6.5CM ladder test 300yd - discuss results

[jdbell2004]

Only about 40 rounds down the tube, maybe not the best time to ladder test but I decided to anyway. I loaded 9 cartridges .3gr apart. I set my target up at 300 yards and began firing prone supported. I fired two fouling rounds at the lowest powder charge, checked to see if I was on paper the started with the first 5 rounds (1,9,2,8,3). I let the barrel rest for about 5 minutes and finished the last 4 (7,4,6,5). Bullets were color coded. I roughly marked and measured my impacts and have uploaded the PDF picture of the target.

Let's assume, however impossible, that I'm incapable of human error... just bare with me... do the impacts on this target make sense? I have some of my hotter loads hitting lower, some of my cooler loads hitting all over, and two potential nodes (granted 1 is only 2 shots). What, other than shooter error, could account for hotter loads hitting lower than cooler and vice versa?

I mentioned nodes above, am I correct in assuming load numbers 5 & 6 are a node, as well as 7, 8, & 9? I realize I've only fired 1 round at each charge weight, but I plan on replicating this again tomorrow and see if my results are similar. Just had those two questions on my mind.

My target is attached. New Doc 26.pdf...super creative name.

Thanks!

 

[Grimstod]

Hmm. Pretty had. Should have gotten a more accurate 6.5x47.

Well all joking aside 35.8-36.1 looks good. Try some loads there in .1gr increments.

 

[jdbell2004]

Hmm. Pretty had. Should have gotten a more accurate 6.5x47.

Well all joking aside 35.8-36.1 looks good. Try some loads there in .1gr increments.

Haha! No matter what caliber I choose, there's always a better one out there if you talk to just about anyone! Thanks for the feedback. After I run this ladder again tomorrow, if things look similar, I'll work in the 35.8-36.1 range and chrono those loads.

 

[Grimstod]

Haha! No matter what caliber I choose, there's always a better one out there if you talk to just about anyone! Thanks for the feedback. After I run this ladder again tomorrow, if things look similar, I'll work in the 35.8-36.1 range and chrono those loads.

Try to shoot on a no wind day. I know they say it does not matter in a ladder test but it is just one more extra bit of noise that is confusing.

Also shoot heavy paper and make sure you bullet holes are sentered.

 

[Sniper338]

I would test 3 shot groups .2 gr incriments from 35.0 to 36.4 or so... with decents slow fire and some cooling between shots and groups..

 

[jdbell2004]

Try to shoot on a no wind day. I know they say it does not matter in a ladder test but it is just one more extra bit of noise that is confusing.

Also shoot heavy paper and make sure you bullet holes are sentered.

What's the theory on the heavy paper?

Best I can do for wind is maybe 5-10 mph. We'll see if I ask nicely, maybe I'll get a calm day before it gets arctic again.

 

[jdbell2004]

I would test 3 shot groups .2 gr incriments from 35.0 to 36.4 or so... with decents slow fire and some cooling between shots and groups..

OK, when doing ladder groups, I've read different processes. I've heard shoot each charge weight together, and I've heard what I believe is called the round robin approach. One shot of each charge weight, then repeat for the remaining two shots at each weight. Any pointers on what process to use?

 

[ab_bentley]

Does this still have the plastic stock.....?

Adam

 

[Sniper338]

OK, when doing ladder groups, I've read different processes. I've heard shoot each charge weight together, and I've heard what I believe is called the round robin approach. One shot of each charge weight, then repeat for the remaining two shots at each weight. Any pointers on what process to use?

Im just talking 3 shot groups together same charge weight... you narrowed it down in the ladder test where to play, now you gotta see what groups... jmo... it isnt a custom gun here so its not worth wasting lots of components... just keep narrowing down what it likes with what your using..

 

[jdbell2004]

Does this still have the plastic stock.....?

Adam

I'd love to say no, but it does. I filled the butt stock with silicon, cut and ground the forearm to better float the barrel and put a kydex riser on. I also polished the god awful bolt surface. Not perfect, but it's acceptable at this point. If I can get her to group decent enough, I may look into a stock.

 

[jdbell2004]

Im just talking 3 shot groups together same charge weight... you narrowed it down in the ladder test where to play, now you gotta see what groups... jmo... it isnt a custom gun here so its not worth wasting lots of components... just keep narrowing down what it likes with what your using..

