I've been reloading for about 5 years now, hunting loads only until I shot in the short bench rest league at my local range this past summer.I REALLY enjoyed that and did fairly well, it also pushed my intentions of improving my reloading. Before now I have typically chosen a random low/mid powder charge, mix some random seating depths in and see what happens!
Starting up a load for a new to me Cooper 6.5-284, using 140 VLD-H and H4831SC. Pretty happy with the initial results, though I remembered after I was finished shooting this that I should have shot at 200 or 300m.
Picture is a little blurry for some reason, sorry. Looks promising in the 49.9 - 50.3 range, which is what I have read is very typical for this combination. Possible another node at 50.7, but 2800 fps may be getting a little hot on the barrel?
With that being said, I've read that 2950 is a typical speed for the 140 bullet. Maybe a different powder would get me there, but again, would that extra 200fps be worth it?
Looking at the target, I fired 3 foulers that grouped about 1" (not shown), then started the ladder. Note how the first 2 shots were significantly lower than the rest, I found this strange. Maybe the Cooper likes 5 or 6 foulers to get in the groove?
Loaded with new Lapua brass (sizing mandrel to clean up the necks), Fed210M, pretty big jump at .040", need it this long to get .264 in the neck. (not sure I'm happy about this, seems like a really long chamber?), aftermarket barrel - Bob Jury 26".
Any insight or comments appreciated.
Kelly
Starting up a load for a new to me Cooper 6.5-284, using 140 VLD-H and H4831SC. Pretty happy with the initial results, though I remembered after I was finished shooting this that I should have shot at 200 or 300m.

Picture is a little blurry for some reason, sorry. Looks promising in the 49.9 - 50.3 range, which is what I have read is very typical for this combination. Possible another node at 50.7, but 2800 fps may be getting a little hot on the barrel?
With that being said, I've read that 2950 is a typical speed for the 140 bullet. Maybe a different powder would get me there, but again, would that extra 200fps be worth it?
Looking at the target, I fired 3 foulers that grouped about 1" (not shown), then started the ladder. Note how the first 2 shots were significantly lower than the rest, I found this strange. Maybe the Cooper likes 5 or 6 foulers to get in the groove?
Loaded with new Lapua brass (sizing mandrel to clean up the necks), Fed210M, pretty big jump at .040", need it this long to get .264 in the neck. (not sure I'm happy about this, seems like a really long chamber?), aftermarket barrel - Bob Jury 26".
Any insight or comments appreciated.
Kelly
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