Load data (probably been asked 100 times) for Straight 6BR

[Raydee]

Yes I did a search and got some good info.

With that said I am going to be loading Berger 105gr BT Target bullets with Shooters world precision powder. My plan was to load in .2gr increments starting at 28.2-30gr. Barrel is a 1-8 twist that is 26" long and I am using Peterson brass.

1) Is it even worth working up a load until I break in the barrel first?
2) I was planning to start with the bullet right at touch, do the Berger 105 Bt's generally like to be into the lands or do they like some jump.
3) What muzzle velocity is optimum for this cartridge?

 

[Raydee]

Load data looks ok to me, a little hot at 30gr but still not over pressure.

 

[Murray Brook]

What I would do ( did do ) would be to fire form 20 brass and break the barrel in doing this then go from there with the load dev. JMO

 

[Raydee]

First outing went pretty well, shot 20 fire forming shots and then started my powder test. Barrel was still speeding up after the 50th shot so I am going to run the test again next time out but so far I am pretty happy with the results.

 

[Piglet]

What kind of s.d.s are you getting? I've gotten s lot of single digits w mine. Think my barrel is over the hill, as I'm getting same velocity you are w 30 grains at 31. I really like the powder from what I've shot it.

 

[Raydee]

I really didn't pay much attention to the SD's when I was doing the powder charge work up. Once I have a couple stable nodes I will start watching the SD's more closely.

 

[Raydee]

Finally got out to do a seating test today. Started at touch and worked back .003" at a time but didn't see a node. Since touch shot pretty good, I moved into the lands .003" and believe I found a good node between .006" and .009" into the lands. Tuner testing at 300 yards will be next.

 

[daviddt]

Have you tried any N-140 or varget. And also i keep a variety of bullets (bergers) 105's hunting , hybrid , vld target , 108's and 109's . And i always let my rifle tell me what it likes or most consistent with . What it will repeat . But 29.5 of N-140 and 109's just touching works really good in a couple barrels i have .

 

[Raydee]

I gave up on Varget when it was impossible to find and switched to SW Precision. Now that Precision cost way more than Vihtavuori I plan to try some N-140 when it becomes available. I did buy a jug of N-150 to try out next. As far as bullets go the 105BT Target are the only ones I have tried so far. I have some Sierra 107 Matchkings on order and will be trying some of the other Bergers.

 

[boltfluter]

Finally got out to do a seating test today. Started at touch and worked back .003" at a time but didn't see a node. Since touch shot pretty good, I moved into the lands .003" and believe I found a good node between .006" and .009" into the lands. Tuner testing at 300 yards will be next.
View attachment 1599452

Nice shooting Ray! Time and again, in most of my rifles, .006 to .009 into the rifling is always the one to beat. Once you figure this out, load development becomes quite simple. And, I have never pulled a bullet from the case if a cease-fire is called. This seating information is "gold " for those who have not tried it yet. Good shooting too you!
Paul

 

[Webster]

Finally got out to do a seating test today. Started at touch and worked back .003" at a time but didn't see a node. Since touch shot pretty good, I moved into the lands .003" and believe I found a good node between .006" and .009" into the lands. Tuner testing at 300 yards will be next.
View attachment 1599452

Remember when you jam, if the range officer calls a cease fire or you have to open the bolt for some reason you will likely dump powder all over in the chamber and trigger area.

 

[Raydee]

Remember when you jam, if the range officer calls a cease fire or you have to open the bolt for some reason you will likely dump powder all over in the chamber and trigger area.

Yeah, I am only .009 from touch so I am thinking I am only slightly jammed and I won't stick a bullet. I have to be honest, I was going to test it and chickened out worried about making a mess. Going just by bolt closing feel I think I will be fine but will eventually have to find out for sure.

 

[dc.fireman]

My 300M Match load:

SIE 107 gr. HPBT seated at 2.440" COAL
Lapua or Norma case
30.0 gr. IMR 4064
FED 205M primer

This load will hold the X-ring @300M with a Bleiker 26" barrel, using iron sights, and a sling in the prone position.

Someone said it on this forum awhile ago: 6BR is the 'easy' button. I actually got better SD's using 30.1 grains of IMR-4064 - but my buddy just laughed and said "go with straight 30 grains, because its so easy to remember."

 

[JFrank]

Yeah, I am only .009 from touch so I am thinking I am only slightly jammed and I won't stick a bullet. I have to be honest, I was going to test it and chickened out worried about making a mess. Going just by bolt closing feel I think I will be fine but will eventually have to find out for sure.

If you’re concerned about it, make up a dummy and apply enough neck tension to hold a bullet on a jam and not loose seating depth when cycling the bolt, It really isn’t that hard.

 

[Mike Hightower]

Powder Valley has N140 in 8lb jugs. I just got me one.

 

[Webster]

Yes I did a search and got some good info.

With that said I am going to be loading Berger 105gr BT Target bullets with Shooters world precision powder. My plan was to load in .2gr increments starting at 28.2-30gr. Barrel is a 1-8 twist that is 26" long and I am using Peterson brass.

1) Is it even worth working up a load until I break in the barrel first?
2) I was planning to start with the bullet right at touch, do the Berger 105 Bt's generally like to be into the lands or do they like some jump.
3) What muzzle velocity is optimum for this cartridge?

LOAD MAPS

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[lyle2231]

Finally got out to do a seating test today. Started at touch and worked back .003" at a time but didn't see a node. Since touch shot pretty good, I moved into the lands .003" and believe I found a good node between .006" and .009" into the lands. Tuner testing at 300 yards will be next.
View attachment 1599452

At .003 into lands what is the coal? Was that the 107 Sierra?

 

[Raydee]

At .003 into lands what is the coal? Was that the 107 Sierra?

I am using Berger 105 BT Target. At .009 into the lands the COAL is 2.308”