6.5-284 ladder test

[longlowdog]

I have a 6.5-284 arriving any day soon, first step towards load development will be a ladder test of increasing powder weights to find the sweet spot. Assuming Laua brass, Fed primers and Berger v.l.ds and 4831sc powder how low should I start with powder charges and in what increments to top powder charge? Velocity is not my main aim as I am looking for accuracy above speed.
Any other ideas towards load dev' on a new calibre to me much appreciated.
regards, Longlowdog

 

[cliffe]

check out the 6.5-284 info page. jason shoots the same powder in his. also talks on doing a ladder test. good luck cliffe

 

[Rust]

There are three usable powders,IMO) commonly available fro a 6.5 X 284 and they are H4831, H4350 and RL-22,with a Winchester large rifle primer bacause it's a little hotter which RL-22 needs).

Fire three shot groups, keep the barrel cool, if you have a chrono look for low ES,most chronos won't compute SD for less than five shots) in addition to accuracy.

Finally, once you have a decent load stop monkeying around and burning out the barrel looking for a magic load, there ain't none. Usually 2950 fps is where a nice node is for most rifles.

And yes, a 20 round string on a hot Alabama afternoon will heat up the barrel and start firecracking in short order.

 

[7C15]

I'll second that Mr. Rust

 

[longlowdog]

If there ain't no magic load, what size group should I settle on. One hole measuring 6.5mm must be the ultimate, but what constitutes a good enough group at 100/200 yards?

 

[jb1000br]

Try from 49.5-53.0gns h4831 with the 140 and see where your max is...obviously stop shooting if you see any pressure signs...and start at the 50 end

You'll likely max out before 52, but I always like to assure I have found my top end. Just load a shot or two per charge for the first round, then you'll have your max. Then narrow the range and test below your max.

JB

 

[BarryL]

Personally I wouldnt ladder that round at 100yds. The boattail wants time to stabilize so 200 would be your minimum. I like a dead calm condition and go at 300yds. Anything less and I just end up with a ragged tear a couple inches long in the target that tells me nothing. For 1K shooting your not nessecarily looking for the tightest group but the best group with the lowest ES and SD. You can have a group under 1/4moa at 200yds but if the ES is more than 15fps or so your not going to like what you see at 1K.

 

[Mesquite]

I have a 6.5 284 I shoot 51gr of H4831SC 142 gr sierra and do very well at 1000 yds shoot out at 200 to 300 yds to get your group that is were the bullet settles out at then go from there and have fun