The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Whats peoples preference for the 6.5x55 out to 500 yards with 120g or 140g bullets. N150 or N160. The rifle is not a Swedish Mauser by the way. Its a heavy barrelled varmit type. I am using it for target shooting punching holes in paper between 100 and probably 500 yards max.

Of the 2 I'd go N160 but I'm having wonderful results with RL19

I use 140 Grain A-Max and N160 to good affect in a Sako Finlight

[quote="Alpha1"]Whats peoples preference for the 6.5x55 out to 500 yards with 120g or 140g bullets. N150 or N160. The rifle is not a Swedish Mauser by the way. Its a heavy barrelled varmit type. I am using it for target shooting punching holes in paper between 100 and probably 500 yards max.[/quote

N160, if you want the best from the 6.5x55. The case design mandates the use of a slow powder (97 - 101 on the Relative Burn Rate scale) for best performance, while maintaining lower pressures & preventing premature throat erosion.
I'm pushing 60yo & prefer using 120gr bullets, they perform well out to 900yds.
Shot to shot variation is only 8fps over 5 shots & I'm getting 3/8 of MOA using N160.
Other suitable powders include Re 19, IMR 4831 & H4831.

Thanks every one for you replies. I have used N160 before but just wondered if N150 would be a better choice. I guess I will just buy a tub of N160.