Thread: 6.5x55 accuracy

Hi all. I have a Carl Gustaf rifle that is horribly inaccurate with Hornady ammo but extremely accurate with the homeloads that came with it . Any ideas why this would be? I don't load my own and it's expensive to keep buying different brands trying to find what it likes. I'm relatively new to centrefire rifles so not clued up on it all. TIA

I reckon you need to speak to whoever sold you the rifle and ask nicely for a few reloading lessons!

Buy a used press and dies etc and you are away.

Projectile shape & weight, velocity & OAL all have an effect on accuracy.

Surely standard factory ammo should be relatively accurate though?

Originally Posted by Peter Adams

Surely standard factory ammo should be relatively accurate though?

it is well known that factory ammo , especially american made is downloaded for fear of being sued on the off chance the old military reciever gets blown apart by too much pressure
as everyone else has said reloading is the way to go....
only 6.5x55 i had was a modern commercial mauser and it was accurate as hell with norma .....but the bank declined me a second mortgage to keep feeding it the factory ammo

there is a bunch of advice about to be dumped on you here...
SOme is expert advice, some is not so expert.
I am a glorified novice, so dont ask me!

I'm not in contact with the person who sold it to me..was a few years ago. I think he had someone else loading them for him. Can you load different calibers with the same gear? I don't use the 6.5 very often.

I have several 6.5x55 variants dating from 1900 to modern Tikka. Each has its own load. I strongly suggest you start developing your own loads as they are significantly more accurate than commercial ammo. I use Lapua brass, Winchester primers and 2209 powder. I favour 139 Lapua Scenar for target work and 143 eld-x for game. COAL close to 3.11” but see what suits your rig. Start in the 40gr area for powder and don’t push the old girl too hard. These things can be insanely accurate.
I’m happy to communicate via PM and could provide you with a selection of re-sized brass. Yell out if you want to know more, but I’m heading away for a fortnight shortly.
Finally, if your rifle has a stock disc it should show the barrel condition. I’m happy to interpret the markings on said disc for you if needed.

Originally Posted by Ingrid 51

I have several 6.5x55 variants dating from 1900 to modern Tikka. Each has its own load. I strongly suggest you start developing your own loads as they are significantly more accurate than commercial ammo. I use Lapua brass, Winchester primers and 2209 powder. I favour 139 Lapua Scenar for target work and 143 eld-x for game. COAL close to 3.11” but see what suits your rig. Start in the 40gr area for powder and don’t push the old girl too hard. These things can be insanely accurate.
I’m happy to communicate via PM and could provide you with a selection of re-sized brass. Yell out if you want to know more, but I’m heading away for a fortnight shortly.
Finally, if your rifle has a stock disc it should show the barrel condition. I’m happy to interpret the markings on said disc for you if needed.

Many Thanks, it came with a stack of empty cases. I'll post a picture of the gun and ammo it likes

Nope no saying box ammo will be accurate in any rifle yes reloading equipment can got between cals with a change of dies

Hand loading will get the best out of it. I own 3 of them. The mil ones prefer heavier pills and have a long throat. I think the mill ammo started as about 160gn round nose and then they went to about a 147gn bt off the top of my head. I think the 140 s&b shot ok in my mil ones from memory. What kind of gtoups are you getting and can you shoot good groups...

Can't seem to post a photo. They are norma 139gn. and 38gns norma. Probably groups 60mm or so at 100m with these although I haven't put many through it cos I don't want to waste them!

Originally Posted by Peter Adams

Can't seem to post a photo. They are norma 139gn. and 38gns norma. Probably groups 60mm or so at 100m with these although I haven't put many through it cos I don't want to waste them!

so its all relative....a 60mm group at hundred would be considered by many on here as poor...very poor by others...shocking time to rebarrel by a few...and perfectly good for out to 200 by others..myself included.
the easy way to get reloads that work...is YOU BUY THE COMPONENTS and buddy up with someone who already reloads..you use his gear under supervision so learn how...and the cost is kept down...you may go on to buy your own gear..or just load up all your components and be happy for next...however long it takes to burn through 120-150 rounds.
you might get lucky and get even better accuracy.....

The Hornadies wouldn't consistently hit a cardboard box

Originally Posted by Peter Adams

The Hornadies wouldn't consistently hit a cardboard box

You need to know roughly what the group size is in cm at 100m and that the Hornady is properly zeroed so it has a chance. How big was the cardboard box ?

Also when investigating accuracy problems its good to shoot another known accurate rifle on the same day to prove its the rifle / ammo not you. A 22 at 25m is fine for this.


What gear are you using ? Bipod or sandbag or special adjustable target rest ? Leather rear sand bag or just your hand on the ground ? That can make the difference between 60mm and 30mm at 100m.


How many shots per group ? If its only 3 then the size can vary heaps; 50mm one time and 100mm the next.


Its quite hard to say one rifle or ammo is truly more accurate than another unless you’re systematic and shoot off a good number of rounds eg 2x5 shot groups of each on paper.