6xc sooty case with N160

[Barrcus]

Trying some loads for my 6XC, got great accuracy but have problems with sooty case, do you think i should change powder or trying increase load over max?

Case: Norma, fired 1 time, in my rifle, before this load.
Powder: N160
Loads: tested from 34 up to 37,5 (no pressure marks, still sooty) and 37,5 is max according to VV.
Bullet: Lapua ScenarL 105gr
Primer: CCI200
COL: 66mm

Rifle: Blaser R8 Semi match 62,5cm barrel

/Marcus

 

[hogpatrol]

Some powder info here:

https://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/6xc/

 

[Hoot]

My experience with other calibers has been that sooting is a sign of inadequate charge or more often, too slow a powder. I modeled your recipe in QuickLoad and despite VV's recommendation, it would appear to be on the lite side. The bullet database didn't have the Lapua 107 Scenar so I used a Berger 108. QuickLoad's parameters for the 6XC are based upon Tubb's specific cartridge preference and may not reflect other chambers, COL's, etc.

Hoot

 

[markgrabowski]

Trying some loads for my 6XC, got great accuracy but have problems with sooty case, do you think i should change powder or trying increase load over max?

Case: Norma, fired 1 time, in my rifle, before this load.
Powder: N160
Loads: tested from 34 up to 37,5 (no pressure marks, still sooty) and 37,5 is max according to VV.
Bullet: Lapua ScenarL 105gr
Primer: CCI200
COL: 66mm

Rifle: Blaser R8 Semi match 62,5cm barrel

/Marcus

Marcus, in my 6xc I’m shooting 40.5 grains currently. Bolt gun. 30 inch barrel. 105 Scenars. No real soot on my cases. You might be able to work your way up to a higher charge.just watch primers for pressure signs. I’ve also used N150 in different rifle with shorter barrel.

 

[tomswede]

VV’s data has been getting extremely conservative for a while now. Comparing to other sources it seems like their max loads are way low.

 

[Gary in MD]

VV160 is what I use in my 6 mm AI
It always burned really clean and never had soot on the cases. I lean on the powder measure pretty good though.
Gary

 

[Kurz]

Marcus, in my 6xc I’m shooting 40.5 grains currently. Bolt gun. 30 inch barrel. 105 Scenars. No real soot on my cases. You might be able to work your way up to a higher charge.just watch primers for pressure signs. I’ve also used N150 in different rifle with shorter barrel.

Marcus,

Welcome to the forums!

I have run the VVN-150 (as above) with good results at the higher pressure. VV is suggesting a very low pressure load with the N-160 because they have approached the maximum space in the case with this powder. This is the cause of the sooty necks.

Switch to the VVN-150 or Norma N-204.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

Marcus,

Welcome to the forums!

I have run the VVN-150 (as above) with good results at the higher pressure. VV is suggesting a very low pressure load with the N-160 because they have approached the maximum space in the case with this powder. This is the cause of the sooty necks.

Switch to the VVN-150 or Norma N-204.

I have a keg of n150, what kinda performance can a guy expect with it? In the 107/108 bullet weights? What’s the min/max? I have the new vv manual and it’s low low on powder charge. Please advise.

 

[zipollini]

H4350 or IMR 4350 is the obvious choice if you can get it but take a look at the burn rate chart below and use something close to the same burn rates. VV160 is just too slow a burn rate IMHO.

https://wwpowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2020-burn-rate-chart.pdf

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

H4350 or IMR 4350 is the obvious choice if you can get it but take a look at the burn rate chart below and use something close to the same burn rates. VV160 is just too slow a burn rate IMHO.

https://wwpowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2020-burn-rate-chart.pdf

I also think the XC case is just a bit to small for N160.
Barrcus, what speed are you getting with 37.5gr ?

 

[sfinn1]

Marcus,
I've dusted off my Tubb T2K 6XC this past year and wanted to use N160. The barrel is a Bartlein 28" with PT&G, .098" freebore chamber. I worked a load up for Lapua 105 Scenar, Norma brass, S&B lr primer. 42.0grs. N160, 3091fps. Shot very well. Just lately I set the barrel back and rechambered with Manson reamer, .160" freebore to shoot 115gr. DTAC HBN. I had just a pound of N160 to try and am running low, so I had a new 8 pound jug of H4350 and decided to use it up. As of right now, my load for the 115 is 40.5 grains H4350 at 3031 fps., Peterson small rifle primer brass and Remington 7 1/2 primer.
If I had more N160 I would sure be giving that a try. My opinion is, if you increase your powder weight, you'll see the soot reduce to just around the neck. I am a big fan of Vihtavuori powder.
Blaser is a fine rifle. I think you'll get it ironed out.
Steve

 

[243winxb]

N100... is single base powder.

N500... double based. Has nitro. May burn cleaner/hotter?

Seating bullet deeper may help. Or go the other way, jam, if possible.

CCI Benchrest or mag primer, maybe something to try.

https://www.vihtavuori.com/powders/

 

[urbanrifleman]

42.5 SHOULD BE A MILD LOAD. You are way low.

 

[LCazador]

Trying some loads for my 6XC, got great accuracy but have problems with sooty case, do you think i should change powder or trying increase load over max?

Case: Norma, fired 1 time, in my rifle, before this load.
Powder: N160
Loads: tested from 34 up to 37,5 (no pressure marks, still sooty) and 37,5 is max according to VV.
Bullet: Lapua ScenarL 105gr
Primer: CCI200
COL: 66mm

Rifle: Blaser R8 Semi match 62,5cm barrel

/Marcus

Welcome to the forum! How far down the case is the sooting? If it's past the shoulder on the body you may have a headspace issue. How much powder room do you have left? N160 and 4831 are both on the slow side for this cartridge. H4350, N150, N550, and the new Re16 are much better options. And now that the VV powders are temp insensitive they're even better!

 

[tomswede]

If I remember right Tubb used N160 for a while and had some loads listed.

 

[F224]

I'm shooting 70gr BlitzKings over a 38.0gr charge of N150, out of a 20" Krieger custom made R93 barrel it's still topping 3350fps. Very clean and shooting .25moa past 300 yards. You might have better results with the 500 series VV powders. I started with the N150 because I have several pounds of it, and at 350 rounds a year for coyotes and prairie dogs, it will last several years.

 

[Twdmar]

The vihtavouri online load data for 6xc is probably actually too conservative and may give you problems. Compare their 6xc to their 6 creedmoor data. My loads with 105s were around 41ish. 37 gr is too low though.

 

[jakelly]

I loaded over 42gr into a 6x47 case. Seemed over pressure, but it shot really well. I settled right around 41gr. Your load seems way light.