Low fps 6.5x47L according to Magnetospeed

[CTK]

Busted out my Magnetospeed Sporter today. Had already suspected it was reading slow from experience with different rifle. It read 2682 for 40.5gr H4350 and 130 Berger VLD. This is with a 23" barrel. Seems about 100fps low? Could have been looking at old data but don't think so. Close to giving up on using my RCBS Chargemaster as a scale. Could be throwing a low charge. Calibrate the thing all the time but it seems to be getting increasingly squirrelly. Thoughts?

 

[qbert]

I'm not sure how much this will help, but here's what I know. I use 40.1gr H4350 under the Berger 140VLD and I get 2,795fps (1,200ft elevation, 80 degrees) out of my 26" barrel. SD of 3. Measured with a Magnetospeed 3. I also use a Chargemaster. Have you checked the throws from the RCBS against another scale?

 

[MOShooter]

Busted out my Magnetospeed Sporter today. Had already suspected it was reading slow from experience with different rifle. It read 2682 for 40.5gr H4350 and 130 Berger VLD. This is with a 23" barrel. Seems about 100fps low? Could have been looking at old data but don't think so. Close to giving up on using my RCBS Chargemaster as a scale. Could be throwing a low charge. Calibrate the thing all the time but it seems to be getting increasingly squirrelly. Thoughts?

Is this a new lot of H4350? I've been running into the same issues. I ran up to 41.7 with 130 bergers and only got to 2820 from a 26" barrel.

 

[CTK]

I am going to purchase another digital scale. I have a beam scale packed away somewhere. The Chargemaster has become possessed. It throws the charge (usually, but not always over,) then fluctuates .4 gr. or so for the next 10 seconds. It did not always do this.

This is a recent lot of 4350.

 

[X-Caveman]

I tested my new 8lb jug of H4350 and was getting about 2,680 FPS @ 40.5gr with a 140 Hybrid in my old 26" 6.5x47 BBL using Magnetospeed V3. I'm now at 41.7gr to get to 2,800 FPS. 42.0gr got me 2,820 FPS. Note - these are way over published maxes, so don't duplicate. It's not a problem in my particular tube, because it's so long in the throat. In fact, if I load them any longer, I won't be able to close my ammo box.

It will likely be a big problem in my other barrels that aren't so roomy. Don't think I'll be able to get enough powder in the case to get the MV where it needs to be in order to justify shooting it in a match over my 6BR. Accuracy at 2,750 minimum is what I have in mind for the distances I shoot. 2,850 would be the titts. We shall see.

I'd post the lot # if I was smart enough to find it on a 8#'er.

 

[CTK]

I tested my new 8lb jug of H4350 and was getting about 2,680 FPS @ 40.5gr with a 140 Hybrid in my old 26" 6.5x47 BBL using Magnetospeed V3. I'm now at 41.7gr to get to 2,800 FPS. 42.0gr got me 2,820 FPS. Note - these are way over published maxes, so don't duplicate. It's not a problem in my particular tube, because it's so long in the throat. In fact, if I load them any longer, I won't be able to close my ammo box.

It will likely be a big problem in my other barrels that aren't so roomy. Don't think I'll be able to get enough powder in the case to get the MV where it needs to be in order to justify shooting it in a match over my 6BR. Accuracy at 2,750 minimum is what I have in mind for the distances I shoot. 2,850 would be the titts. We shall see.

I'd post the lot # if I was smart enough to find it on a 8#'er.

I have .172 freebore. 26" is probably worth 50-75 fps. vs. my 23" barrel. Not sure what the 10gr. bullet weight difference would be? I see no pressure signs so far. Perhaps one or two slight "extractor wipes". They could just be imperfections that I cannot accurately discern. I think these may have happened when tried some 120 TTSX @40gr. My vision sucks. I need a magnifying glass. I may try to go up with the Bergers now that am using a chronograph. This is a hunting rifle so am not jamming into the lands. Have found best accuracy with the VLD's at about .040 off. I just purchased 3lbs of H4350 and was glad to find it. Wonder if it will be as "slow"? BTW, I am using CCI 450 primers. I have not tried 205m's. Should I?

 

[MOShooter]

I tested my new 8lb jug of H4350 and was getting about 2,680 FPS @ 40.5gr with a 140 Hybrid in my old 26" 6.5x47 BBL using Magnetospeed V3. I'm now at 41.7gr to get to 2,800 FPS. 42.0gr got me 2,820 FPS. Note - these are way over published maxes, so don't duplicate. It's not a problem in my particular tube, because it's so long in the throat. In fact, if I load them any longer, I won't be able to close my ammo box.

