Load Data using RL-17 for the Berger 6.5 Creedmoor 140 gr Hybrid target bullets?

[ShipAhoy]

Has anyone used RL-17 for the Berger 6.5 Creedmoor 140 gr Hybrid target bullets? How much?

I loaded up some Berger 140 gr Hybrid target bullets used 43.0 grains of powder RL-19 according to the Berger Load manual my FPS should be 2699. My average FPS was ONLY 2558.

Same day I loaded and shot some Hornaday 6.5 Creedmoor ELD-M 140 gr with 41.3 grains of RL-17 and they shot 2705 FPS which is what the Hornaday manual specifies. It was all the same gun RPR 24" barrel, brass, primers and the same COAL.

I emailed Berger today and they said I have to call to get that load info, they won't email it anymore.

So if I can find time tomorrow I will call them.

Thanks.

 

[jeffreybehr]

OOPS...I'm sure that was 43 GRAINS, not GRAMS, since you're still alive. One needs to be CAREFUL with units of measure.

I suspect that since Berger's Re19 load tied for highest velocity among the 10 powders they published, that Re17 is a bit too fast burning to achieve high velocities.

 

[watercam]

Check other sources. The Berger manual is very conservative to say the least. H4350 data is close (what I used when I was using Re17). Work up from min.. Be aware that Re17 is a high intensity powder. Velocities will be good and accuracy as well but watch your throat - I had firecracking in a .308 Palma rifle throat with 185s and Re17 after less than 300 rounds. Same with a .243 using 107 gr. SMKs. Lost that barrel after only 800 rounds.

 

[rardoin]

If you can find a pound of RL-16, I suggest giving it a go. I have sidelined H4350 in my 6.5 Creedmoor/135-142gr bullets and replaced it with RL-16. I get more velocity for the same charge and the same accuracy in a 26" barrel. I can get a 135gr VLD up to 2925fps safely and the base expansion is negligible, primer pockets without change after a few firings in Lapua brass. I have not finalized a load yet but it looks like I will be shooting a 135 BIB over RL-16 if final development continues to impress.

 

[ShipAhoy]

I talked to Berger and they told me using RL-17 with Berger 140 Hybrid Target bullets: 38.5 grains = 2584 FPS & 42.6 grains = 2832 FPS

Now I have a starting point, but 2832 is faster than I want to go.

 

[shoot4fun]

My go-to load for the 140 Hybrid and RL17 has always been 42.5 grains. My 8.5 twist Bartlein is laser accurate and sends bullets at 2850 FPS. I've had the 140 ELD-M clock 2900+ in the heat of summer. No pressure signs and Hornady brass can go 10-12 firings before losing the primer pockets.

 

[Auto-X Fil]

I ended up at 41.8gr of RL 17 behind a 140gr hybrid in Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor brass. I went to mid-42s without signs. This is long, like 2.95" OAL.

I've used BR2 and 210M with success.

 

[ShipAhoy]

Oh yes grains NOT grams thanks for catching that typo.

OOPS...I'm sure that was 43 GRAINS, not GRAMS, since you're still alive. One needs to be CAREFUL with units of measure.

I suspect that since Berger's Re19 load tied for highest velocity among the 10 powders they published, that Re17 is a bit too fast burning to achieve high velocities.