Velocity expectations

[krumfola]

Tikka 6.5CM
20” barrel
140gr Hornady BTHP over 41gr H4350
2530fps
Good accuracy

I’ve read that Tikkas are a bit on the slow side and I’m wondering if I’d be better off with a faster burning powder for the 20” barrel. I have some IMR4064 but I’m not sure how it would do with 140gr bullets. From what I’m reading, 4064 seems to do better with 120-130gr bullets.

I planned to work up to +/- 42gr of H4350 but I also don’t want to waste resources trying to achieve ~2650fps if it’s just not doable with this set-up.

Has anyone been able to get close to 2650fps with this or a similar set-up?

(Side note, does anyone know if Leupold is still retro fitting M1 turrets? Wondering if I would just be better off upgrading from the VX3i to a VX3HD with the locking turret.)

 

[RegionRat]

I don’t shoot that same bullet or that same rifle, so I’m not much help… but, for perspective I noticed you can now see the Sierra Load Manual for gratus on the main site page. So just helps to see more examples from their 24” Universal Test rig. They seem to get high values from RE-16, and RE-17.

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2022/03/6-5-creedmoor-load-data-from-sierra-bullets-2/

 

[drop_point]

I had the same rifle. I could never beat 2570 fps with a 140 gr. Accuracy was great, but it was slow. Ballistically, the same gun in .308 gave me more.

 

[spudgun]

Well, I'm going to ask the question.

If your accuracy is good at the FPS why do you want more?

Are you looking for distance (1000 yds +)?

I shoot 40.5 Gr H4350, Horn 140 match, 28" barrel and 2725 FPS.

 

[DaveTooley]

Everything is a compromise. short barrel equals slower bullet. You can't fool Mother Nature without wrecking brass.

 

[krumfola]

I had the same rifle. I could never beat 2570 fps with a 140 gr. Accuracy was great, but it was slow. Ballistically, the same gun in .308 gave me more.

I was afraid of that. I may see how close I can get to 2600 before I see any signs of pressure and just call it good.

Well, I'm going to ask the question.

If your accuracy is good at the FPS why do you want more?

Are you looking for distance (1000 yds +)?

I shoot 40.5 Gr H4350, Horn 140 match, 28" barrel and 2725 FPS.

No, not shooting to 1000. I’ve just grown accustomed to a bit more velocity out of this round but wanted the shorter barrel for weight savings and because it’s so handy in the woods. I’ll likely just add a turret to the scope and settle on an accurate load with decent velocity and dial for longer shots.

 

[DaveTooley]

" I’ll likely just add a turret to the scope and settle on an accurate load with decent velocity and dial for longer shots."

A reasonable solution.

 

[Bc'z]

I was afraid of that. I may see how close I can get to 2600 before I see any signs of pressure and just call it good.

No, not shooting to 1000. I’ve just grown accustomed to a bit more velocity out of this round but wanted the shorter barrel for weight savings and because it’s so handy in the woods. I’ll likely just add a turret to the scope and settle on an accurate load with decent velocity and dial for longer shots.

Trying a lighter bullet will get the speed up a lil bit.
Wife's 260 has a 20 " barrel and runs 140's around 2630fps, 130's at 2700fps, 123's are just a touch over 2800fps.

 

[Sandstorm]

Love the 123gr bullets...if the wind cooperates.
They are the ticket.

 

[krumfola]

I considered dropping to a lighter bullet but I’m sitting on a few hundred 140s

 

[Sandstorm]

As long as they are fairly accurate..go shoot them and enjoy i say.

 

[HandgunHTR]

This may or may not be helpful as it is not an apples to apples comparison. My rifle is a 20" barreled Remage in .260. The barrel is a McGowen. I am having really good results using Hybrid 100V.
2765 with 130 grain Accubonds and 2645 with 143 grain ELD-X are the velocities for the most accurate loads using that powder and those bullets (Starline brass and WLR primers).

 

[TTE]

You can only get out of a cartridge/rifle what the cartridge/rifle is capable of delivering.

How far are you wanting to shoot ?

I have a 6.5 06 AI, that is quite a nice cartridge/rifle. However, I am now preparing to load for a 35 Whelen. I don't expect 1 to to the job of the other.

 

[krumfola]

I increased my charge to 41.8gr of H4350 and got an average velocity of 2555fps. Pretty good groups at 100 and 200 yards so I’m gonna call it good.

 

[kenhwind]

We had an older refinished Winchester Model 71 .348 WCF, carbine. I guess Winchester called it a carbine. Anyway, it had the short barrel, we chronographed it and the results were down right disappointing.

 

[CJ6]

Out of curiosity have you tried a factory loaded round to compare to ?