StaBall 6.5 powder experience

oscarflytyer

oscarflytyer

Well-Known Member
I need to pick a powder for a 140 grn Nosler in a 6.5x55 for my trip to Africa. Have a pair of 6.5s taking - the Win M70 FW and the custom Mauser. Wanted a 140 grainer. Guide preferred the Nosler 140 - I am perfectly happy with that, AND found 200 cnt in stock (OTW!)!

I am also looking for the top velocity for a 140 grnr. Willing to give up a little accuracy for velocity. StaBall 6.5 powder looks like it has top velocity, and performs in the IMR 4350/4831 space (have proven to work well with 120s in the M70 in the past).

I have a partial lb of the IMRs, and a full lb of the StaBall. Its currently available, and so far, I have not seen anything negative about it. But would like your experience if you have any. If it is positive, I plan to get another cpl lbs and move fwd. Thanx

PS/Edit: I know we/I! kicked this can around about 8 months ago, when I first found the StaBall can available, BUT - now looking for very specific feedback. My fall back option (assuming availability) is IMR-4831 (which I THINK is also available).
 
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Spindrift

Spindrift

Well-Known Member
I have no experience with StaBall 6,5, but I’ve done a fair bit of work with IMR 4831 in the 6,5x55 with various 140grs bullets. Never shot the partiton, though.

IMR 4831 is a good powder for 140grs bullets in the x55. You can get a little more velocity by moving to slightly slower powders, though. StaBall 6,5 is listed as a little faster than IMR4831. It would probably work well, but seems to be optimized for the Creedmoor case capacity.

Here are some loads I consider sensible max loads in a strong, commercial action with 140grs bullets, at Scandinavian temperatures. If I were to take these loads to Africa, I’d reduce by maybe 0,5-1 grain (if hot weather is to be expected). Loads listed in order of increasing velocity potential.

IMR 4831 44grs (Nosler data max. load 44,5)
Hodgdon Superformance 46 grs (no published data, developed myself)
Norma MRP 47 grs (Norma data max load with partition bullet 47,4 grs)

Reloader 22 is quite similar to MRP, I believe. But I’ve never tried Re22.

Of the powders you mention, I’d go with the 4831. Some never powders might offer more temperature insensitivity, though.

Good luck with your load development, and your African adventure!
 
oscarflytyer

oscarflytyer

Well-Known Member
went ahead and jumped off the cliff... all in bound... Nosler 140 Partitions. 100 cnt Lapua brass. 3 lbs StaBall powder.

I will work up a 140 grn load using old Norma brass, StaBall and Speer 140 HotCors.. Then tweak with the new Lapua brass and 140 Partitions. Long as I can get 3" grps at 200 yds and 2600 MV, I will be set.

Honestly can't imagine I can't meet my min requirements of 3"/200 yd groups at 2600 fps MV in both the Mdl 70 and Mauser.
 
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Michael

Michael

Active Member. Uh/What
That should do the trick. Glad you are taking the Partitions to hunt with, I have had good results with Speer bullets, though my Sweede and the 140gr SP do not play well together. Please share how things come together.
 
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Ian

Ian

Notorious member
H414/WW760 and Hodgdon Hybrid 100V are both velocity generators in the Swedish Mauser cartridge. Powders like 4350 and slower don't behave quite like you'd think they would in this delightful little cartridge.

How long is your barrel, Oscar?

Also, I always heard that many countries in Africa require you buy ammo there which precludes handloads, have you checked into this?
 
oscarflytyer

oscarflytyer

Well-Known Member
Ian said:
H414/WW760 and Hodgdon Hybrid 100V are both velocity generators in the Swedish Mauser cartridge. Powders like 4350 and slower don't behave quite like you'd think they would in this delightful little cartridge.

How long is your barrel, Oscar?

Also, I always heard that many countries in Africa require you buy ammo there which precludes handloads, have you checked into this?
Click to expand...
Win bbl is 22" I believe. Think the Mauser is the same. Need to chceck.

I did check on reloads. Guide recommended the Partitions. Told it IS best to pack the ammo in factory boxes.
 
oscarflytyer

oscarflytyer

Well-Known Member
"the case head stamps have to match the markings on the gun."

Heard this. Also heard no military ammo

Regardless - I have been communicating with the Outfitter as well as the local guide. I am pretty comfortable. Asked a number of the "show-stopper" questions. Where we are going, doesn't seem to have any real big restrictions.
 
fiver

fiver

Well-Known Member
they are going to,,,,, well, a lot is going on over there.
i have no real interest in Africa but i do read what is being said about stuff happening there.
that's why i recommended that other site.
there is a big difference in attitude over there, and i wouldn't even read the political section there unless your looking for a shock [and it's calmed down a ton in the last few months]

but there are a ton of guys that hunt africa and several african outfitters on that site so it's really worth a look at what they say.
 
Brad

Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
I took reloads in a generic white box. No markings on the box at all. I don’t recall anyone ever checking my ammo.
 
Brad

Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
Tell you what- the Barnes X bullet did an amazing job for me in Africa. My 270 Win punched clean they on everything except one in the Zebra. Great bullet. Left some impressive wounds on thin skinned stuff like impala but plenty stout to take kudu and gemsbok with authority. When I shot well they just did their job.
 
fiver

fiver

Well-Known Member
i talked to 5-shot who just got back from South Africa, earlier today.
he done right well with his 45 revolver on stuff like Zebra, Kudu, and even one of those buffalo's they got there.
of course he was using cast bullets.
he was definitely not impressed with johanasburg [sp?] but his guide come straight in [met him coming off the plane] walked him through the airport steps, helping get him through everything and then got him out of town ASAP.
 
Matt

Matt

Active Member
Why Ric, I see you’re an old romantic, just like me. Rhodesia indeed……………..
 
462

462

California's Central Coast Amid The Insanity
How many men have named a country after themselves?
 
462

462

California's Central Coast Amid The Insanity
RicinYakima said:
Cecil Rhodes is the only one I can think of.
Click to expand...
Yep, same here.

It's one thing to name cities after yourself, like the Alexandrias that Alexander the Great did, but a county is quite another matter.
 
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