6.5-06 Using Reloder 22

[CaptnC]

Just put together a 6.5-06 on a Savage Axis action (the action its self is about all that's still Savage) but I'm trying to develop a load for it. The barrel is a 26" varmint Criterion in a Oryx chassis.

Tried Hybrid 100V because it's readily available in my area. Hodgdons load data is super conservative for the 6.5-06. I compared their load data of the 25-06 and 270...the 6.5-06 was way behind both velocity wise. I was about 2 grains over there max, with no pressure signs or sticky bolt lift. SD and ES where fine at the charge weight I stopped at but velocity was was short of where I hoped to be...its just over 3000fps.

Even though accuracy was very good I decided to go with a powder that had published data closer to what I want to see...Reloder 22. I'm currently a few 10ths over Nosler load data (I know there data is conservative too) and still not to the published velocity of 3100fps.

At 53.7gr (3030fps with Nosler 130 RDF) right now and preparing to continue on up in charge weight in search of elusive 3100fps...LOL

Same powder charge but with Berger 130 OTM has resulted in higher velocities (3080fps) but that bullet has a lower BC, plus a higher price per pill.

I've hit the magic mark pretty easily with my wife's 6.5-06 using 4831SC but it seems to be very unstable temperature wise. I had a batch of loaded ammo show high pressure signs one day and fine the next day.

I pulled some bullets to check for reloader errors, but the powder charge was fine, no bullet weld. That's my first experience like that.

Anyway...looking for some ideas on where I might see the magic 3100fps with this powder.

 

[JOSHUA EARLE]

I don't know about Reloder 22 or the 6.5mm-06. I do have a 6.5 PRC with a very similar case volume, but I shoot 140 grain bullets. There is no doubt in my mind that 3100 fps is obtainable with your 6.5-06 with Reloder 26 powder. I am able to obtain more than 3100 fps with Reloder 26 and 140 grain bullets in the PRC. And your 6.5-06 has about the same case capacity.

 

[Kurz]

CaptnC,

There are quite a few variables which will have an affect on velocity when reloading. Brass manufacturer and chamber size being two most common. Then the lot number of the powder and primer selection feature common changes not only in velocity but accuracy as well.

I have had the great pleasure of working with a wide variety of 6.5-06 chambers, brass and powders. In general you should be able to hit 3,100 fps without pressure excursions as long as you eliminate false signs of pressure and whether or not you have a slow barrel. I suggest that you cast the chamber on your barrel since high speed chambering in bulk barrels can lead to oversize chambers.

Be very aware of the OAL measurements listed by the book loads as I see at least 3 different ones. I measure each chamber and then work up loads for specific bullets.

Other than that, using 130 grain VLDs:

Re-26 (upper node 3,200 fps)
Re-25 (upper node 3,150)
MRP (upper node 3,200)
VVN-560 (upper node 3,200)
VVN-165 (upper node 3,100)

Plus a couple of others.

Run a viable ladder test at 300 yards to see where the various nodes group up, then develop your target loads for testing.

 

[WyleWD]

CaptnC,

There are quite a few variables which will have an affect on velocity when reloading. Brass manufacturer and chamber size being two most common. Then the lot number of the powder and primer selection feature common changes not only in velocity but accuracy as well.

I have had the great pleasure of working with a wide variety of 6.5-06 chambers, brass and powders. In general you should be able to hit 3,100 fps without pressure excursions as long as you eliminate false signs of pressure and whether or not you have a slow barrel. I suggest that you cast the chamber on your barrel since high speed chambering in bulk barrels can lead to oversize chambers.

Be very aware of the OAL measurements listed by the book loads as I see at least 3 different ones. I measure each chamber and then work up loads for specific bullets.

Other than that, using 130 grain VLDs:

Re-26 (upper node 3,200 fps)
Re-25 (upper node 3,150)
MRP (upper node 3,200)
VVN-560 (upper node 3,200)
VVN-165 (upper node 3,100)

Plus a couple of others.

Run a viable ladder test at 300 yards to see where the various nodes group up, then develop your target loads for testing.

+1^^^ Good post. And N560 was the ticket in my 6.5-06. WD

 

[CaptnC]

CaptnC,

There are quite a few variables...chamber size....

I have a question about this...my rifle is a Savage, so I set my head space. Which I think has a slight effect on chamber size?!?

I set my head space as tight as possible...thinking it will help with brass life. My FL sizing die is set by RCBS instructions. When I size my brass, the shoulder is in the exact same place (2.0415 measured with with the C375 bushing of my Hornady comparator kit)...I'm basically neck sizing with full case length support. I measure the base of a couple cases and I'm sizing the base of cases .0015...so far I have resistance free bolt close.

Now...is this good or bad?

 

[Plumsask]

I did this with my 6mm ackley and I actually had to gently grind down the shell holder to allow me to set the shoulder back .002".

 

[CaptnC]

I have to check but I think i have 4 firings on 100 pieces brass and you can tell when it chambers a cartridge.

The mag was so expensive that when i shoot a 5 shot group i do it from a full magazine...a few times the next cartridge tip hangs up so it doesn't strip a round...so I'm doing "surprise empty chamber drills"...but you see my point...so far I have no need to push it back.

But if I do...I will keep you tip in mind!
Thanks!

 

[reloaderguy]

Based on your combination of RE22 and 130gr RDF, you should be at the upper end of pressure around 3150, give or take. I don't know some of your specifics so you'll want to approach that cautiously.

RE22 is more temperature sensitive than H4831SC, not less. For this application RE22 is probably more suitable and should produce more velocity with less pressure.