Thread: Load test Sierra 130gn HPBT 6.5x55

Got out and finally tested my amp annealed norma cases and the 130gn sierra HPBT i bought recently. #The H4831sc powder loads are safe for my rifle only.
Was only testing for safety and to see how they intergrated with my prefered seating depth (im lazy, i opt for .0425" from 'just touch').
Rifle is a 6.5x55 with 28" barrel
1. 45.9gn
2. 46.2gn
3. 46.5gn
4. 46.8gn
5. 47.1gn
6. 47.4gn (might be the winner here)
7. 47.7gn
8. 48.0gn
9. 48.3gn

This was shooting in moronic 4m/s head(ish) wind but you know how it goes. You feel like shootin and who cares what the weather is doing.
P.s didn't bother with my ancient chrony this time. Last time it told me the 147s were doing 2910fts with only 45.8gns of h4831sc. So all that was only good to check rough variation. I know i'd be lucky to be near 2750fts with that.

Tim

To all the fellas currently NOT shooting because they're addicted to hornady 143gn ELDX. There are other projectiles out there. Dont get obsessed with BC, as you can see these ugly philips head looking stumpies can pile drive too!

Yes i cut triangle holes in a fruitless attempt to stop the target moving around in the gusts.

#9 looks good too. Are you going to try a step or two over that load? I've also found the SGK's shoot accurately; just not quite as good trajectory at long range.

Those projectiles shot really well in my 260, across a range of powder weights.

Originally Posted by Woody

#9 looks good too. Are you going to try a step or two over that load? I've also found the SGK's shoot accurately; just not quite as good trajectory at long range.

I was nervous going that far tbh haha. But yeah the primers looked fine. No heavy bolt lifts, shine or button marks.

Your numbering system is interesting. you obviously aren't to ocd. Looks like the rifle likes those projectiles a fair bit. 6 does look good. Take em out to distance and look at the vertical spread and check it out.

my tikka x55 likes 120gr sierras

Originally Posted by Tim Dicko

Your numbering system is interesting. you obviously aren't to ocd. Looks like the rifle likes those projectiles a fair bit. 6 does look good. Take em out to distance and look at the vertical spread and check it out.

Haha there's a cheap arse reason for that eh. I make my targets light weight using an old wooden arrow with 2 coat hangers top and bottom to tape the page to. So right down the middle is a 'please dont shoot' area. Of course anybody sighting in their 3030 is gonna hit exactly there haha.

Amazing projectiles. Shot in 2 of my 3 260s and savage on deer. Shot a massive red hind at 330 in the ureweras and opened it right up. Only doing 2700~ too

Screenshot from the freeware GRT (Gordans Reloading Tool). Definitely going to keep using this program. It reckons i got 2900fts with the 48.3gns of H4831sc. Need to get to a range to verify it at say 700m or so.