I have not found a good load that works the action and holds a tight group. I have a M1A in 6.5 creedmoor.
Looking for info on reloading for the M1A in 6.5 Creedmoor
- Thread starter Captain Jim
- Start date
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
I cant believe they made the m1a in creedmoor. The piston timing and bolt speed is way off no matter what powder you use. It needs to be alot slower than you can currently load with powder these days. Its like the recoil impulse is too sharp.
I wondered about this as well. I like and own M1As. The 6.5 creedmore rounds fit the M1a magazine. What could go wrong? I know that there is a wide range of bullet weights for 308 but my M1As really prefer 160 ish 175 a little heavy. Should have looked at the 147s and up. Is the op rod speed too fast bolt and piston out of synch? Not likely to try and buy in the time of COVID but curious. Seems like wide range in 223 bullets but there is a range of powders that one can use for various twist rate bullet weight combinations.
While I don't have an M1A in 6.5 creedmoor, I do frequent the M14forums and so far folks who own them seem to like it. I imagine that getting it to operate correctly was simply a matter of adjusting the gas port size...if it required that at all.
That said, If I were working up loads for a 6.5 creedmoor m1a, I would go with the powders that tend to already work in the M1A. Stick with medium burning powders like IMR 4895, Varget, H4895, IMR 4064, IMR 4166, possibly 8208. Given it's a semi-auto, I would stick with 120ish to 130 bullets and go with loads that tend to work well in the AR-10 platform like a Sierra/Nosler/Hornady 123 with 38 to 39g of Varget and see how that does. It's towards the top end published data, but that is where I would start. Going with slower powders like 4350 will probably be hard on your op rod.
That said, If I were working up loads for a 6.5 creedmoor m1a, I would go with the powders that tend to already work in the M1A. Stick with medium burning powders like IMR 4895, Varget, H4895, IMR 4064, IMR 4166, possibly 8208. Given it's a semi-auto, I would stick with 120ish to 130 bullets and go with loads that tend to work well in the AR-10 platform like a Sierra/Nosler/Hornady 123 with 38 to 39g of Varget and see how that does. It's towards the top end published data, but that is where I would start. Going with slower powders like 4350 will probably be hard on your op rod.
Thanks for the info. H4350 did not work very well so went to H4895 and am getting great accuracy but still have cycling problems. I also have come down in bullet weight from 140 to 120 and 123Grs.
Well I started with 140 Gr. bullet and H 4350 powder at 36 gr but did not cycle. Lots of jams. Increased powder to no avail. dropped down in bullet weight and then changed to H4895 then to IMR 4895. got my best results with 38 gr. of IMR4895 and a 123 gr bullet. Its putting 5 in one minute of angle at 100 yards but still fails to cycle every third or forth round.
Sounds like it likes the load. As for the jams, things to check... 1. magazines, 2. gas piston 3. tilt test/stock fit.
1. Are they USGI or Checkmate magazines (SAI mags are Checkmate).
2. How's the piston look. Any burrs that might keep the piston from moving freely in the gas cylinder. Possibly try another piston
3. Does your rifle pass the tilt test? Google this if you don't know what I mean. It basically checks the stock fit to ensure none of the moving parts are hanging up on the stock anywhere.
4. my most recent M1A National Match had a rough chamber which was also causing issues and my smith was able to run his reamer through it to clean it up... granted it was .308 vs 6.5 cm, but the same thing could be happening to you.
I do recommend you venture over to M14forums.com and read up on other's results. Don't be afraid to ask a question or two.
1. Are they USGI or Checkmate magazines (SAI mags are Checkmate).
2. How's the piston look. Any burrs that might keep the piston from moving freely in the gas cylinder. Possibly try another piston
3. Does your rifle pass the tilt test? Google this if you don't know what I mean. It basically checks the stock fit to ensure none of the moving parts are hanging up on the stock anywhere.
4. my most recent M1A National Match had a rough chamber which was also causing issues and my smith was able to run his reamer through it to clean it up... granted it was .308 vs 6.5 cm, but the same thing could be happening to you.
I do recommend you venture over to M14forums.com and read up on other's results. Don't be afraid to ask a question or two.
I will check with them and see. Thanks!
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