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6.5CM load info needed

So I have Rem700 6.5 Creedmoor and on my bench I have 120gr Scenar L and a pound of N160. What would be a starting load to start with.
- 24" factory chambered varmint barrel.
 
Just shooting at paper and see where that takes me thereafter. Possibly local shoots out to 800yds for fun and bragging rights. No weight or class qualifications required.
I use a heavier bullet like a Berger 140 VLD, Hornady 140 Match, Lapua 139 Scenar. Try Gorton's Reloading Tool and you can change your parameters for different Bullets, Powder, Barrel Length. Find a good Powder Charge Node and then Seating Depth. I tried Hornady 129's, they are ok at short range, at 500 it was like shooting a shotgun Pattern. There are a lot of variables shooting 500 yards and beyond.
 
Check out any number or reloading books or websites, one being Hornady's reloading data, and go from there on a load, with the bullet weight you want, that works the best in YOUR rifle.
If you are going to work out to 800 yrds, then you will find you need to go to a heavier bullet, upwards of the 140 grainers.
 
Why does that load data look so goofy for 160? The barnes 120 start load for 160 and max load is like half a grain apart.

Look at the 129 grain data and use those numbers for a better range of charges. The 129 goes up to like 44.1 and the 136 goes up to 46? Goofy.
 
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Can’t find 6.5 Creedmoor load data on your own. Really?
I have these parts on hand and with recent shortage of supplies it has been hard to stock up on my go to loads. And I also am saving some for down the road use. So my intent is to find some loads in particular with first hand knowledge or suggestions. Move on and let the people that are helping me do their part. Really!
 
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What you're missing is the fact that most of the powder and bullet manufacturers who publish this data, neglect to hire and use properly educated proofreaders. They choose instead to use 'spellcheck' or some other ridiculous app which promises 99% accuracy. In this example, there is the fact of translation also. The people are not infallible and the translation software is ludicrous.

Transcribing technical data requires software which is designed to handle specific data. Human beings are still the best as far as proofreading against the copy. The problem with this though is that the proofreader has no methodology to check what is being proofread, only what it written.

Rarely now do powder and bullet manufacturers actually shoot real rifles and cartridges to achieve data points. They scramble around using whatever program seems to be consistently reasonable when input delivers the output. This programming has parameters by which it discerns if the data is within safe standards. Then figure in the lawyers who rule the world in the name of safety. Compare the older reloading manuals against the very newest manuals if you want an eye-opening experience in the effect.

In essence, VVN-160 is not really suitable when used in any of the combinations we might find as being safe in the 6.5 Creedmoor. Yes I understand that you have it on hand but I suggest using a different powder with the track record of providing sound, reasonable data for your project.

Here are a couple of quick comparisons to use for fun:

1639838861891.png

1639839048381.png

Enjoy the process!

:)
 
Hmm, i can see where we as a forum got a little off track on this thread. You have components and want to shoot, you're asking for a good starting load. I get it, I've been there. (7Saum and N560)

Here's the problem:
A) we want everyone to be safe, survive, and keep their eyes and fingers; so we ask what are your goals, or what are you loading for.

B) we do get a LOT of people on here just asking for a load and not knowing the risks, liabilities, safeties, AND we've had a few (6.5 creedmoor <cough>) types who argue that a load like 4300fps with a 142 from a 16" barrel is safe because their friend says so...

C) internet search frustrations, some of us on the forum forget that we were new, and get a little frustrated when the search features / Google isn't used and described as used before posting...

We're not all tech savvy,
Yes i shoot 6.5 Creedmoor;
Yes i can give you a starting load that will make a bang and the bullet will come out of the barrel.
No, you won't like the results because it'll be dirty, need more elevation than expected, and i honestly don't think it's worth the time and effort.
Only reason I'd provide a starting load is if you "Needed" to go fill the freezer which has different driving needs beyond component shortage.

That said, N160 could be the next Creedmoor thing, look at 243 Win and really slow powders and really heavy bullets in an attempt to fight barrel life!

We are making the assumption that components acquired under shortages mean that you're not really interested in the finer points of cutting edge load workups and 10k round barrel life experimentation?

Our recommendation:
Easiest for you, sell that powder (locally) or trade and get another powder more inline with established published loads, we can give you a ton of recommendations, all will perform great, and set a bullet to 800y, and more than likely will have potential to hit within an 8" target too.

So, i suppose then, the question to you is; will you take our recommendation and change either powder or bullet; or do you really want to go down the path of long seated, long barrel, slow burn rate powder to hope you achieve a near performance of what could have been done with a change of components?

-Mac
 
Thank you for all who have responded and it certainly does make sense that there are other choices for me. My question is asked before so that I can be aware of outcome with this combo. This forum is awsome for these moments. Sell powder? Nah, I'll keep it for now. Thanks for suggesting.
Thanks again, Enjoy your Holidays
 
You can Buy, 140 and 147 gr. ELD-M's and 143 gr ELD-X's ,.. you just gotta, "Look" / shop, around.
I bought, 143 gr. X's,.. Yesterday at,.. Midsouth ! I'd check them, .. Today to see IF, any left !
140 gr. SST's were avail at, Sportsmans Warehouse ( Check their Website )
N-160 will work FINE with, 135 grain Bullet weights and,.. up !
Hornady,.. IS, making / shipping, Bullets,.. DAILY !
The 4895 Burn Rate Powders, work WELL with, 120- 123 grain Bullets.
KEEP your N-160 just Buy,.. Heavier Bullets, = the EASIER Solution,.. IMHO
And, buy some, IMR 4895, WHEN,. you "can" !
 
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