Comments/Suggestions please...

[Jody Simcox]

My son has shot 80 rounds of Hornady match ammo with the 120 gr ELD-M’s for rifle/barrel/shooter break-in...this is first set i’ve loaded myself for this gun.

6.5 Creedmoor
Bighorn Origin
18” Proof Sendero
MPA chassis
123 gr Hornady SST
Alpha Munitions brass
WLR primers
.020” off (several.0205” off)
XBR 8208

Trying to follow Mr. Newberry’s OCW recommendations...


Am I leaving anything on the table? Thanks

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Thats such a wide span of powder about half or more of your shots are going to be useless. Just say a rifle shoots good at 3000fps it may also shoot good in the calm at 2200fps but theres no need in checking

 

[Texas10]

Some research will reveal what muzzle velocity your 6.5CM will shoot best. An abbreviated OCW test centered around that velocity is all that's necessary unless you're looking for a lower velocity node. Sometimes a lower node is more accurate and consistent than a faster one, but may not perform as well at long distance and in a wind. Load for the conditions you plan for, and shoot using the same technique you plan on using. If you'll be using a bipod in the field, use it during load development.

 

[Jody Simcox]

That being said (and I understand), what should my first step have been? Start where? Finish where...pressure signs? Manual and Hodgdon recommend minimum 32 gr- max 36 gr...

 

[MikeMcCasland]

For what it's worth, you'll typically find max charges about ~1gr lower in Alpha 6.5CM brass than you will with most other brass.

I don't see any issues with your loads, outside of XBR8208 maybe not being the ideal powder for it (it'll probably still work just fine though).

Go shoot it and see how it groups!

 

[Jody Simcox]

My thoughts were a faster powder with the 18” barrel...incorrect?

 

[MikeMcCasland]

My thoughts were a faster powder with the 18” barrel...incorrect?

You're correct; I missed the 18" barrel part. Give it hell!

 

[joshb]

I usually start my “test load list”with max load, then load lighter in .3 grain increments until I get to the middle of the book recommended min and max. If I find a lot of info from guys shooting “hotter”, I’ll load some test rounds above max, watch carefully for signs of overpressure and stop when I see them. I like accurate milder loads that are brass friendly, if I can find them. When I find a good powder weight, I’ll test again in .1 grain increments above and below, then play with seating depth. It’s nice to have all the data I can get when I’m testing a new gun.
I know that I may be wasting time and components but I’m shooting! It’s better than the honey do list!
Example: Min=32. Max= 38. “Everybody” shoots 39 with “no problems”
I’ll load 35, 35.3, 35.6, 35.9, 36.2, 36.5, 36.8, 37.1, 37.4, 37.7, 38.0, 38.3, 38.6, 38.9
I usually end up pulling the hotter loads apart back at the bench. Sometimes not.