Heavy 6.5x55 Swede loads

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Does anyone here have any personal data/experience with reloading the 160 grain Hornady SP in the 6.5 Swede? I have only two bolt action rifles, and I would like to take this as a backup for moose/caribou in a few years. I know that the Scandenavian hunters use this cartridge for moose, but I would like to hear some personal experiences with this bullet/cartridge. Thanks in advance.

[Ol` Joe]

I`ve never loaded the 160 gr bullet in my Swedes but, I don`t really feel handicapped. The 140gr Partition ot Barnes 130gr TSX will shoot flatter and likely dig deeper then the old 160 RN. The 140 gr 6.5mm bullet has the same SD as a 190gr 30 cal bullet, ~.296.
No one knocks the 180gr 30-06 for animals such as you plan on hunting, and the Swede drives 140s at the same velocities...R22 is an excellent choice for a powder.

[Rapier]

+1 for Ol Joe. Check your load data. The 140 is the best in the 6.5x55 as to velocity VS energy. Simply change your bullet to one of heavy construction like the Nosler or Barnes and you will have the best of all worlds, shock, penetration and expansion.

The reputation, well deserved, for the 160 comes from the cuper-nickel FMJ RN used by the military of several countries and carried to various countries for use against big game for maximum penetration. You would not want to shoot a moose with one unless you have a good set of boots and a long time to spend running after him.

I use H-4831 in my Swedes at 51-52 grains with 140s.
Best,
Ed

[Adam Helmer]

Mr 16 gauge,

I load 160 RN bullets for all my Swedes for bear and they should do just fine for moose. My accuracy load is 40 grains of H414. I use Sierra 160 RN bullets and they are NOT FMJ as a prior poster mentioned, rather they are softpoints and work well.

Adam