6XC, Reloder 16 and Berger 109

[EdHarley]

Anyone using a 6XC with Reloder 16 and Berger 109s? I have H4350 on hand as well but not as much.
Tac-30 receiver, Bartlein barrel 27"

 

[J.d. Popkes]

Just 108’s

 

[EdHarley]

What powder charge and primer?

 

[J.d. Popkes]

39.3

450

3080fps Sd 3

 

[Dave Marshall]

I have used RL16 in 6xc with 107 sierras. I was able to get more velocity without pressure signs. RL16 loads tended to be 1 to 1.5 grains heavier for the same velocities as H4350. I believe it also burns cooler.

I didn’t feel the accuracy was as good as H4350, but it still shot a 10x or 12x clean target prone at 600yds. I keep the couple jugs I have in case H4350 gets scarce again. I would say it’s worth trying. You’re barrel may like it.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

I have used RL16 in 6xc with 107 sierras. I was able to get more velocity without pressure signs. RL16 loads tended to be 1 to 1.5 grains heavier for the same velocities as H4350. I believe it also burns cooler.

I didn’t feel the accuracy was as good as H4350, but it still shot a 10x or 12x clean target prone at 600yds. I keep the couple jugs I have in case H4350 gets scarce again. I would say it’s worth trying. You’re barrel may like it.

I’m able to run 40.2 with the 107’s. Just where it shoots with it. Didn’t even check velocity on it though, the 108 just shot a smidge better and seems to measure a little more consistently. Just my first xc though so I’m not an authority

 

[EdHarley]

Thank you for the replies. I was looking at the 107s on Midway. 20% off right now. They also have a 110. Don't know which shoots better in an XC, anyone test both?

 

[Dave Marshall]

Thank you for the replies. I was looking at the 107s on Midway. 20% off right now. They also have a 110. Don't know which shoots better in an XC, anyone test both?

The 110’s can be excellent if your chamber is cut to where the shoot well. I’m told it has mostly to do with leade angle.

The 107’s have always performed for me in several barrels and 6mm calibers. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them if the price is right.

 

[EdHarley]

Nice, thank you. You use the Redding dies or Tubb?

 

[STOMP442]

Working on one now with the 109s. 40.5gr of R16 in Peterson small primer brass out of a 26" 7.5 twist Proof barrel is giving me 3056fps with an SD of 5 and five shot groups in the .4s. Currently seated .025" from the lands. I'm going to play with seating depth and see if I can get it to tighten up any more. 39.0gr also printed pretty tight but I didn't run those over the Magneto.

 

[EdHarley]

Looks like a good starting point would be 37gn and up for either the 107s or 109s. No pressure signs with the 40.5gn load of RL 16?

 

[STOMP442]

Looks like a good starting point would be 37gn and up for either the 107s or 109s. No pressure signs with the 40.5gn load of RL 16?

None at all. My personal rifle is actually running that same load except with 105s and Norma brass and its on its 4th re-load now.

 

[EdHarley]

Excellent. I have 50 Norma brass that came with the rifle but they are large rifle primers. I was looking for the Peterson with SRP instead. Do you mess with the bullet tips on either bullet?

 

[EdHarley]

So, one other question. I have read other threads about sizing dies for the 6XC and there was a change in the specs several years ago resulting in new chambers being labelled 6XC II. My rifle was made with a Tubb reamer in either 2011 or 2012. Any idea if this would have the original 6XC chamber based on the age of the rifle? I need dies and don't know if I can just order the Tubb sizing dies (only one style on the website) or do I need Redding dies with the appropriate designation (I vs. II)?

 

[J.d. Popkes]

Depending on what Tubb used for a reamer back then, I know he runs a bigger neck now, 278, but not sure on his base measurements. His dies are small base I hear. Could be a Whitley reamer, could be a Manson. If you have fireformed brass send it to Redding and they’ll tell you. Tubbs dies are a totally proprietary deal, bushings too. What did previous owner use?

 

[EdHarley]

Redding dies. I have some loaded rounds and fired rounds from the previous owner. I believe his dies just say 6XC on them, no II. One questions is if I buy Peterson brass from Tubb will they work? He gave me some Norma brass but I will need more and I prefer small primer pockets.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

If Norma works Peterson will. As long as the dies work with the chamber.

 

[Bc'z]

Working on one now with the 109s. 40.5gr of R16 in Peterson small primer brass out of a 26" 7.5 twist Proof barrel is giving me 3056fps with an SD of 5 and five shot groups in the .4s. Currently seated .025" from the lands. I'm going to play with seating depth and see if I can get it to tighten up any more. 39.0gr also printed pretty tight but I didn't run those over the Magneto.

Off topic,
Bitchin color scheme on your stock!!
Did you do it?

 

[EdHarley]

If Norma works Peterson will. As long as the dies work with the chamber.

OK, so going the other way may be a problem but not likely in my case. Got it.

 

[STOMP442]

Off topic,
Bitchin color scheme on your stock!!
Did you do it?

No that is a IOTA Kremlin stock in what they call their Desert Gray color.