6.5-284 hunting loads

[Hatchet_Jack]

I am looking for powder and load tips on developing a load for my 6.5-284 hunting rifle. I am shooting 140 hybrids and have a 26 inch barrel. I tried 4350 but got pressure signs at only a little over 2,900. I'm trying to get more velocity without the pressure but still have decent accuracy. I am trying 4381SC later this week.

 

[.260 james]

H4831sc and Reloder 17 should get you enuff speed. Let me know what you find for good working loads, my brother just got a 6.5-284 with a 26" barrel and will commence working up loads directly with it.

 

[kyreloader]

I worked up to 58g H1000 with 140g bullets seated with the boattail at neck/shoulder junction. That seemed to be where mine liked to shoot. 6.5x284 seemed to work best with slower powders (H1000/Magnum/Magpro/MRP) for me.

 

[archerross]

H4831sc should get you there. I found good hunting loads with H4831sc and RL17 with the 140 Accubond. I did, however, bag the RL17 as I found it to be most accurate at near max pressures and it was more temp sensitive than the pressures would allow. You might also want to try VV N165. My gunsmith likes that powder for the 140 class bullets in 6.5-284. He claims it achieves similar velocity to RL17 yet is cleaner and less sensitive to temperature changes. Good luck and keep us posted on your results. My rifle decidedly did not like H1000. After testing 3 different bullets with H1000 (read that as wasted barrel life) I sold the 3 remaining pounds I had and bought an 8# keg of H4831sc...powder choice=done for me.

 

[Hatchet_Jack]

Thanks for the replies, I'll let you know what I come up with on the 4831.

 

[dennisinaz]

I have a lot of experience with 6.5-284s and have chambered 3 this year so far. IF you have a hunting length barrel (under 26" or so) you will never be happy with 4350 and the likes. They are great powders for 30" barrels but will never get good velocities with the shorter barrels. All mine are 25" barrels at this point.

I hunt with 130 grain bullets as I prefer the extra velocity that I get and maintain and reasonable distances (less that 800 yds) as the bullets perform better when going a little faster. I use R17 mostly and have not run into the temp problems eluded to. I have also had good luck with Magpro and Magnum.

I can get 2950 -3000 with these powders. I can't get over 2830 with 4350. Same with 4831. If you are trying to make a hunting rifle shoot 1/4" groups, good luck. If you feel satisfied with .75 MOA at high velocities, then Magpro and R17 are your friend.

I use 50-51 grains with a 130 Norma Diamond line (moly). Start lower and work up. My 130s are about 3150 or so.

I did some testing for Berger with 140 Hybrids and used several powders. I was able to hold .75 MOA out to 800 yards and sometimes, when I got favorable wind, .4-.5 MOA. I was able to push them to about 2970 or so