Nosler ballistic data

Does Laurie Holland have any accurate load information for 6.5x55 ammunition using 100 and 120 grain Nosler ballistic tip bullets? The load data in various tables seems to be conflicting.

I am sorry I am not  able to provide a specific reply as it's years since I loaded 6.5X55mm, and when I did I never used this weight or type of bullet.
 
However, I can make some general points on handloading this cartridge. Firstly, yes there is apparently conflicting data provided for the cartridge. This is the legacy of historic factors going back to its introduction. Originating in the early 1890s in Norway and Sweden, the cartridge was loaded to a maximum of 45,000 psi to suit slightly improved versions of the M1893 Spanish Mauser (Sweden), and Danish Krag-Jorgenson (Norway), both weak actions by today's standards. Today's SAAMI (US) and CIP (EC) PMax specifications are based on this legacy, as they must be with many examples of early rifles surviving and still in use. Secondly, before the cartridge became popular in the USA and was adopted by the major rifle manufacturers, most American loading manuals used surplus short (18") barrel Swedish cavalry carbines in their load development, these being popular imports into the USA in the 1960s / 70s with many converted to sporting use. As well as having the 'weak' Swedish M1894 action, the 18" barrel gives low MVs even compared to a 22" sporter, never mind the usual 29.5" barrel M1896 Swedish infantry rifle seen here in historic arms shooting.
 
Unlike some survivors from the period, there is nothing wrong with the 6.5X55 cartridge case, assuming we're talking modern commercial production, of which Lapua is the best. Lapua 6.5 cases will happily take the same pressures as modern numbers such as .308 Winchester, and the cartridge sees a fair bit of use in long-distance precision shooting either in original form or as the "improved" Ackley version with the front of the body expanded and the shoulder fire-formed to a sharp (40-degree) angle. It is a potent and accurate cartridge 1,000yd number in these guises and sees some very high pressures used in rifles with strong single-shot target actions.
 
With several manufacturers now chambering the cartridge in sporting rifles, we have the situation that ammunition makers have to stick to the 19th century standard, but we have strong modern rifles that will happily take ammunition producing another 10,000 psi or thereabouts. Loading manual data reflects this dichotomy with some sticking to 45,000 psi loads, others producing data for modern rifles but with a warning that they shouldn't be used in old military rifles.
 
In the case of the enquirer, I'm assuming the handloads are for use in a modern sporting rifle given the bullets quoted, and Nosler's data for its bullets also assumes this, so maximum loads exceed the SAAMI / CIP pressure limits. Its data is based on a 23" Lilja test barrel, Norma brass and Remington 91/2 primer - Norma brass is 'roomy' compared to Lapua, so loads should be reduced by a half grain weight in the latter cases.
 
The 6.5 works well with medium to slow-burning powders - such as Hodgdon H4350, Vihtavuori N160, H4831 - even with relatively light bullets. With N160 widely available here, I'd recommend it for virtually any bullet in this cartridge. Nosler doesn't list H4350 or H4831 loads for its 100gn bullets, or H4831 for the 120gn Ballistic Tip, but provides N160 data for both as follows:
 
100gn Ballistic Tip / Partition:
46.5 - 50.5gn N160 max load 3,169 fps MV
 
120gn Ballistic Tip:
43.0 - 47.0gn H4350 max load 3,000 fps
42.5 - 46.5gn N160 max load 2,837 fps
 
As noted I'd reduce those maximum charges slightly in Lapua (or other modern European such as Sako, S&B, PPU, or FNM) brass slightly. As always, one should start with the lower load and work up in steps (0.4gn is about right here).
 
NB: If action is being used is of an old military, the loads mentioned above should be reduced by another two to three grains.
 
The other thing to watch is the chamber 'throating', this traditionally being generous to allow the use of long 140-155gn bullets seated well out. If this applies with the enquirer's rifle, these lighter bullets, especially the 100gn model will take a large jump from case-mouth to the rifling which doesn't help accuracy, and may see cases fail to obturate properly in the chamber resulting in the case, chamber and bolt-head being covered in soot - the 6.5X55 is rather prone to this problem.
 
Of course, all the usual caveats regarding handloading safety procedures and only being undertaken by those competent to do so apply: if in doubt, do not proceed without seeking assistance.

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