6PPC "Happy Speed" with 68 Gr Bullets?

[HTSmith]

I picked the middle of the worst reloading component shortage in my life to pick up a used LV 6ppc. It's a Panda action with a 21.5" Broughton barrel. I was able to scrounge about 3lb of a very old lot of H322 and some 68 Gr flat based bullets. I was using the Berger manual as a guide but I'm a full 2 gr over their max and only getting a velocity of about 3175 fps? Then I scored a pound of N133 and loaded up a ladder that topped out at 29.2 Gr. It gave me about 3250 fps. The brass is Norma and the primers are Federal 205. I've gotten none of the pressure signs that I know to look for--flattened primers or sticky extraction.

So I'm curious what speeds more experienced shooters were getting and with what sorts of loads? What's too slow and what's too fast. I'm not wanting to hotrod this thing, but it does seem that a fast accurate load would be better than a slow accurate load (maybe?)

Sorry for the long post--any input appreciated.

 

[Nick Caprinolo]

In my opinion, the Berger manual is the best guide but only when using Berger bullets.

I load Barts 68 gr bullets with 28.8 gr of V133 and get 3150 FPS. This works for me but someone else's setup might respond to something else.

You tailor your load setup to what your rifle shoots the best.

 

[WyleWD]

I picked the middle of the worst reloading component shortage in my life to pick up a used LV 6ppc. It's a Panda action with a 21.5" Broughton barrel. I was able to scrounge about 3lb of a very old lot of H322 and some 68 Gr flat based bullets. I was using the Berger manual as a guide but I'm a full 2 gr over their max and only getting a velocity of about 3175 fps? Then I scored a pound of N133 and loaded up a ladder that topped out at 29.2 Gr. It gave me about 3250 fps. The brass is Norma and the primers are Federal 205. I've gotten none of the pressure signs that I know to look for--flattened primers or sticky extraction.

So I'm curious what speeds more experienced shooters were getting and with what sorts of loads? What's too slow and what's too fast. I'm not wanting to hotrod this thing, but it does seem that a fast accurate load would be better than a slow accurate load (maybe?)

Sorry for the long post--any input appreciated.

What do your groups look like with those two powders at your chosen top end with each powder?
Using either of those powders you mentioned, if the groups were nice and tight, velocity wise I'd leave it right there. Small groups win, not speed or SD. If you don't have them already, practicing with and learning to read a good set of wind flags will do you more good than a lot of speed. JME. WD

 

[JEFFPPC]

I shoot 133 at 3300 and up. Never used 322 but a local shooter who does well I know shoots it right around 3200 or a bit less. However WyleWK d gave you the best answer.

 

[HTSmith]

What do your groups look like with those two powders at your chosen top end with each powder?
Using either of those powders you mentioned, if the groups were nice and tight, velocity wise I'd leave it right there. Small groups win, not speed or SD. If you don't have them already, practicing with and learning to read a good set of wind flags will do you more good than a lot of speed. JME. WD

That is one of my problems--don't know where the top end is yet. I've gotten some really good 3 shot groups with the H322. Found a good seating depth I think--about .020 off hard jam. I've only shot a string of .1 gr increments with N133 and got to 29.2 with no pressure. Only surveyors tape for flags, but I'm hoping to upgrade. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Dub]

I am just shy of 3300 with LT 32. But it shoots terrific.
Edit I am shooting 64gr bullets

 

[wv_modified]

I’ve had great success with 28 grains of 133 and 68 Gr bullet out of 14 twist barrel with Norma brass. I also shoot .268 neck chamber.

 

[Ccrider]

Neat thread. I have been playing with this to see what the top speed is, thinking that running at the higher node may help my inept wind reading skills. I have a 3 groove barrel that will not reach 3300 fps with N133. But it shoots dots at 3230 and is not hyper wind sensitive.
I have a Bartlien and Kreiger that both shoot well over 3300. The Kreiger will dot back up at 3400+. The Bartlien does not like 3400+.

In the end, I say: Each barrel is different. And you will see different results with different bullets. Test for yourself and listen to what the barrel tells you.

 

[Chris Covell]

2007 lot of 133 Shoots 3425 at 29.7.

 

[Eric Leonard]

3365 with 28.5 lt32

 

[Tim Singleton]

3380 to 3420 is a pretty good place

 

[HTSmith]

Thanks so much to all. I still don't know what I don't know, but this thing still shoots purdy good. Question for those in the 3400 range, how long do your primer pockets hold up?

 

[Scott haywood]

I shoot my own 68 BT’s with 2019 N133 in my Bat actions. I will test several loads before a match with the bullet around .007 in the lands. 29.4, 29.7 and 30 to see which seems like its working best. 3360 FPS is a good range to work around. On my rail guns, the barrels are a bit longer, I’ll test 28.8 with it along with the others. In cooler weather I’ll work with the lower loads early in the mornings.

 

[martin22250]

If im using h322 i run it at 29.5 grains or so. Its a healthy load so work up to it slowly. Ive been using n133 last 2 years mainly but i still like h322

 

[escopeta]

I have old Sako Varminter 6 PPC heavy barrel that I set back slightly and went in with new reamer to reduce free bore and using prepped Lapua brass I use the Berger 68 FB with 27.2 gns. of N133 and Remington 7-1/2 primers. Runs 3150 in hot weather. No bench gun but she still shoots in twos if I do my part.