Deciphering 6.5x55 136 Scenar Loads: How Much N165 Powder?
The question of how much N165 powder to use with a 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser cartridge loaded with a 136-grain Scenar bullet is a crucial one for safety and accuracy. There's no single answer, as the ideal powder charge depends on several factors. This guide will explore those factors and help you understand the process of determining the correct load for your specific rifle. Always consult reloading manuals and prioritize safety above all else. Improperly loaded ammunition can lead to serious injury or damage to your firearm.
Understanding the Variables:
Several factors influence the optimal powder charge:
- Rifle: Different rifles have different chamber dimensions and throat lengths. These variations affect how the pressure builds within the cartridge. A load that works perfectly in one rifle might be dangerous in another.
- Bullet: While we're focusing on the 136-grain Scenar, even minor variations in bullet construction (e.g., seating depth, bullet type) can impact pressure.
- Powder: Even within the same powder type (N165), variations in manufacturing can exist.
- Primer: The primer type can influence the ignition characteristics and subsequent pressure curve.
- Case Capacity: The internal volume of your brass cases can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the number of firings.
How to Determine the Right N165 Charge?
1. Consult Reliable Loading Manuals: This is the most critical step. Look for manuals from reputable manufacturers like Hodgdon, Alliant, or Vihtavuori (since N165 is a Vihtavuori powder). These manuals contain extensive data, including recommended loads for specific bullets and powders. Never extrapolate data from one manual to another, or attempt to use loads found online without confirmation in a trusted reloading manual.
2. Start Low and Work Up: Once you find a starting load in your chosen reloading manual, begin your load development by working up gradually. This means starting with the minimum recommended charge and increasing incrementally (usually 0.2-0.3 grains at a time) while meticulously recording your results.
3. Observe Pressure Signs: Watch carefully for any signs of excessive pressure. These can include flattened primers, ejector marks on the case head, excessive gas leakage, unusually loud reports, or noticeably increased recoil. If you see any of these signs, STOP immediately and do not increase the powder charge.
4. Chronograph Your Loads: A chronograph provides precise measurements of muzzle velocity. Consistent velocity readings indicate consistent pressure. Aim for consistent velocities across multiple rounds at each charge weight.
5. Accuracy Testing: After establishing a safe load, test its accuracy at different distances. Fine-tune the charge weight (within safe parameters) to optimize accuracy.
What are the potential consequences of using the wrong amount of N165 powder?
Using too much N165 powder can lead to dangerously high chamber pressure. This can result in:
- Damage to your firearm: This might range from minor damage to catastrophic failure, potentially causing serious injury.
- Personal injury: Excessive pressure can cause the firearm to malfunction, leading to injuries to the shooter or bystanders.
Using too little N165 powder will likely result in underpowered rounds. This can lead to:
- Reduced accuracy: The projectile won’t reach its intended velocity or trajectory.
- Inconsistent performance: The round might not cycle reliably in a semi-automatic rifle.
Can I use online calculators to determine my N165 charge?
While online reloading calculators exist, they should be used with extreme caution and only as a supplement to reloading manuals, not a replacement. These calculators often rely on user-provided data and might not account for all the variables discussed earlier. Always double-check the suggested charge with data found in a reputable reloading manual.
Where can I find more information about reloading 6.5x55 ammunition?
Numerous resources are available, but focus on reputable reloading manuals and websites from established ammunition manufacturers and reloading equipment suppliers. Consulting experienced reloaders within your local shooting community is also invaluable, but always verify their advice against written data from reputable sources.
Disclaimer: Reloading ammunition is inherently dangerous. Improper handling or incorrect loading can cause serious injury or death. Always follow safety procedures, use only trusted data, and take responsibility for your own actions. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always consult with a qualified reloading expert if you have any doubts.
