New 6BR Norma brass and barrel

[DB_23]

New caliber, new barrel and new brass. I've been loading .223 awhile but just stepping into the 6BR.
Barrel is a 26" Criterion 1:8 with .093 freebore and I have 100 pieces of new Alpha 6BR brass. I am looking for recommendations for initial loading with the goal of getting the first firing on the brass. I have Varget on hand and 88 grain Berger flat base varmint bullets. I can get a different bullet to get this started if needed. My thoughts on this are to start with around 27 grains powder and load 20 thou or more off the lands. I do understand the need to work the load up but I also don't want to shoot loads that are excessively conservative. Thanks. Let 'er rip. Great site.
Darrell

 

[mmcu]

H-4895 and the 90 grain Berger slightly jammed just might turn out to be your best friend.

 

[Shooter13]

H-4895 and the 90 grain Berger slightly jammed just might turn out to be your best friend.

Varget and the 90BT Match Bergers shoot great in my 6BR no turn.

 

[HTSmith]

I would try to learn something with every pull of the trigger. The Berger manual says you can go up to 30.9 Gr of Varget with that bullet. But the data was with Lapua brass. I'm not sure how much difference there is with Alpha. I've also found the Berger data to be fairly conservative. Then there's lot to lot variation with Varget.

If it were me I would first get an idea of powder by picking a charge of Varget--say 28 Gr--and then work up .2 Gr at a time till I felt bolt lift. Then back off that charge and try seating depth by starting the bullet jammed as far as it will go (or as far as you can deal with closing the bolt) and shortening the OAL .003 at a time. I usually load a batch at "Jam" and shoot 2 shot groups using a hand die at the range to seat deeper. Once two go into one hole, I'll seat another couple at that depth to confirm.

Just what I do and I ain't a very good shot. Enjoy the journey.

 

[DB_23]

Thanks for the tips. I do have a Berger manual on the way. Seems that reloading manuals are starting to show up again. Excited to get into this new to me caliber. My ultimate goal for this gun is just to shoot out to the 800 yard steel at the local range (and points in between).

 

[wildcatter]

I always start into the lands about .020" in. I use a 10% reduction from published max. This will let me start increasing .2ths of a grain at a time, I use three shot groups doing this and a chronograph (if you have one).

Once I find a sign of pressure, usually bolt lift, but also watch my brass, I use my best 3 shot load, and start backing out of the lands .003" at a time, again 3 shot groups. I do this to find my best seating depth knowing pressure will decrease as I back out.

I start .020" in the lands because I have never found any load to shoot better at jump. But usually between .015" and .003 to be where most of my cartridges shoot best.

But! Nothing is definate, my 222 likes a slight jump, the only cartridge I have ever found this with. But I have never found anything to shoot better going deeper than .020" into the lands.

I also once I find this seating depth, and now begin load development, once i find that best load, will load both .003 and .006 inch in and out of where i am to asure that best seating depth.

doing a ll this I would suggest using the ammo you are going to be able to get in quantities to last for the life of that barrel. It is my experience the 88 gain you mention is a flat base. I would look at the 95 bt target, easier to obtain, and a better choice for ballistics beyond 300 or 400 yards.

Good luck and enjoy the new rifle!

 

[DB_23]

Update: Took the new rifle to the range today with 24 rounds loaded with Varget from 28 grains to 30.1 in .3 increments. just to get some initial firings in. Bullets seated 20 thou jumped. Not news I'm sure but this caliber SHOOTs. Got a couple of one hole 3 shot groups and others were very decent for the first time out. Odd thing though, experienced what I would call mild "heavy bolt lift" right out of the gate. Actually lessened the farther along I went. There was a barely distinguishable ejector mark on the base. Case shoulders went from 1.155 with Hornady comparator to 1.164 after firing. Pretty happy all in all.

 

[djporter]

Update: Took the new rifle to the range today with 24 rounds loaded with Varget from 28 grains to 30.1 in .3 increments. just to get some initial firings in. Bullets seated 20 thou jumped. Not news I'm sure but this caliber SHOOTs. Got a couple of one hole 3 shot groups and others were very decent for the first time out. Odd thing though, experienced what I would call mild "heavy bolt lift" right out of the gate. Actually lessened the farther along I went. There was a barely distinguishable ejector mark on the base. Case shoulders went from 1.155 with Hornady comparator to 1.164 after firing. Pretty happy all in all.

Oil in chamber?

 

[DB_23]

Oil in chamber?
That's a possibility. May have had some residual cleaner. I will pay closer attention next time around.

 

[JB10]

While i have only tried 2 different bullets out in my 6br, H-4895 and berger 105 hybrids are a good pair.