First loads with 6.5, H4350, sierra 140gr...powder load?

[brccd]

Hi All,

I will be loading up initial loads of 6.5 creedmoores...Lapua, large primer brass(CCI 200), sierra TMK 140gr bullets, H4350.
Checking manuals, using 140 gr, and H4350...says 41.5gr is max load.

Yet, I am reading all over the place so many people loading over that amount until they see pressure signs!

All want more velocity, and guess flatter trajectory.
I personally read "max" and avoid going there!!

I plan to do these loads using 40.5gr.

These will be used with a 26" barrel, browning X-bolt target max....first time use. Actually have some hornady factory loads (143gr) for 1st test fires...

The hornady tables shows velocity delta for 40.5gr to 41.5 of 50fps ( 2650fps vs 2700fps)

Also will be trying some Lapua scenar HPBT 139gr bullets with this also.

So, looking for a little advice, opinions, if this plan works.

Thx.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Sounds like a good plan to me to back off that max load by a grain. Even backing off a grain and a half is usually where I start.

 

[6.5 forever]

I've been dealing with different lots of H4350 and the velocity changes between them. 41.5 in one lot is hot.....the other is 50 fps slower. Published data is a guideline to be used with a good bit of experience and caution.

 

[brccd]

I've been dealing with different lots of H4350 and the velocity changes between them. 41.5 in one lot is hot.....the other is 50 fps slower. Published data is a guideline to be used with a good bit of experience and caution.

Interesting...so you are seeing the H4350 not consistant? is it any worse than other powders? or are they all in that boat? Thx.

 

[6.5 forever]

Every powder can vary. Just make sure you test every lot change. I'm suggesting that picking a charge weight will not work for every setup across the board. Start low and work up.

 

[qldreloader]

Brass matters too. I have one rifle that gives pressure signs at 40gr with Sako brass but runs 41.5gr fine with Hornady brass. Both give low SD and an average of 2650fps.

 

[mgunderson]

When it's time to replace the barrel.... try a longer and light profile barrel. A lighter bullet will pick up speed as well. I prefer the 130 class when shooting the creedmoor. Not sure what other requirements you are balancing. The 6.5 284 will get you more case volume.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

When it's time to replace the barrel.... try a longer and light profile barrel. A lighter bullet will pick up speed as well. I prefer the 130 class when shooting the creedmoor. Not sure what other requirements you are balancing. The 6.5 284 will get you more case volume.

I need to try the 130 weight’s. Hornady’s data shows some speeds I like with Accurate 4350, which I have on hand.

 

[ta6ppc]

40.6 is about max for me in Peterson brass..with a 140 class bullet

 

[brccd]

When it's time to replace the barrel.... try a longer and light profile barrel. A lighter bullet will pick up speed as well. I prefer the 130 class when shooting the creedmoor. Not sure what other requirements you are balancing. The 6.5 284 will get you more case volume.

I was debating to get 130's rather than 140s...I went with 140 since so many people seemed to be using that. Once I settle down and chose hornady, sierra, or lapua bullet...then try 130 versions...I dont think i will need a barrel change for a bit..I really only go to the range like 4X a year...maybe that will change and go more this year!

 

[brccd]

So I loaded initial cartridges with Hornady tipped ELDM (140gr), H4350, 40.5 gr, using a LEE seating die...and see something potentially not great... there was a ring on the bullet, and think the tip got a slight push. I want to try some loads with Sierra Matchking 140's, and Lapua scenars 139 gr. I put in a support help to LEE, got a reply to send pics, and might need custom stem in the seater! Attaching my pics and measurement...sent this to LEE so waiting to see what to do with the other 2 bullet types.

 

[BW64]

I'm using 40.2 H4350 out of a 26" tube & getting2713fps

 

[brccd]

I'm using 40.2 H4350 out of a 26" tube & getting2713fps

What bullet brand/type and weight was that with? Were you happy with results?

 

[BW64]

. I'm happy!5 rounds at 100. Rings 12" steel at 1220. 140 ELDM

 

[BW64]

Savage 110 with 26" Criterion 1:8 on MDT chassis.

 

[brccd]

Re: seating rings on bullet , did a bit more checking and reading and found these 6.5 creedmoores and especially tipped, are considered low drag. There are different VLD (very low drag) seating stems that have a Secant angle to more match the lines of these bullets.

So, looks like I need to get those.

I am expecting a new Hornady seater today, and ordered a Hornady VLD seating stem, that is made to match the Hornady tipped ELDM profile. The new seater die might already have that...will see...if so, I will have an extra stem!

Will see how this works with the Sierras and Lapuas...should definitely (better) work with the Tipped ELDMs!
Has anyone been using these VLD stems? Thoughts?

I am just stumbling into these little details...eventually I will have things down pat!
I ordered the LEE dies, and there was no mention about using special stems...just thought it works since it was supposed to be for 6.5 creedmoores....but duuuh, no...

LEE will make a stem to match your bullets, need to send a bullet to them, and I guess they match it...they show it for like 8$...will contact them to check that. Anyone out there use option this with LEE?

Appreciate others inputs...

 

[Bc'z]

I was debating to get 130's rather than 140s...I went with 140 since so many people seemed to be using that. Once I settle down and chose hornady, sierra, or lapua bullet...then try 130 versions...I dont think i will need a barrel change for a bit..I really only go to the range like 4X a year...maybe that will change and go more this year!

Once you get around to the Scenars I believe you'll find joy and happiness.
I shoot 123's and 136L's, both great bullets in the creedmoor

 

[js2013]

So I loaded initial cartridges with Hornady tipped ELDM (140gr), H4350, 40.5 gr, using a LEE seating die...and see something potentially not great... there was a ring on the bullet, and think the tip got a slight push. I want to try some loads with Sierra Matchking 140's, and Lapua scenars 139 gr. I put in a support help to LEE, got a reply to send pics, and might need custom stem in the seater! Attaching my pics and measurement...sent this to LEE so waiting to see what to do with the other 2 bullet types.

Look at the bright side, you now have a nose ring like Tubbs DTACs LOL

 

[brccd]

ok...got the hornady seating die (custom grade version- 6.5CM)..loaded one of the hornady tipped ELDMs, and looks better.

The tip looks perfect, unlike what was going on with the LEE seater, no noticable marks on the bullet. I will take a second look with a magnifying glass. Just also ordered from hornady, a VLD seating stem for their die, so that should be even better, and leave no marks.

The seating looked better laying a sierra, and lapua bullet in the std 6.5CM hornady stem...those might be ok too. Waiting for the new stem before loading any more. Man, all kinds of little fine points here!

 

[BW64]

ok...got the hornady seating die (custom grade version- 6.5CM)..loaded one of the hornady tipped ELDMs, and looks better.

The tip looks perfect, unlike what was going on with the LEE seater, no noticable marks on the bullet. I will take a second look with a magnifying glass. Just also ordered from hornady, a VLD seating stem for their die, so that should be even better, and leave no marks.

The seating looked better laying a sierra, and lapua bullet in the std 6.5CM hornady stem...those might be ok too. Waiting for the new stem before loading any more. Man, all kinds of little fine points here!

Welcome to the rabbit hole!