6XC = WOW!

[Sniper338]

Well tonight I got around to tinkering with my 6XC barrel... Pulled out the norma brass, gave em a quick primer pocket ream, chamfer and de-bur, primed em up with CCI BR2's and loaded (first firings on the brass). Best I could guess/find 37 grains to 39.8 grains of H4350 would probably be where I wanted to play. Loaded three rounds each up in .2 grain increment's, seated berger 105 VLDs about 10 thou off the lands. (10 thou off, I have found many loads with bergers, and it hasn't let me down yet).

Went out to shoot around 1:00AM tonight, zero'd it in with 2 or 3 shots... Then started testing with 3 shot groups at 200 yards.


37.4 to 38.2 shot like a bat-outta-hell!!!! 38.6 started a tad of primer flattening, then 38.8 started sticky bolt lift.

Besides one 22-250 I've had and hitting "THE LOAD" the first load I tried... This has got to be the easiest caliber I've ever tried reloading for, AND it is on a FAST PACE to being the most accurate rifle I own so far. Luck, a fluke, I don't know yet, I need to load up more and test this 37.4 to 38.2 range again.... Let just say this charge range yielded .350 to .354 INCH 3-shot groups. (((yes INCH, not MOA, but yes minus .243 and calculate that for 200 yards!!!))) It has me VERY EXCITED! AND IT DID IT 5 TIMES IN A ROW! You can hardly tell they are more than one bullet hole!


I kind of felt like this charge range was on the low side though, I was hoping it would shoot something between 39 and 39.8... Then I read some more info and the guys shooting that 39 grain to 40 grain range are using moly coated bullets, so that explained that... But I am wondering if 37.4 to 38.2 is a normal powder charge range with this caliber and uncoated bullets, or is this a "slower barrel"? Slow or not it still shoots though.

Heck of a night, and a heck of a first time shooting a 6XC..

 

[boltfluter]

Sounds like you had a great day. I would run with it. Elevation is easy to dial in. LOL. Enjoy.

Regards, Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[Sniper338]

Sounds like you had a great day. I would run with it. Elevation is easy to dial in. LOL. Enjoy.

Regards, Paul

www.boltfluting.com

No doubt! Ill tinker with it again next week when im off work. Try to narrow it down some more. Probably need to shoot a little further away to be able to tell better. Great end to "my weekend".

 

[Frankr]

I first looked at the 6XC some years ago. I thought ah another wild cat..well looking for a cartridge capable of varmint rifle accuracy with the ability to dispatch deer size game. something with a little more punch than the 6BR and still maintain 6BR type accuracy ..yes I had a 6 dasher. but just a little more with out all the case forming Bull. So last year I had my first 6XC chambered in a #3 sporter weight barrel type hunting rifle. I liked it so Much and it has performed to everything I wanted I am currently building another one..The 6XC is here to stay and no longer a wild cat..It's in my opinion the 6BR's Big brother..You will be pleased with it. Enjoy.
I know the Norma cases have been available for quite a few years now But when I first seen them I thought ah will see how long that last..well I'm a 6XC Fan now.

 

[bigedp51]

Went out to shoot around 1:00AM tonight, zero'd it in with 2 or 3 shots...

Forgive me for asking, but do you have a lighted range, use night vision goggles or live in Alaska and enjoy swatting mosquitoes?

I gots to know.

 

[Killick]

Sounds great, Sniper338. The only thing I might suggest is that 4350 is a barrel toaster, you might want to try 4831sc if you can get it. Accuracy as good or better than 4350 and gentler on the smoke pole. I've shot 6XC for @ 7 years and have no problem going 7 more with it.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

Norma are quite keen on it too

http://www.norma.cc/en/Products/Target/Norma-6XC/
http://www.norma.cc/en/Products/Hunting/6XC/

I've just bought some 6XC Norma Jaktmatch for less than I was quoted elsewhere for new cases.

Regards

JCS

 

[Sniper338]

Went out to shoot around 1:00AM tonight, zero'd it in with 2 or 3 shots...

Forgive me for asking, but do you have a lighted range, use night vision goggles or live in Alaska and enjoy swatting mosquitoes?

I gots to know.

I spent $90 and bought some LED lights from the auto section of walmart, then bought a lawn mower battery.... screwed the lights onto a little platform that i can sit on the ground in front of the target to shine the lights on the target... hook up the battery and target is lit up... easy peezy... with my scope it is NOTHING to see the target, better than daylight... no heat waves... 85 degrees-ish... calm as can be usually.. conditions dont get much better... best thing ive ever done... im working midnight shift so up all night isnt a big deal.. gives me something to do at night on my days off, and well its what id like to be doing anyways!!

 

[Sniper338]

Sounds great, Sniper338. The only thing I might suggest is that 4350 is a barrel toaster, you might want to try 4831sc if you can get it. Accuracy as good or better than 4350 and gentler on the smoke pole. I've shot 6XC for @ 7 years and have no problem going 7 more with it.

Does 4831sc give around the same velocities as 4350???

I mean im going to have a load with 4350 quick... so its no biggy to play with another powder... id like to keep this barrel as long as i can lol.

 

[zipollini]

You are going to have to use more of the 4831sc than the H4350 to reach the same velocity (aaprox. 3000fps) so your loads will most likely be somewhat compressed.

 

[Sniper338]

You are going to have to use more of the 4831sc than the H4350 to reach the same velocity (aaprox. 3000fps) so your loads will most likely be somewhat compressed.

