Shilen rifle barrel 6.5x55 Swed 9 to 1 twist

[51smd]

I am looking at building my 110 LA in 6.5x55 with a 9 to 1 rate of twist. I would like to shoot 142 gr bullets I don't know if the rate of twist would be to fast for the heavy bullets.

[KRP]

I would worry about it being too slow rather than too fast.

[51smd]

Right sorry it was late... Anyone?

[blom]

8.5 minimum preferably 8 Thats what I have been led to believe.

[51smd]

Thanks, thats what I tought. I guess I will have to shoot 120 gr or 129 gr.

[thejimmster]

I can get .4 MOA with the 140gr AMAX in a 24in McGowen with 1-8 Twist. Just bought some 140gr SMK and will try them soon. Will post follow up later.

[thejimmster]

I have mediocre results with the 140 SMK so far in my 6.5 Swede (1x8 twist).

Anyone have any RL-19 recommendations for the 140 SMK? I've tried 46.6gr because I get good results with the 140 Amax with this load, but not with the 140 SMK.

I can get .4 MOA with the 140gr AMAX in a 24in McGowen with 1-8 Twist. Just bought some 140gr SMK and will try them soon. Will post follow up later.

[51smd]

Any luck with the 142.gr SMK?

[davemuzz]

I have a Swede built with a Shilen barrel in a 1-9 twist. It's one of the most accurate rifles I own. The barrel is a coutour, so you can't sit a the range and get 10 shots to plug in the same hole one after the other.....but you can get 3 to do it....and if you wait about 7 minutes, you will get the next 3 to go the same place....and on and on. ;D

I have two loads worked up for this barrel. Now, I'll tell you up front that both of these loads are a bit over the recommended max. But, I use only Norma or Lapua brass (as everything else will only give me 3 loads at max).

For the heavier bullet I use a Berger 140gr. VLD seated 35-thousands from the lands. The powder is RL-22 and the charge is 48.0gr. This is 1.6gr. OVER the maximum recommended by Berger. When I was developing this load, I shot the Berger max, and it just didn't get me the cloverleaf. However, I did notice that the more powder I put in (half-gr. increases) the tighter the groups got. (Don't ask me how I arrived at 1.6 over....I think I just like to round it to 48.0!!) MY RIFLE this load will chrony at 2725fps, with no pressure signs. I have been shooting this for over a year with great success.

For the lighter bullet I load the Hornady 129gr. SST over 46gr. of RL-22. This is .6gr. OVER the maximum recommended by Hornady in their load book. I seat the bullet 30-thousands from the lands....and like it so much that I have a custom reticle adjustment knob made for my Leupold scope just for this bullet.

I hope this helps.

Dave

[51smd]

Thanks Dave I just picked up some RL-22 today and some 140gr SST. I have CCI and Winchester primers what do you some in your loads? I was going to use the Shilen 1 in 9 twist barrel but I have gone with a Loather Walther 1 in 8 Just waiting on the Swede reamer

[davemuzz]

51smd,

I didn't quite understand your question....but I use Winchester primers on all my loads. I've never loaded the 140gr. Hornady's, so I can't comment on how those shoot....but you know, they may not shoot well out of my gun and shoot fantastic out of yours.

If I didn't answer your question....just post again.

Dave

[51smd]

Thanks Dave , My key board messes up some times and moves words around. I was asking what primers you use. Which you said Winchester thanks for that info. And I am still building my rifle and I am waiting for the 6.5x 55 reamer from Brownell's to have the chamber cut on the barrel blank. Do you hunt with this rifle? I'm buiding mine for hunting.Thanks Steve.

[davemuzz]

Yes. I use this rifle for hunting. Last fall I was in Wyoming and "nailed" a nice antelope with it. ;D I've also used it to fill the freeze with whitetail, and in the summer I "practice" long range on groundhogs. :D