I got ya. Just shoot some groups in that charge weight range. Thanks for the suggestion! I do appreciate it.

 

[jdbell2004]

This afternoon, I loaded up 3 3 round groups at 35.5gr, 35.8gr, and 36.1gr. Clean barrel, I fired two fouler/sighter rounds at 33.7gr. I was on paper at 300 yards. Then I started with 35.5gr. These 3 were fairly spread out, perhaps the barrel was still settling from cleaning? Next was 35.8gr, these were a bit better at about 3". Finally, I adjusted my point of aim so I could differentiate these 3 POIs. 1.9" @ 300 yards. I'll play around on either side of 36.1gr but would prefer a lighter charge unless it really affects consistency.

 

[Grimstod]

This afternoon, I loaded up 3 3 round groups at 35.5gr, 35.8gr, and 36.1gr. Clean barrel, I fired two fouler/sighter rounds at 33.7gr. I was on paper at 300 yards. Then I started with 35.5gr. These 3 were fairly spread out, perhaps the barrel was still settling from cleaning? Next was 35.8gr, these were a bit better at about 3". Finally, I adjusted my point of aim so I could differentiate these 3 POIs. 1.9" @ 300 yards. I'll play around on either side of 36.1gr but would prefer a lighter charge unless it really affects consistency.

I think you need more fouling rounds. Typically 4-5 is needed and for a new barrel about 6-7.

 

[M.Stilley]

Are you getting pressure signs? When I loaded for a Creedmoor with 140's it was using 4350 and Re17 both north of 40 grains. I know this is a faster powder, but 35-36 seems low to me. I haven't checked - I might be way wrong.

Also, IME, 9 shots is too few to be able to tell anything about.

 

[6MMsteve]

This afternoon, I loaded up 3 3 round groups at 35.5gr, 35.8gr, and 36.1gr. Clean barrel, I fired two fouler/sighter rounds at 33.7gr. I was on paper at 300 yards. Then I started with 35.5gr. These 3 were fairly spread out, perhaps the barrel was still settling from cleaning? Next was 35.8gr, these were a bit better at about 3". Finally, I adjusted my point of aim so I could differentiate these 3 POIs. 1.9" @ 300 yards. I'll play around on either side of 36.1gr but would prefer a lighter charge unless it really affects consistency.

Iron sights? not bad I couldn't get on paper, I couldn't even see the target,lol

 

[jdbell2004]

Are you getting pressure signs? When I loaded for a Creedmoor with 140's it was using 4350 and Re17 both north of 40 grains. I know this is a faster powder, but 35-36 seems low to me. I haven't checked - I might be way wrong.

Also, IME, 9 shots is too few to be able to tell anything about.

I don't have a manual with 6.5 creedmoor so I'm working with Google results. 35.9 was the max charge I came across. However, the bolt was never any tighter to open at the higher charges. I've a attached some pictures of the case heads with the primers. I don't see any over pressure signs, what do you all think?

 

[rardoin]

If you can find H4350 or Reloder 16, either will give excellent results with 97% and above case fill and great load efficiency. With those powders you can expect to find a load with 2700 to 2800 with charges of 41.5 to 42.5gr. If you pursue either powder above (or any other for that matter), start a little lower than my numbers...perhaps 40.0gr and work up in .3gr increments until you find an accurate load or the brass complains.

 

[jdbell2004]

Are you getting pressure signs? When I loaded for a Creedmoor with 140's it was using 4350 and Re17 both north of 40 grains. I know this is a faster powder, but 35-36 seems low to me. I haven't checked - I might be way wrong.

Also, IME, 9 shots is too few to be able to tell anything about.

I'M 4350?

 

[Riesel]

Check the online Hogdon Reloading data. As I recall, they list IMR 4350 and it works fairly well. They show starting at 37 grains and working up to 41.
Hopefully you have more than IMR 4895 at your disposal. I think you need to explore different powder options.

 

[jdbell2004]

I have several different powders. 4895 was what I've gone with because it's the powder i have on hand that I found load data on for the 6.5. I just loaded 20 rounds up with 4350 and once this wind calms down I'll give them a go.