6.5x55 COAL not right

[dillwt]

Just got a new shilen 6.5x55 barrel to install on 110 long action. I am beginning to wonder if the throat is cut too short. With hornandy OAL gauge and modified case using speer hot core 140 grain I get a max COAL of 2.987 with the bullet jammed on the lands. Cannot get anywhere near the Max COAL of 3.015. If I want to get 40 thousands off the lands would put me at 2.95. Is this something to be concerned about. Seems like it would reduce powder capacity quite a bit. On the other hand I might be able to use a 1st Gen short action versus a long action and get good accuracy.

Any thoughts?

[Blue Avenger]

there are some variations of 6.5x55, do you know exactly which reamer was used and when it was made?
easier for you to read then explain all of it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6.5%C3%9755mm_Swedish

[dillwt]

there are some variations of 6.5x55, do you know exactly which reamer was used and when it was made?
easier for you to read then explain all of it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6.5%C3%9755mm_Swedish

No, ordered from northlands and specified the 6.5X55 Swedish which is supposedly the SAAMI version. I still cant find any specs for differences in chamber reamers. The only difference I can find between the Swedish, SE and SKAN is the amount of chamber pressure it is rated for.

I think I will find a box of factory ammo and see if it will even chamber

[Dave Hoback]

I have had a Shilen in 260Rem for a number of years, and it had the same problem. But mine was Shilen direct. I couldn’t even seat bullets to 2.750” COAL, let alone SAAMI 2.800! I came across some others experiencing similar barrels and read that Shilen does a lead in section before the lands. I don’t know… But I ended up throating myself.

[dillwt]

I have had a Shilen in 260Rem for a number of years, and it had the same problem. But mine was Shilen direct. I couldn’t even seat bullets to 2.750” COAL, let alone SAAMI 2.800! I came across some others experiencing similar barrels and read that Shilen does a lead in section before the lands. I don’t know… But I ended up throating myself.

Interesting may have to visit my local smith.

[Fuj']

6.5x55 SAMMI reamer has an extremely long throat. If you have the means, do a chamber
cast and check from there. I do most of my own chambers, and anytime I get a new reamer,
casting is the first thing I do to see what I have.....

Not sure of the CIP numbers for the reamers but these were also long in the throat for use
in the 160gr military bullets of the time.

[pdog06]

If you just got the barrel new, sounds like calling Shilen is your best option. If you got it from Northlander or another Vendor they should also have the specs for what they sold you. We can speculate but they should know what they made or sold.

Have you measured that bullet in another 6.5x55 chamber to compare?

[dillwt]

If you just got the barrel new, sounds like calling Shilen is your best option. If you got it from Northlander or another Vendor they should also have the specs for what they sold you. We can speculate but they should know what they made or sold.
On Shilens website they list 2 options for a 25-06, not counting the AI option.

Have you measured that bullet in another 25-06 chamber to compare?

No, this is my first 6.5x55.

[pdog06]

No, this is my first 6.5x55.

Sorry, I was reading your post but thinking about a 25-06 from talking to a friend at the same time about his, and wrote that instead…lol happens sometimes.
I changed it in my earlier post so I don’t confuse anyone.