Load development for 6BRA for lighter wt. bullets

[Flatfishhunter]

There are many good suggestions on this forum for loads using 105 gr bullets but I haven't found any for lighter bullets. Specifically, I would like to use Hornady 75gr Vmax and 87gr Vmax bullets. I will be using Varget, in a 24" Brux barrel with a 1:8 twist and either CCI450 or BR4 primers. If anyone has any load data that they would care to share, it would be much appreciated.

 

[johara1]

What is your free bore? If it is set for the 105 bullets you will have a huge jump with the light bullets, plus the fast twist. I shot 80 boat tails from a 12 twist and a .060 free bore and they were great at 3250 fps...... jim

 

[urbanrifleman]

80 Bergers will shoot very small with a long FB. You might look at the Berger 88 also.

 

[tclaunch]

I would buy IMR8208 for the lighter weights.

 

[johara1]

Yes 8208 XBR is great with the 80's it fire formed in a .1, and shot in the zeros at 100 yds.... jim

 

[NCVarhtr]

I have a 6 BRA with a 10" twist that is set up for lighter weight bullets. Defiance action, Brux Barrel etc.
For bullets in the 70 to 80 Gr weight, I believe IMR 8208 XBR is probably going to be your best bet . For the 87 Gr. V=Max or Berger, Varget might work ok.

 

[BRGUY]

Do you think IMR 8208 XBR is better than H-322 for 70 to 80 grain bullets with a 10" twist rate barrel?

 

[NCVarhtr]

I just tested some 70 Gr Nosler BT bullets this week in my 6 BRA. I used both IMR 8208 XBR and H-322. I did a ladder test and the 8208 shot much better. I had been working up in 3 tenths grain increments. I was .005 off the lands . The very best group was about 3/8" and the next 3 tenths grains gave me heavy bolt lift but the primers looked OK. The H-322 shot OK but not nearly as tight or as consistent as the 8208. YMMV....

 

[BRGUY]

I just tested some 70 Gr Nosler BT bullets this week in my 6 BRA. I used both IMR 8208 XBR and H-322. I did a ladder test and the 8208 shot much better. I had been working up in 3 tenths grain increments. I was .005 off the lands . The very best group was about 3/8" and the next 3 tenths grains gave me heavy bolt lift but the primers looked OK. The H-322 shot OK but not nearly as tight or as consistent as the 8208. YMMV....

I will definitely have to give 8208 a try! Thank you for the information.

 

[Flatfishhunter]

What is your free bore? If it is set for the 105 bullets you will have a huge jump with the light bullets, plus the fast twist. I shot 80 boat tails from a 12 twist and a .060 free bore and they were great at 3250 fps...... jim

free bore is .070". Has anyone actually used Varget with the 87gr and if so, what load worked for you?

 

[JamesnTN]

Here you go. This is my light bullet load data.

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/6-bra-12-twist-testing-update-3-4-18.3936321/

Also here’s a 500 yard load test this past summer with Bart’s 80 grain bullets.




Also I recently took the same rifle shooting 31.7 to Birmingham Al. And won score agg of a 199

 

[WyleWD]

I definitely agree with the other posters that recommend trying the 8208. I would add that when you're close on your powder charge, try some different primers. My load looked good with BR4's, good with 205's, and REALLY good with 450's. YMMV. WD

 

[Flatfishhunter]

Thank you James for the helpful information. Much appreciate!

 

[Eric Leonard]

My latest Brux 12 twist didnt like 8208 with 80 gr bullets as much as my other Kriegers ,,it shoots lights out with VVN 135 and H322 which surprised me,,
The 322 topped out at 3220 fps but it shoots as tight for longer strings as 135 in this bbl.

 

[urbanrifleman]

I would tell you the best 6BRA powder, but I don't post in the 6br subforum.... hahaha

 

[urbanrifleman]

 

[Mark W]

Cool dog.....

 

[urbanrifleman]

Cool dog.....

My baby girl Phoebe. And yes she is super cool.

 

[Lefty Trigger]

Not a BR"A" but in my BR I'm playing around with Berger 80gr flat base varmint bullets in a 30 inch 8 twist and so far having loads of fun and super accuracy. Powders are Accurate 2230, Varget, H335, and just got my hands on some TAC. Dont let anybody fool you into thinking they wont work, they do. Might not be ideal for the application but they do work and I have gone down to 55gr bullets. Now here is the rub,... 55gr, 60gr both have a pretty good jump but seem to be ok with it. 68gr and 80gr Berger's flat base will reach the lands in my barrel and it is a 105gr class barrel. My current best load is 33.0grs. of Varget under the 80gr Berger jumping them .020 and these shoot 1 inch at 300 yards with 10 shots. Powder is up in the neck but not compressed yet.
Going to try the TAC and need to get some H4895 to try as well. I think I'm done with heavy bullets in my BR, I keep my 6.5x47 for long range stuff.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Not a BR"A" but in my BR I'm playing around with Berger 80gr flat base varmint bullets in a 30 inch 8 twist and so far having loads of fun and super accuracy. Powders are Accurate 2230, Varget, H335, and just got my hands on some TAC. Dont let anybody fool you into thinking they wont work, they do. Might not be ideal for the application but they do work and I have gone down to 55gr bullets. Now here is the rub,... 55gr, 60gr both have a pretty good jump but seem to be ok with it. 68gr and 80gr Berger's flat base will reach the lands in my barrel and it is a 105gr class barrel. My current best load is 33.0grs. of Varget under the 80gr Berger jumping them .020 and these shoot 1 inch at 300 yards with 10 shots. Powder is up in the neck but not compressed yet.
Going to try the TAC and need to get some H4895 to try as well. I think I'm done with heavy bullets in my BR, I keep my 6.5x47 for long range stuff.

My buddy has been shooting surplus NATO ball powder that he bought super cheap. Man, does that stuff shoot lights out.