6 BRA First Loads

[Creed Bratton]

I’ve read through all 40 pages of 6 BRA load development thread…I just had a custom rifle built for PRS. Defiance Tenacity action, 26” Proof Research Barrel (MTU Countour)…plan to take first shots with it today. Have never shot this round before. Based on what I can tell from this forum, it looks like 29.5-30 grains of h4895 is a good fireforming load with Lapua 6br Norma brass, cci 450’s, and 105 class bullets…am I correct in this observation? Should I load up 50 rounds all at that same charge weight for barrel break in/fireforming loads? Should I do a charge weight test in .2 grain increments or should I wait until I have fireformed brass to check for max pressure loads? This is my first foray into this wildcat world. I know these questions seem elementary, but I’ll feel warm and fuzzy inside if someone says I’m on the right track thanks.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I use 28.5 of H4895, no reason to hit the brass any harder that that on the first firing.

 

[Creed Bratton]

From the man himself…28.5 it is. Thank you, sir.

 

[Sheldon N]

Might also save your 450 primers for match loads with formed brass. I've had better success with a softer cup primer like Fed 205 or 205M or CCI 400's for fireforming.

And since you're shooting PRS, I'd say don't even bother working up to a max pressure load after the brass is formed. We know 6BR brass can take a ton of pressure in ideal conditions, but you're going to be better off shooting a lower node for field matches where you'll encounter rain/dust/etc. I ran a 105 at 2950 when I first started out with the BRA, but found that it eventually pressured out in adverse conditions. Now I run at around 2860-2880 with a 105 and have had great consistency in all weather conditions and have been very competitive with it despite the "slow" speed. My current match load is around 29.6 to 29.8 of H4895 with a 105.

 

[Link]

I have a post going where I'm going to try shooting the low node [maybe the high node for the 6BR] To save on brass and barrel wear. They say the 6BR is all you need out to 500 yards or so. I will also try the upper node if I'm not real happy going slow ;}
Good luck Don.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Might also save your 450 primers for match loads with formed brass. I've had better success with a softer cup primer like Fed 205 or 205M or CCI 400's for fireforming.

And since you're shooting PRS, I'd say don't even bother working up to a max pressure load after the brass is formed. We know 6BR brass can take a ton of pressure in ideal conditions, but you're going to be better off shooting a lower node for field matches where you'll encounter rain/dust/etc. I ran a 105 at 2950 when I first started out with the BRA, but found that it eventually pressured out in adverse conditions. Now I run at around 2860-2880 with a 105 and have had great consistency in all weather conditions and have been very competitive with it despite the "slow" speed. My current match load is around 29.6 to 29.8 of H4895 with a 105.

It shoots better.

 

[Creed Bratton]

Just one of many good (for me) 3-shot fireforming groups using the 28.5 g h4895 recommendation. This round is a blast to shoot. Can’t wait to see more groups like this at my next range session.

I shot 50 rounds this session, all 3-shot groups. Worst group at 100 was .355. Avg group was .250. These were with 105 VLD’s and 105 Barnes Match Burners.

 

[mudduck]

View attachment 1333993
Just one of many good (for me) 3-shot fireforming groups using the 28.5 g h4895 recommendation. This round is a blast to shoot. Can’t wait to see more groups like this at my next range session.

I shot 50 rounds this session, all 3-shot groups. Worst group at 100 was .355. Avg group was .250. These were with 105 VLD’s and 105 Barnes Match Burners.

Is this a phone app?

 

[Creed Bratton]

Is this a phone app?

Yes, Sub MOA is the app