6.5-284 Powder Alternatives

[sixpointfivebandwagon]

Discovered some wonderful groups in ugly conditions yesterday with an unxepected ball powder,,AA Magpro).

My standard comp load is 52.2 gr RL22. I fired two five-shot strings measuring seven and nine inches with this load.

Cleaned the barrel and drove down range to paste the holes. Taped the metal top of a snuff can to the board as an additional aiming point.

I had 14 rounds loaded at 55 gr. of Magpro. I fired a couple sighters and went to the target, resulted in about 5 1/4 inches.
Moved back to the clay birds and fired, added half minute right wind and fired five at the snuff can lid. Four shots went through the metal and one just creased the edge at 9 o'clock.

I know This is choir preachin, but work up loads from reduced to max. I had been testing pressure at 100 yards prior to this, and this was a max load in my gun in cold temps!!!
Lapua Brass, Federal 210M

 

[Forum Boss]

Jim Murphy of Owensboro, KY just set a new F-Class record over the Palma course of fire,15 shots each at 800yds, 900yd, 1k), with a 450-44X.

He was using Vihtavuori N170, with 142 SMKs. This is quite a slow powder, with a burn rate close to H-1000 or Reloader 25. We assume one benefit of N170 is greater load density vs. H4831 or H4350.

Equipment List:
Barnard Action
30” Broughton Barrel 6.5-284
Metal work done by Jim
Stocked by Alex Sitman
8.5 X 32 BR Nightforce
Lapua Brass
Russian Primers
56.5gr Vihta N170
Sierra 142s MolyCoated Meplat Uniformed
3020 fps

 

[Rust]

Well, I've gotten phenominal groups using AA3100 with a WLR primer but the velocities were below my target range for the most accurate load.

I've tried H4350 with a CCI primers and a 139 Scenar, gotten the same accuracy at a higher velocity with single digit ES and SD. It has been extremely flexible and very insensitive to bullet jump. I don't think I want to use up any more barrel life doing load developement if this combination proves out at long range.

 

[saw-tooth-jimmy]

Well I would vote for the H4350. I have used the IMR 4166 which give good results too but be prepared to have a 300+ drop in velocity, which is ok but out past 1000yards it tends to amount in quit a bit of drop. See the attached chart for more help.

 

[ShootDots]

Try this: Berger 140 LRBT's seated 10K into the lands or Berger 140 Hybrids seated 15K OFF the lands with somewhere between 54.5 and 55.5grs of H1000 and FED 210GM's.. You will be in love!

 

[PGS]

That is great shooting, welldone Jim

 

[nastynatesfish]

I'd wouldn't be afraid to use retumbo. I've fount it to be a very good choice in the 06 case. I burned it in my 6-06. In my 7 mag and now my 22/6mm

 

[vanwhyjr]

Try this: Berger 140 LRBT's seated 10K into the lands or Berger 140 Hybrids seated 15K OFF the lands with somewhere between 54.5 and 55.5grs of H1000 and FED 210GM's.. You will be in love!

That's what I'm using and it's shooting great! SD in the single digits and tight groups at 300. It seems a little dirty but not too bad.