RL16 loads in the 6.5 Creedmoor with 140s???
- Thread starter Raptor
- Start date
OK< do you have a load for that speed?? I have a 22" barrel on mine....
I went out this morning and tried a few loads with RL16. I tried some 140 Nosler RDFs and they shot horrible in my rifle. I then tried the 139 Lapua's that my rifle likes with H4350. I started off with 41.5grs and then went to 42grs and then 42.5grs. All three loads shot .3 or under at 100yds for three shot groups. The 41.5 group was nearly one hole at a .135 I loaded up some more and will test them at 300yds tomorrow to see how they do there. I had no pressure signs so I bumped up to 43grs and will see how that does. Will keep you guys posted.....
Not a great morning to shoot groups. I had to shoot to the east and was looking right into the sun. I did come away with some data though. The 41.5gr load that shot so well at 100 opened up at 300yds. I tried the 43gr load next and had no pressure signs at all. It also shot pretty well. I had 4 rounds in about 7/8" with a flyer. I have no idea if it was me, gun or the load. The 42.5 load also shot well with 4 in an inch and a damn flyer!!! I will reshoot these two loads again and maybe something on either side of the 43gr load.....
I'm using 42.5g. of Reloader 16 behind a 140g. VLD target and Hornady brass. It's a warm load but shot well. 42.8g. shot well also but was starting to show signs of pressure. 41.8g. is my load for 147g. ELD match bullets. I've had really good luck with Reloader 16 in my creedmoor. Wanted an alternative powder to H4350 due to it being a little scarce lately. Trying it in my 6.5x47 at the moment.
STOMP442
Gold $$ Contributor
41.5gr of Reloader 16 and a 140 is my pet load for the Creedmoor. Every rifle I have have ever shot it in has shot at least half moa. Even the cheap rifles like that load.
The 41.5 shot well at 100yds in my initial testing but was my worst group at 300yds which really surprised me. I was really expecting it to be the better load. My gun seems to like the hot loads. The only good thing is I am getting no pressure signs at all at 43grs. I am hoping for something between the 42.5 and the 43gr load. This rifle likes 42.7grs of H4350 with the 139 Lapua's so maybe it will land there with the RL16 too.....
STOMP442
Gold $$ Contributor
I've never gone above 42.5gr as I always start seeing pressure around that point and only getting about 3 firings on Nosler brass before the pockets are toast. I had one Savage model 11 I worked up for a guy that shot better and better the harder I pushed it.
I shot 41.3 with a 140
Daerider
Gold $$ Contributor
I worked up a load with RL-16 and 140 RDFs that I am happy with so far with no signs of pressure yet. May explore a higher node if pressure is manageable. I single load to a COAL of 2.875", so I am not sure if this will load in a mag.
- 27" shilen barrel 400 rounds through the tube - Boron Nitride coated after initial break-in of 25 shots.
- Lapua Brass 6.5 Creedmoor - salt bath annealed after every firing
- Nosler RDF 140gr - Boron Nitride coated
- RL-16 - 2.820g (43.52gn)
- CCI BR4 primers
- Seating Depth: .030" from the lands
- Velocity: 2900 fps
- ES: 9
- SD: 5
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Actually I am using Lapua brass. I just went out and shot tonight and it was 88 degrees but the brass was in a MTM box sitting on the hood of my PU while I shot. Still no pressure signs on any of the brass. It shot the best again with the 43gr load. Two five shot groups both around 1.2"s at 300yds both with four an inch or under. All shot of the hood of my PU. This brass has ober 8 firings of it. I will check the primer pockets later this week....
Redneck bench rest. My kind of shootin!!!
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