Is this 6.5 Lapua load slower than normal

[potatoe]

My load is below and out of 26" tube. It seems very slow to me. I went up to 42gr but the accuracy is where I'm at and I've tried varget with 3 different bullets and my barrel must think varget tastes like cauliflower because it hates it with a passion.

40.7gr H4350
123gr. Amax
2705 fps

 

[ShootDots]

My load is below and out of 26" tube. It seems very slow to me

40.7gr H4350
123gr. Amax
2705 fps

My first 6.5 x 47 would NOT shoot anything but H4350. Try as I might, I could not get anything to shoot with RL-15 or Varget. However, EVERYTHING I put down the tube using H4350 shot very well. However, it is MY opinion that the 123-130 class bullets are better suited by RL-15 or Varget. BUT if your barrel will not shoot those powders, my rifle could go to 42.0grs without exhibiting any pressure signs with the 123's and H4350. So, depending on YOUR barrel / chamber, you may be on the mild side.

 

[dkhunt14]

Most of the guys I know that are shooting 1000 yard BR are using H4350. Matt

 

[Eric Leonard]

when I was shooting 123 Scenars I was at 42.7 grs at 2980 fps from 28 inch barrel,

I have since switched to the 130 VLD and 41 grs H4350 and shooting lights out at 2930

the last couple lots 4350 I got one is more like varget and the other 4831,,it drives me batty,,

 

[potatoe]

It seems like I should be up at 2850 or so but that's not the case, I've heard of slow barrels but this thing is a snail

 

[smoking-brass]

Question...when you tried 42.0 grains what was your fps? 40.7 grains is a low load for a 123 a max. The other thing there will be a difference with a 26" barrel velocities compared to a 28" barrel.

 

[potatoe]

I didn't chrono those, I kinda wished I did. I started .010 off jam and worked up in charge and I had a good node a around 41-41.5 but I had some vertical. I kept seating deeper till my vertical was gone which is .055 off jam but was crushing powder so I dropped charge to 40.7 and it really started shooting well. It's shooting .25's or better and hits within .1" vertically as the 41 and 41.5 charge did at 100 yards.

I shot berger 130's out of it and they did ok but it still needed almost 4 minutes up to hit 300 with a 100 yard zero, I didn't have my chrono with me then either but that seems like a lot of drop. I just can't believe that its that slow! Still shoots good, every bullet with H4350 will shoot .5 MOA or better

 

[Changeling]

In a 26" barrel that speed is way to slow for your "load"! Something is just not right. I know you have been shooting for a long time but I would check some regular things first.
Please don't be offended by my suggestions:
Be darn sure you are actually using H4350 and not another powder by accident.

Be sure you are actually using a 123gr AMAX and not another bullet like a 140 something.

Check out your powder measure/scale, with a known weight.

Use your chronograph, with out it everything is just a guess.

I have a feeling one of the above things will fix the problem. Whoops I almost forgot something. If this is a NEW barrel check the bore size to make sure it's what it's supposed to be. 8)

Good luck Potatoe

My load is below and out of 26" tube. It seems very slow to me. I went up to 42gr but the accuracy is where I'm at and I've tried varget with 3 different bullets and my barrel must think varget tastes like cauliflower because it hates it with a passion.

40.7gr H4350
123gr. Amax
2705 fps

 

[potatoe]

No offense taken changeling. I'm new to this cartridge but everything with it checks out the only weak link is the chrono (a cheap beta) but right after I shot my string my pops shot his gun and it was right where it should be but I think if might need to load some more up and send them thru it again. I had a low ES though ;D I was thinking I should have been somewhere around 2850 going off other loads I've seen. I dunno???

 

[potatoe]

does anyone have quickload they could run this though it?

And jam for the 123 amax is 2.750 and I asked for a .200 freebore. It seems a little short, can anyone post what their jam is and what freebore you have

 

[Ringostar]

Myself and others that I know, are loading more H4350 than that with 140gn bullets. I would go back to the .010 off, and try increasing powder charge. I also don't trust my crony, so quit using it.

 

[potatoe]

I was up to 42 without any issues but didn't have the accuracy, it wasn't bad under .5 but it just shoots right here around 40.7-41 . I'm not trying to be a speed chaser but dang! I'd be happy above 2800, after all this is just a back up plinker and so far at 100 yards once I found this load its been great .25-.3's and stable with a .6 variance in charge. I still need to shoot it at 200+.

 

[ShootDots]

Potatoe, if you want to really see if you have a slow(er) barrel, try this: Take the 123 Scenars and run up to 40.0grs with VV N540. NOTE: once you get past 39.0grs keep a watchful eye on pressures. (You should not have any worries BUT just the same, keep a watchful eye out)... This powder, with lighter bullets like the 123's, will MOVE them at incredible speeds. I would say, even with a 26" barrel, you should EASILY pass the 2900f.p.s. mark with a load at 39.0+!

 

[potatoe]

Thanks dots. I shot it again today and it read a little more respectable. It said that I was around 2780fps with the same 40.7 charge, I'm thinking that maybe the chrono was just acting up the other day?!? Its not the best chrono but it can "normally" behave well enough for me to get some readings.

I don't have any 540 powder but I did shoot 123's with 38gr. of varget just to see what I was getting and it was just under 2900 so its not too slow, just doesn't shoot well at the higher velocities.

 

[rduckwor]

I hate to say it, but shooting over a Beta Chrony is more like an educated guess.

I used one for years and switched to a Magnetospeed V3. Night and day. No more lost shots and true velocity.

I suspect the chrono is your issue.

Good Luck,

RMD

 

[Jet]

I hate to say it, but shooting over a Beta Chrony is more like an educated guess.

I used one for years and switched to a Magnetospeed V3. Night and day. No more lost shots and true velocity.

I suspect the chrono is your issue.

Good Luck,

RMD

Agree and same exprience for me.

Good shooting.

Rich

 

[potatoe]

Yeah i think you boys are right. Does the magneto change your POI? I was thinking about going with an oehler instead

 

[Jet]

If you want to measure your velocity, ES, SD,etc during initial load testing then recommend the Oehler.

Once I have a load tuned to shoot the way I want at 100 and 600 I'll put the magneto speed on to get my #s

The magneto will change point of impact (every rifle is different) and that's why I don't use it during initial load testing.

Main reason i purchased it and am happy with it is ease of set up and use.

Good Shooting.

Rich