 2007

#23

25.

Jake in TXMember

Joined:

Nov 7, 2004

Messages:

157

Location:

Ellis County, TX

There is a company called S&K Scope Mounts which makes a scout scope type of mount. It replaces the
rear sight, so you use a long eye relief or pistol scope with it. I recently bought one, but have not yet
tried it out. Maybe next weekend.

S&K have a web site, http://www.scopemounts.com/

Bender,

Keep increasing the charge, and you will probably find a much more consistent load.

Jake in TX

Jake in TX, Jul 29, 2007

#24

26.

benderMember

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970

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TX

my groups climbed higher & higher as I went along. First shots were pretty much to POA. Next 5 were 2"
higher, next 5 were an inch or 2 higher than the last 5, and the next 5 were also and inch or 2 higher
than the previous 5.

Not sure if it was the barrel getting hotter, or the loads getting stiffer. I started with the lightest loads
and went up to the heaviest loads. groups were fine, but they just kept getting higher.

I'm going to remove the elevation dial off the scope and reattach it at a 90 degree angle (so it can be
turned lower than "1").

I'll load 20 more rounds with R22 and try again next time...

RELODER® 22

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Smokeless magnum rifle powder

This top-performing powder for big game loads provides excellent metering, and is the powder of choice
for .270, 7mm magnum and .300 Win Mag.

 Powder of choice for 7mm Mag & .300 Win Mag

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RELOADER'S GUIDE

Alliant Powder Reload Recipes

← Back

Recipe(s)

Print This Recipe(s)

Caliber Bullet Case Minimum Bbl Primer Powder Charge Velocity Notes
OAL Weight
 (inches) Length (grains) (fps)

6.5 X 55
Swedish Speer Reloder
Federal 3 24 CCI 200 42 2,670 -
Mauser 120 gr SP 22
(military)

Alliant Reloder 22 Smokeless Powder- 1 Lb $28.99

5 Lbs $133.99

https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/reloader-22.84215/

Nosler 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser Premium Brass

Nosler® Brass is
created to exact dimensional standards and tolerances, using quality materials for maximum accuracy
and consistency potential while extending case life. Nosler® Brass also undergoes the rigorous quality
control that premium Nosler bullets have experienced for over 60 years.

Each piece of brass is completely prepped and ready to load. The case mouths have been chamfered and
deburred. The flash holes are deburred and then checked for proper alignment. Each piece of brass is
visually inspected at the factory and sealed in the box until you open them. Together, Nosler bullets and
brass are the ingredients for the perfect load.

6.5x55 Swedish Load Data

“There’s not much you can’t do with a Swede,” said Skoglund. “In
Scandinavia, it qualifies (with 156-grain bullets) to be a class 1 weapon,
meaning you can hunt all the large game including brown bear, moose,
reindeer, red deer, wild boar, etc. We do recommend using a bonded bullet
on large game since the shoulder joint on a moose can be hard to penetrate
with a cup-and-core bullet. In terms of African game, it’s an excellent choice
for antelope; personally I would not hesitate to use it on oryx- and
wildebeest-sized animals, but with a bonded 150-grain-plus bullet.”

Handloaders can really make the 6.5×55 SCAN scoot. Public reloading data
from Nosler, for example, gives handloaders quite a few choices. Published
load data for the company’s magnificent 142-grain Accubond Long Range
bullet, which, by the way, sports an impressive .625 BC, lists Alliant’s Reloder
22 as the most accurate powder in the manufacturer’s 23-inch test gun, but
it states that Hodgdon’s H1000 got testers the most speed at an impressive
2,790 fps. https://gundigest.com/rifles/ar-15/the-sweet-swede-ode-to-the-
6-5x55

Lee 'Modern Reloading' 2nd Edition has 5 pages of 6.5 x 55 loads

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/theswissriflesdotcommessageboard/7-5x55-load-tables-t9041.html

140 grain Sierra GameKing SBT bullet 6.5 MM/.264 CALIBER 140 GR. SBT
 
This bullet is the best long-range hunting bullet in 6.5 mm caliber. Exceptional accuracy,
excellent ballistic shape, and adequate weight for medium and heavy game make this a truly
exceptional bullet. This bullet is at its best in country like the wide open western prairie where
shots are long and conditions difficult. It has a flat trajectory, great ability to resist crosswinds
and vertical winds, and high energy delivery downrange. The bullet performs very well from any
6.5 mm cartridge with medium to large powder capacity, but it is at its absolute best from
magnum rifles with maximum hunting loads.
$41.89
44.7 grains of RE-22 powder 
Despite its age, the 6.5x55 is a modern looking rimless cartridge with a sharp 25-degree
shoulder angle. The cartridge overall length (COL) is 3.150", thus it requires an "intermediate"
(rare) or standard length action. It has the case and neck length to allow it to efficiently handle
long, heavy bullets. Bullet diameter is .264" and for big game hunting the 6.5x55 is at its best
with bullets ranging from 120-160 grains, although bullets from about 85-160 grains are
available to reloaders.

Most ammunition manufacturers load for the 6.5x55. Typical U.S. factory loads for the 6.5x55
drive a 139-140 grain bullet at a muzzle velocity (MV) of 2550-2600 fps. Higher performance
Light Magnum loads from Hornady advertise a 129 grain bullet at a MV of 2770 fps and a 139
grain bullet at a MV of 2740 fps.

Norma of Sweden offers a 139 grain bullet at a MV of 2854 fps, a 140 grain bullet at a MV of
2789 fps, and several different 156 grain bullets at MV's ranging from 2526 fps to 2644 fps.
RWS of Germany offers several 6.5x55 loads including a 127 grain bullet at a MV of 2850 fps
and a 154 grain bullet at a MV of 2670 fps. Sellier & Bellot of the Czech Republic loads a 140
grain PSP bullet at a MV of 2645 fps. These are typical of European 6.5x55 loads, which on
average are loaded to higher pressure than U.S. factory loads.

Reloaders with old military rifles can safely achieve velocities similar to the standard U.S.
factory loads. In the U.S. the maximum average pressure (MAP) for the 6.5x55 is held to only
46,000 psi, but reloads for modern rifles such as the Ruger M77 and Winchester Model 70 can
safely be taken to 50,000 cup. This allows reloaders with modern rifles to equal and sometimes
exceed the European factory loads.

https://www.powdervalleyinc.com/product/sierra-264-6-5mm-140-gr-sbt-gk-100/

https://www.chuckhawks.com/6-5x55.htm