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Lead free bullets for the 6.5×55 Swedish

Loading Fox Classic Hunter in the 6.5×55, including the pressure caution that applies to older Mauser actions.

Last updated 28 July 2026

The 6.5×55 Swedish predates almost everything else on this list and remains one of the most effective deer cartridges in Britain. It fires the same .264 inch bullet as the 6.5 Creedmoor, so all three Fox Classic Hunter weights load into it.

Older actions and pressure
The 6.5×55 is chambered in rifles ranging from 19th-century Mausers to modern actions, and published load data is frequently split accordingly. If your rifle is an older military action, use data appropriate to it — this is not a cartridge to load to a generic maximum.

Which weight

The 123 grain is the natural fit. The 6.5×55 has always performed best with mid-to-heavy 6.5mm bullets at moderate velocity, and the 123 grain at 0.390 BC sits squarely in that tradition.

The 139 grain is the heavier choice for red and sika, and the 6.5×55's generous case capacity handles a long bullet better than a shorter modern case does. The 100 grain is available if you want a flatter, faster load for roe.

Twist rate

The 6.5×55 was designed around long, heavy 6.5mm military bullets and standard twist rates reflect that — commonly around 1:8. Long monolithics are not a new problem for this cartridge.

Case capacity

The 6.5×55 case is notably larger than the 6.5 Creedmoor's, which gives you more room to work with when a long monolithic intrudes into it. Combined with a long action in most rifles, seating depth is generally less constrained than in the newer short-action cartridges.

We do not publish load data
Velocities here are approximate and for orientation only. Always work from current published data for your cartridge, bullet weight and powder, and work up from the starting charge. See reloading Fox Classic Hunter.
What lead free bullet suits a 6.5×55?

The Fox Classic Hunter 123 grain is the natural match, with the 139 grain for red and sika. Both are .264 inch and load into the 6.5×55 normally.

Can I load monolithic bullets in an old Swedish Mauser?

The bullet is not the issue — the action's pressure limits are. Use load data appropriate to your specific rifle rather than generic maximum data, and work up from the starting charge.

Does the 6.5×55 have enough case capacity for long bullets?

Yes, comfortably. Its case is larger than the 6.5 Creedmoor's and most rifles are long-actioned, so a long monolithic is less constrained than in a short modern cartridge.

Oxon Deer stocks the full Fox Classic Hunter range in 6mm, 6.5mm, .270 and .308, in boxes of 50. Browse the shop.