It will likely be a big problem in my other barrels that aren't so roomy. Don't think I'll be able to get enough powder in the case to get the MV where it needs to be in order to justify shooting it in a match over my 6BR. Accuracy at 2,750 minimum is what I have in mind for the distances I shoot. 2,850 would be the titts. We shall see.

I'd post the lot # if I was smart enough to find it on a 8#'er.

Looks like mine is lot 1060216.

 

[X-Caveman]

I have .172 freebore. 26" is probably worth 50-75 fps. vs. my 23" barrel. Not sure what the 10gr. bullet weight difference would be? I see no pressure signs so far. Perhaps one or two slight "extractor wipes". They could just be imperfections that I cannot accurately discern. I think these may have happened when tried some 120 TTSX @40gr. My vision sucks. I need a magnifying glass. I may try to go up with the Bergers now that am using a chronograph. This is a hunting rifle so am not jamming into the lands. Have found best accuracy with the VLD's at about .040 off. I just purchased 3lbs of H4350 and was glad to find it. Wonder if it will be as "slow"? BTW, I am using CCI 450 primers. I have not tried 205m's. Should I?

I use 450's. Don't know about the Federals. I would think 2,850 FPS is reasonable/ easily attainable with the 130s in a 23" barrel. I'll try to check my powder lot tonight. I would definitely get a second opinion on your charge weights, though. Sounds like you have a plan to do so in the works.

 

[dkhunt14]

I'd post the lot # if I was smart enough to find it on a 8#'er.

The lot number is on an orange sticker or yellow numbers. At least that is what mine have. It can be anywhere on the jug. Matt

 

[CTK]

I use 450's. Don't know about the Federals. I would think 2,850 FPS is reasonable/ easily attainable with the 130s in a 23" barrel. I'll try to check my powder lot tonight. I would definitely get a second opinion on your charge weights, though. Sounds like you have a plan to do so in the works.

I just ordered a GemPro 250 from Amazon. Wonky Chargemaster may become a powder dispenser. I have a Redding Competition powder drop. Have never used it. Chargemaster seemed too good to be true. Apparently it was.

 

[X-Caveman]

The lot number is on an orange sticker or yellow numbers. At least that is what mine have. It can be anywhere on the jug. Matt

Thanks. My sticker is gone, but i did write the date that i bought it on the jug. Not as new as i thought. Jan 2014.

 

[qbert]

My 8lb jug that has given me great consistency and velocities in both 6.5 Creed and 6.5 Lapua is sadly almost gone. I wish I would have been able to get a few more jugs at that lot number. It is an orange sticker: 80925135229. No idea of date of manufacture.

 

[Sheldon N]

My 8lb jug that has given me great consistency and velocities in both 6.5 Creed and 6.5 Lapua is sadly almost gone. I wish I would have been able to get a few more jugs at that lot number. It is an orange sticker: 80925135229. No idea of date of manufacture.

You can decode from the lot number...

8 = 8lb jug
092513 = Was packaged on 9/25/13
5229 = Lot number 5229

 

[qbert]

Thanks, Sheldon! Good to know...

 

[/VH]

Yep, thanks Sheldon. I'm glad to learn that also.

 

[CTK]

I have basically verified the Magnetospeed and the Chargemaster. I may just have a slow barrel on my 6.5x47. I will try a different powder.

 

[jsthntn247]

Try 36.5-38gr of Varget.

 

[CTK]

Try 36.5-38gr of Varget.

Will do. Also looking for some RL16

 

[rardoin]

I have basically verified the Magnetospeed and the Chargemaster. I may just have a slow barrel on my 6.5x47. I will try a different powder.

My current 24" barrel in a 6.5 Creedmoor suffers the same issue....about 100fps slower than most others for an identical load- even from the same barrel maker/chamberer. It does clean real easy as a consolation prize.

 

[CTK]

My current 24" barrel in a 6.5 Creedmoor suffers the same issue....about 100fps slower than most others for an identical load- even from the same barrel maker/chamberer. It does clean real easy as a consolation prize.

My current question is whether or not to go up a little more in powder. No pressure signs .8g over Berger max. My 280AI would have blown apart at Berger max loads much less over. As you point out, each rifle has its own load performance.