100 FPS is that all there is to this?

I didnt reallize this either oldelk. After looking at reloadersnest thats about it 100-200 fps. Powder capcity looks to be about the same...


6.5-06 thumps it fps wise...especially with heavier bullets...

That's actually verysuprising to me. The parent case for both (284 win and 30-06) have nearly identical volume- I've measured the difference myself and only found that the 30-06 case only holds about 4grains more water- and that can be attributed to the much longer neck on the 30-06 case not to mention that it hasn't been necked down yet.

This round 6.5x55 has got to be the most overlooked round ever put out at least in this country.

I get a little over 2700 fps using a max load of RL-22 (47gr)and a 140gr bullet out of a 29" barreled swedish mauser, you can load another full grain of the same powder in a stronger action, but the velocity gain isn't much. A 6.5x284 from all accounts pushes the 140 gr bullets around 3000 fps.

The only two things that I see 'wrong' with it is:
-A nonstandard rim size
-Too long for a short action, needs a full length action.

I'd still take a 6.5x55 over a .260 rem any day.

I am going by my Nosler manual and comparing a 140 grain bullet and there was 100 fps. 2900vs 3000 ..... I have to look this manual over again when I get home.


Ok I looked at Nosler number 5 at home and the max speed for the 6.5x55 with a 140 was 2785 vs 2925 for the 6.5-284

Agreed. And yet over the pond it's incredibly popular.

Its probably possible with a Nosler partition- in my experience, they have a very short full diameter bearing surface, while the full diameter bearing surface on the SMKs that I normally shoot arequite long. A different powder might give a bit more velocity in the 6.5x55 as well- I use RL-22 because its known to be one of the best powders for accuracy in the cartrigde, but its a very slow burning powder relative to the case size.

In a modern and high pressure action I think that the 6.5 X 55 is capable of much more than many manuals give it credit for.
I have a stable of Swedes', but am reluctant to load them much more than slightlyover the middle of the road recommendations. Course, they perform so well there is little reason to try to push it and risk injuring my brass or actions.
Does anybody out there have some real life experience handloading a 6.5 X 55 in a high pressure action? I'd really like to see it's top end practical limits.