6.5x55 question

[Hunt]

I am wanting to shoot the VLD bullets and seat them close to the lands without reducing the case capacity. Anyone shooting the 6.5x55 have experience with the 140 gr VLD and case capacity?

[Pthfndr]

First things first. What kind of rifle is it? Modern, or Swedish M96 small ring Mauser?

[gunboat]

Oh my -- the poor forgotten norwegian krag

[Hunt]

Modern Tikka t3 lite 6.5x55 looking to buy one. I won't buy another rifle I can't seat the VLD bullets without losing case capacity. Right now looking at this or the .270 win.

[Pthfndr]

I don't know why you think you would have a problem seating bullets out to length. Factory Lapua ammo with a 139gr Scenar is 3.110" and that's as long as they get. Any longer than that and you won't have enough bullet in the case.

I shoot both the Scenar and the Sierra 142gr and load them to the same length with no problems.

[Hunt]

I don't know why you think you would have a problem seating bullets out to length...

because now with my 7mm-08 when seating the longer VLD bullets it reduces the case capacity. I am trying to find calibers where this does not happen, I know it's a problem on the 7-08 and the .260 and I have read complaints about others as well. I assume it is not a problem in the 6.5x55 from what I have read. I am trying to verify with those that are using the swede that it is possible to use the longer VLD bullets and not encroach into the case capacity. I want to verify this before I buy a 6.5 x 55. Thanks for the response.

[Pthfndr]

I am trying to verify with those that are using the swede that it is possible to use the longer VLD bullets and not encroach into the case capacity. I want to verify this before I buy a 6.5 x 55. Thanks for the response.

Yes it is possible, and no they don't encroach.

The 243, 260, 7-08 and 308 all share the same parent case (308) and are used in "short actions". That's why long bullets are seated deeper in the case.

The 6.5x55 case is a LOT longer. It is not from the 308 case family and uses a "long action". The Tikka T3 for a 6.5x55 uses the same length mag as the 30-06, and is not blocked short as it is for cartridges that share the 308 case.

[Pthfndr]

because now with my 7mm-08 when seating the longer VLD bullets it reduces the case capacity.

The 7-08 was designed for 140gr and smaller bullets so the throat is shorter to accommodate those bullets. You can load 162 AMAXs and still get really good velocity in a factory rifle (I've had good success with these in a factory Tikka 595). But yes, they are seated pretty deep.

[Hunt]

Thanks Pthfndr perfect I think my next rifle will be the swede.