Sounds great, Sniper338. The only thing I might suggest is that 4350 is a barrel toaster, you might want to try 4831sc if you can get it. Accuracy as good or better than 4350 and gentler on the smoke pole. I've shot 6XC for @ 7 years and have no problem going 7 more with it.

Anyone have safe data as a starting point for 4831sc, norma brass, and 105 berger??

 

[Catfur]

You are going to have to use more of the 4831sc than the H4350 to reach the same velocity (aaprox. 3000fps) so your loads will most likely be somewhat compressed.

Sounds great, Sniper338. The only thing I might suggest is that 4350 is a barrel toaster, you might want to try 4831sc if you can get it. Accuracy as good or better than 4350 and gentler on the smoke pole. I've shot 6XC for @ 7 years and have no problem going 7 more with it.

Anyone have safe data as a starting point for 4831sc, norma brass, and 105 berger??

For a true min start load I'd start around 37gr H4831SC

 

[Sniper338]

You are going to have to use more of the 4831sc than the H4350 to reach the same velocity (aaprox. 3000fps) so your loads will most likely be somewhat compressed.

Sounds great, Sniper338. The only thing I might suggest is that 4350 is a barrel toaster, you might want to try 4831sc if you can get it. Accuracy as good or better than 4350 and gentler on the smoke pole. I've shot 6XC for @ 7 years and have no problem going 7 more with it.

Anyone have safe data as a starting point for 4831sc, norma brass, and 105 berger??

For a true min start load I'd start around 37gr H4831SC

10 4 thanks. Im sure that will be fine, just wanted another opinion for these less charted waters here...

 

[Catfur]

You are going to have to use more of the 4831sc than the H4350 to reach the same velocity (aaprox. 3000fps) so your loads will most likely be somewhat compressed.

Sounds great, Sniper338. The only thing I might suggest is that 4350 is a barrel toaster, you might want to try 4831sc if you can get it. Accuracy as good or better than 4350 and gentler on the smoke pole. I've shot 6XC for @ 7 years and have no problem going 7 more with it.

Anyone have safe data as a starting point for 4831sc, norma brass, and 105 berger??

For a true min start load I'd start around 37gr H4831SC

10 4 thanks. Im sure that will be fine, just wanted another opinion for these less charted waters here...

Berger publishes load data for the 6XC in their manual, yet strangely excludes the two most frequently used powders with the cartridge (H4350 & H4831SC).

 

[Sniper338]

You are going to have to use more of the 4831sc than the H4350 to reach the same velocity (aaprox. 3000fps) so your loads will most likely be somewhat compressed.

Sounds great, Sniper338. The only thing I might suggest is that 4350 is a barrel toaster, you might want to try 4831sc if you can get it. Accuracy as good or better than 4350 and gentler on the smoke pole. I've shot 6XC for @ 7 years and have no problem going 7 more with it.

Anyone have safe data as a starting point for 4831sc, norma brass, and 105 berger??

For a true min start load I'd start around 37gr H4831SC

10 4 thanks. Im sure that will be fine, just wanted another opinion for these less charted waters here...

Berger publishes load data for the 6XC in their manual, yet strangely excludes the two most frequently used powders with the cartridge (H4350 & H4831SC).

Yeah... i never bought that book... i looked through it when it came out and right away i wished they would have made it a bit more complete with some more calibers/info... but you can email them for the additional info and they send it to you.. ive had to do that before...

 

[Gina1]

Shooting 6XC with 105 Berger Hybrids. I started with a new barrel and IMR4350. Read some good things about H4831sc for the 6XC. Tried it and it shot well. BUT the barrel, after 30 rounds HG competition was so hot you could burn yourself on it. Switched to RL-17, shot extremely well, sub MOA at 200 yards. BUT barrel is still getting too hot after HG competition. (you know this has not to be good for the barrel)
Finally switched to IMR 8208XBR, Getting very good results, and the barrel is only getting warm after 10 rounds. No pressure signs, and the speed is near or at 3,000 fps.
Just my experiences with different powders.

 

[Killick]

I highly recommend this thread and utilizing it to quickly and easily find an accuracy node. I would start no higher than 38gr. and shoot as directed in the thread-3 shot groups on increments of .5 grains up to 40+ grains watching for pressure signs and of course the magic 3,000 to 3,050 fps range where the 105 Berger Hybrids shine, at least in my barrels.
http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3814361.0
My load has been 40 gr. 4831sc for a while now. 7.5 twist, 30"bbl., Norma or Lapua 22-250 brass. I have the Dave Kiff no turn (with Norma brass) tight neck reamer. You definitely need to neck turn the Lapua brass.

 

[jesilva]

Is it possible for you to list the starting and max loads for the 8208 powder

 

[Gina1]

I started at 31.5 and worked my way up to 33.5 grains. No real pressure signs. Didn't go past that as I was happy with the performance, and chrono was near 3,000 fps. Was at the range to day, fired off 24 rounds in side of 10 minutes, and the barrel was just warm. Like this powder. BTW was sitting 20/1000 from the lands.

 

[Sniper338]

I started at 31.5 and worked my way up to 33.5 grains. No real pressure signs. Didn't go past that as I was happy with the performance, and chrono was near 3,000 fps. Was at the range to day, fired off 24 rounds in side of 10 minutes, and the barrel was just warm. Like this powder. BTW was sitting 20/1000 from the lands.

Thats not filling the case much is it?