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6.5x54 Mannlicher Schoenauer carbine
Ambrose
Member Posts: 3,164 ✭✭✭✭
Just got one on the auction side; it should be here late next week. I read a couple of old posts and wonder if anyone is still reloading for this cartridge. I've got RCBS dies and a shell holder (it takes a #9, the same as the .35 Rem.). My stash includes 200 RWS cases, a part box of Norma 156 gr. cartridges, about a box and a half of the old Dominion 160 gr. cartridges, and various 6.5 bullets. I wish Sierra still made their 160 gr. semi-pointed bullet--they shot really well in my Swedes. Anyone got any pet loads? I know Ken Waters wrote some articles on the 6.5x54 in Handloader magazine and I probably have a copy somewhere but would never be able to find it.
Comments
I think that the SSP's were a good bullet design for these older 6.5mm cartridges. I laid in a decent supply before they disappeared from the supply chain. Now the best example is from Hornady in the 160 gr. RN:
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/744461/hornady-interlock-bullets-264-caliber-65mm-264-diameter-160-grain-round-nose-box-of-100
There may be some surplus available in obscure places but in general the heavier round nose bullets will be the choice.
I've been using Hodgdon Hybrid 100V with the Hornady RN bullets:
Start at about 36 gr. and work up to 39.0 gr. or nearly 2300 FPS by chronograph.
Best.
Thanks
I wonder if any one remembers Arthur Godfrey. He had a morning variety show in the early days of TV. On one of the shows he brought in one of these carbines to tell his viewers about it. How TV (and especially morning shows!) has changed!