300 Dakota Handloads

Brass

So far I have used Mast brass, which is on the soft side and comes readily dented and scratched. They have invariably needed sizing. Case mouths need work too. Lengths have been reasonably uniform, though. In due course, when time and funding allows, I will definitely start converting RWS or Norma 404 cases, which have a sterling reputation for quality.

Primers

I have used the Federal 215 primer, which may be on the hot side, but gets the job done all right. Other LRM primers will probably work equally well. Non-magnum primers may be too weak to set off the loads I have been using.

Powder

I have used Norma 15, which is a Norwegian gun club number, a semi-canister grade Bofors powder. The powder is distributed through gun clubs in Norway where it is almost exclusively used for the 6,5x55 Sauer/Skan/Mauser. In fact, loads for this cartridge are printed on the label.

The powder can be expected to vary somewhat from lot to lot, as do the loads printed on the label.. More or less the same powder is sold in small canisters wearing the Norma MRP designation. The Norma MRP, however, can be expected to be very similar from lot to lot. This highly desirable feature is one of the factors which make it somewhat pricey in production as well as retail. Alliant RL-22, also known as Hercules RL-22, is basically the same powder, but my impression is that less work is done to keep lot differences down. The powder is also sold by RWS. Keep in mind that my powder and your canister grade powder may or may not be equivalent and take your precautions.