Frustration with 6.5x284

[JFrank]

Things that stay the same for the most part from day to day are powder charges , primers, Bullets,
Things that change are weather, table manners, clear mind, brass has one more firing, inconsistent neck tension can make you crazy!
(Been there)
As Mike suggested it could be as simple as neck diameter or head space.
You'll find it

 

[nmkid]

Your problem eerily resembles the tough go I had with my 6-284. I was shooting 105 berger's at 3400+ fps and could never get sustainable groups. I slowly went down on powder to 3200 fps +- and I started to get same size groups on successive days. The jury is still out but, reducing velocity was a great help.

 

[JASON50CAL]

So far the furthest I’ve shot it is 300 yards for a ladder test. Seemed to be a node at 48.5-49gr of 4350 but then I found Erik’s method for 100 yard and have been trying that. I’m fire forming the last few pieces of brass I have tomorrow and then I’ll try .002 neck tension. I was using Winchester brass for the first 100 rounds or so then I ordered lapua brass. I’ve noticed on my stock that one of my screws on my rest it contacting it. Just removed the devcon under the chamber and will try again tomorrow

 

[mikeinct]

Flame me if you guys want...In my limited experience with ONE 6.5 X 284 Using Lapua Brass & Berger Hybrids...About 150 shots & I was "Tuning the depth setting" Chasing the lands...When it shot it was awesome , when not, AwFul...I was glad that tube gave it up around 850 shots..4 me...one & done & will not go back to that hot rod caliber...Mike in Ct

 

[Ggmac]

If you don't find your load soon you'll be out of barrel life . Figure 800-1000 rounds . Settle on your best load , use flags , slow down and see if your load is good in a week or 2 . Stop chasing the load . Get your best and just play with depth . If your load is good one day write down all environmental conditions . See if it , your load will stay within acceptable limits , don't let yourself get tired or rushed . Many things change during the course of a day . Sun position , clouds , temp , humidity , wind and most of all , us , our muscles and eyes .
Good luck

 

[Drop Port]

Is this a no neck turn? as stated already neck clearance can be an issue. On my 1st barrel no neck turn I was chasing consistency problems until i turned the necks an gave it some clearance it then settled down.

What are your chamber specs for neck and FB?

 

[JASON50CAL]

If you don't find your load soon you'll be out of barrel life . Figure 800-1000 rounds . Settle on your best load , use flags , slow down and see if your load is good in a week or 2 . Stop chasing the load . Get your best and just play with depth . If your load is good one day write down all environmental conditions . See if it , your load will stay within acceptable limits , don't let yourself get tired or rushed . Many things change during the course of a day . Sun position , clouds , temp , humidity , wind and most of all , us , our muscles and eyes .
Good luck

Ok thanks.

 

[JASON50CAL]

Is this a no neck turn? as stated already neck clearance can be an issue. On my 1st barrel no neck turn I was chasing consistency problems until i turned the necks an gave it some clearance it then settled down.

What are your chamber specs for neck and FB?

I’m not sure. I’ll have to talk to my gunsmith and see what his reamer specs are. It is a no turn neck. Thanks

 

[LittleLebowski]

I’d still stop cleaning so much.

 

[Drop Port]

I’m not sure. I’ll have to talk to my gunsmith and see what his reamer specs are. It is a no turn neck. Thanks

I'd measure a loaded cartridge neck and a fired cartridge neck and get a rough idea. I was fortunate enough to speak with a known competitor and advocate for the cartridge who quickly got me straightened out. Not saying this is your problem but I had the same symptoms and it was definitely the cure for mine.

 

[JASON50CAL]

Loaded neck diameter is .2945. Fired cases measure .298

 

[Drop Port]

Loaded neck diameter is .2945. Fired cases measure .298

Sounds good, .003 min .004 is better probably not your problem. The two other issues I had was neck tension helped shrink groups and Donuts showed up after a couple loading's and everything went to crap again. Don't know how many firings you have on the brass, might be a moot point not knowing that or your FB but it is something to consider in the future if you're not seated out above the neck shoulder junction. Tuning an setup in my 6.5-284's brought my loading skills up a level
There are some good article on this site from John Hoover that are worth reading. In the past I know he ran 142's SMK and H-4350 with white box Winchester Brass. I believe 48.0 was his go to load.

 

[JASON50CAL]

Sounds good, .003 min .004 is better probably not your problem. The two other issues I had was neck tension helped shrink groups and Donuts showed up after a couple loading's and everything went to crap again. Don't know how many firings you have on the brass, might be a moot point not knowing that or your FB but it is something to consider in the future if you're not seated out above the neck shoulder junction. Tuning an setup in my 6.5-284's brought my loading skills up a level
There are some good article on this site from John Hoover that are worth reading. In the past I know he ran 142's SMK and H-4350 with white box Winchester Brass. I believe 48.0 was his go to load.

Thanks. I’ll try to look those up. I’m going fireform the last of my brass next chance I get. I started with Winchester brass and switched to lapua

 

[BobB1691]

So I have been using Erik Cortina’s method of developing an accurate load at 100 yards. Problem is I’ll go out and find what looks like a node in powder charge and do a seating depth test and find the sweet spot with 3 shot groups in the .2’s. Then I’ll load up 10 rounds and go out the next day and it goes out the window. One group may be in the .2’s or .3’s and the next will be around an inch. I’ve tried H4831SC and H 4350 and get the same results. I’ve been using 142gr SMK bullets. Rifle is a 700 Rem action, K&P 28” Barrel in a curly maple BR stock with jewell trigger and Sightron 8x32x56. Idk what to do next. Should I try a different powder like H1000 or 7828SC or try a different bullet. I’ve stuck with the Sierras because I have them on hand and don’t have any Berger’s or Scenars to try and I’ve just lost my job and can’t afford to buy anything else right now. This is the one rifle I own that I want to really be accurate and It has me so aggravated I’m about sell every gun I own and quit. Not really but you get the point of how frustrated I am. Lol. What should I do next. I can’t stand to sit it in the safe and wait till I’m in a better financial state. It’s driving me crazy.

Try 52 to 53 grns. Reloader 22

 

[Dusty Stevens]

if you run a 140-142gr bullet at 2950 with 4350 you cant go wrong. if that doesn't work get a new barrel.