Thread: 6.5 x 55 Arch Improved Load Data

Hi,

Just wondering if anybody has a copy of the old P.O Ackley reloading manual.

I'm after some load data for the 6.5 x 55 Arch Improved cartridge. I've only ever used ADI powders for this cartridge, but now stocks of ADI powder are pretty much non-existent, I'll need to US powders and load data.

There is some load data on the internet, but I don't trust random stuff off the net, so looking for the original P.O Ackley load data from his manual.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

what powder are you thinking....is far better way to find data...

Honestly, I'm not really sure, but something in either IMR or Hodgdon, whatever is available (something very similar to AR2209.)

The cartridge is extremely accurate with moderate 2209 loads, but because the shoulder angle is blown out to 30 degree's, it can be a bit tricky with pressure problems. I tried some AR2213 a friend had in his loading cupboard, but it's too slow and caused pressure issues.

if you can find some Hodgdon H4350 that is ADI2209 repackaged for the american market....good luck

I've got some of his books. I'll have a look. Old data may not be your best solution though as some of the older powders have had their recipes changed over the years, maybe only slightly though.
In what way does the Arch differ from a 6.5x55AI. Obviously the 30 deg shoulder rather than the 40 deg is different.
Keeping in mind that Ackley never actually Ackleyed the Swede.

In my 6.5x55bjai version I've always used WW760 with great success.

I use w760 in std swede. On current availability I'd use staball 6.5.

Depending on the projectile weight you are using IMR4350 and IMR4831 should work well if you can get any. I would not trust any old data as the pressures may be stratospheric. Data for the parent 6.5x55 is all over the map so estimating likely velocities in the Ackley would be tricky. Let me know if you need some suggestions on this.
GPM.

This seems to be from Ackley's book. I'll dig out my copies later.

Here is his blurb from Vol 1. Use with extreme care. I wouldn't use old data (1962) trying to relate it to modern powders even if the recipe numbers are the same.
Developed by Dr E L Arch of Wenetche, Washington


Bugger, you will need to turn your sceen on its side :-)

The case body is basically without a taper (almost parallel), with the 140gn boat tail match projectile seated fully forward. My 6.5 Arch Imp is a little different, as I lathed the Norma case rims back to flush so it could be used on a standard Remington 700 bolt face (like the 30-06, 270 etc). This meant I could run higher pressures than could normally be used on a Swedish 96 or 38 Mauser action. Of course the inside throat has been reamed, and outside turned, and the primer pockets and flash holes uniformed. The AR2209 loads averaged 2980fps with pinpoint accuracy.

Many years ago I used this calibre for 500m Fly Matches on a sleeved Remington 700 action, but these days I just have a custom Sauer 90 hunting rifle that was re-barreled from 30-06 to 6.5 Arch Imp

Thanks for all the assistance with load data, it's appreciated.

Thinking I will try the 4350 powder, as DM has some in stock, and it's only a 10-hour return trip to Dunedin to pick up !!

My thoughts would be to use something slower than 4350 / 2209, perhaps even superformance. The general rule of thumb with improved cartridges is to use a load near to max for the standard round as the starting load in the improved

I am using N560 in my 6.5x55 AI, May be a bit hard to find some at the moment though.

I can give you some loads I ran in a 6.5x57 AI if it helps.

Originally Posted by nor-west

I can give you some loads I ran in a 6.5x57 AI if it helps.

Would appreciate that thanks