6.5 Rem Mag & 6.5x284 Best Powder

[Truc]

Just found this thread, I have a Tikka that was a 300 Win mag that I bought to make a 6.5 Remington Mag. Barrel is 23" long #2 Shilen and it really likes the 140 gr Berger VLD hunting Bullet pushed by Norma MRP. A fad powder? Lol

 

[onelastshot]

Doing some ladder tests at present for my 6.5-284, using RL17, H4831SC and H4350. All three perform so well it's going to be a difficult decision. Thus far RL17 is giving me the best velocity and H4832sc seems to be edging the other two with respect to accuracy. Going to adjust COAL one more time and test another batch tomorrow morning. I have been careful with RL17 in that others have indicated that there is the possibility of temperature spikes. From what I've read H1000 seems to be on the slow side.

 

[rwk]

Both of mine are on Rem long actions - I use H1000, RL-22, 7828SSC with 140 Bergers - I typically run 3300 with them (28" Brux/30" Pac-nor) and have hit 3400 before primers start to flatten/sticky bolt lift.

Both of mine are on Rem long actions - I use H1000, RL-22, 7828SSC with 140 Bergers - I typically run 3300 with them (28" Brux/30" Pac-nor) and have hit 3400 before primers start to flatten/sticky bolt lift.

You have a pm

 

[seymour fish]

I'm gearing up to shoot a 6.5 Rem Mag orphan cartridge. From what I can see based on cartridge length and case volume, it is almost identical to the more currently popular 6.5x284. I am wondering about powder choice for these cartridges, assuming there is no substantial difference. I don't believe that powder has any magical accuracy properties, and the criteria for choosing powder is that it has a burn rate that is efficient, the SD of velocity produced, and ES is low. A secondary criteria is that it does not produce excessive heat that will accelerate barrel burning.

With this in mind my short list has come down to H1000 and VV N165. The problem is that neither seem all that popular. Or perhaps what experienced users really use and what it posted on the internet is not in sync...

I like Hodgdon extreme powders for their temperature insensitivity. I think that is one factor that reduces real life ES and SD due to cooking in the chamber. And if you believe the numbers VV N165 is one of the lowest heat powders on the market, which would suggest it may be easier on the barrel.

And based on Nosler published data the best burn rate for producing velocity for the 140 grain class of bullets is RL-22 and RL-19. Based on Vihtavuori burn rate data, that puts H1000 and VV N165 right on the money for most efficient.

So, now my question. Do you have experience with these two powders? Can you recommend them over the more often used powders like H4831 and H4350's?

Yes. n-165. Clean accurate. Adequate MV. Strikingly less barrel heating !

 

[Titandriver]

You have a pm

PM'd ya back!

 

[arowbat]

Re26 works well for me also but if that's considered a fad power then I'd suggest Trailboss

I am interested in trying RL 26 in my 6.5 x 284 with 140 gr bullets but i can't find any data for it. What was your powder charge?
Jeff

 

[arowbat]

I'm using RL-26 for the 140 gr. bullets in the 6.5-.284 . Modest pressures, good velocities and excellent accuracy. I don't have to wring the case's neck to get the velocities I'm looking for.

I am interested in trying RL 26 in my 6.5 x 284 with 140 gr bullets but i can't find any data for it. What was your powder charge?
Jeff

 

[JLT]

I am interested in trying RL 26 in my 6.5 x 284 with 140 gr bullets but i can't find any data for it. What was your powder charge?
Jeff

I started my work up at 50 grains and got what I was looking for at 54 grains - that's the middle of a fairly wide node. I'm shooting 140 gr. Barnes Match BTHP and Berger 140 gr. Hybrids in Lapua brass and S&B LRM primers. The Barnes is happy with a .010 jump and I have the Hybrids jumping .015. Velocity out of my barrel is just under 3,090 fps with very good variance stats and the load yields very small vertical spreads downrange. 54 grains is safe in MY rifle - recommend starting at 50 and working up.

 

[arowbat]

I started my work up at 50 grains and got what I was looking for at 54 grains - that's the middle of a fairly wide node. I'm shooting 140 gr. Barnes Match BTHP and Berger 140 gr. Hybrids in Lapua brass and S&B LRM primers. The Barnes is happy with a .010 jump and I have the Hybrids jumping .015. Velocity out of my barrel is just under 3,090 fps with very good variance stats and the load yields very small vertical spreads downrange. 54 grains is safe in MY rifle - recommend starting at 50 and working up.[/QUOTE

Thanks for the info. What rifle and barrel/length are you using?
Mine is a Cooper Arms model 52 24" barrel.
Jeff

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I think the fast 6.5's shine the best in a 26" barrel. Gives great speeds, but not so long that it becomes unweildy

 

[JLT]

Jeff, I'm running a 26" 1:8 twist barrel on a Borden action in an Eliseo R1-F chassis. Can't wait to do a work-up with the new 150 gr. Sierra MK.

 

[Gary O'Neal]

Not to hijack the thread, but where are you guys finding 6.5 Rem Mag cases?

 

[Ledd Slinger]

It's a closely guarded secret. Have to be a member of the Illuminati to gain the knowledge. Lol

Wherever you can get it bud. Gunbroker, forum classifieds, etc...Not an easy item to track down.

 

[JBT47]

Vihtavuori N560 would likely work well for you. I’ve always gotten excellent results from it. Very high performance powder...however, it may be a little aggressive in terms of barrel wear.

 

[jmatters]

Jeff, I'm running a 26" 1:8 twist barrel on a Borden action in an Eliseo R1-F chassis. Can't wait to do a work-up with the new 150 gr. Sierra MK.

Seen any significant variances with magnum primers vs std primers and RE26?

 

[JLT]

Seen any significant variances with magnum primers vs std primers and RE26?

Velocity statistics were a bit better with magnum primers. I've been using S&B LRMs with good results.

I use magnum primers in my .260 AIs as well and for the same reason. Better variance statistics, all other things being equal, will win the day.

 

[captn t]

RL-23and 6.5x284 work great / 130gr.
no pressure signs with good vol.
Captn T

 

[jmatters]

Velocity statistics were a bit better with magnum primers. I've been using S&B LRMs with good results.

I use magnum primers in my .260 AIs as well and for the same reason. Better variance statistics, all other things being equal, will win the day.

Thanks very much. Trying not to burn up 20% of barrel life on load development!!

 

[JLT]

Thanks very much. Trying not to burn up 20% of barrel life on load development!!

You're most welcome. Yours is a worthy goal!