Newbie Question about Load Data

[Crusader]

I've recently acquired an LRPV with a 12 twist. I am interested in using 70 gr Nosler BTs and 75 gr V-Maxes. The powders I will be testing loads with are VV N135, Varget, and maybe H4895.

I have done a lot of scouring of the net looking for load data for those bullets and powders. There is not a ton of data out there and some of it is a bit confusing, between the Norma and Remington data (regarding that aspect, I think I've concluded correctly that the load data for each of those cases are basically interchangeable). Yes, I have seen the varmint load data on this website.

Anyway, here's the question. Most of the data I've seen (this website's, included) show a single powder load, the shooter's "preferred" or "optimal" load, but I am not seeing starting and maximum load data. So, what should I use as starting and max loads for my rifle? Maybe .3 or .5 or 1.0 grains below and above these powder loads? Or something else?

Anything you guys could suggest and advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[hogpatrol]

A couple places to check:

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

http://www.vihtavuori-lapua.com/disclaimer.php

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/default.aspx

 

[deadlyswift]

Pick a mild load from one of the links above that hogpatrol has provided or any of today's current loading manuals. Never start with or close to a load that you have seen or read on any gun forum including this one!

Don't get me wrong and I'm not saying loads posted don't shoot great and aren't safe. BUT!!!! They are SAFE in THOSE rifles not yours!! Start with a mild load from the Sierra, Nosler, Barnes Manuals etc. and work up slowly. You will have to find the max for your rifle.

 

[SS427]

I have a 13.5 twist 6BR and recently worked up a nice H4895 load with Sierra Match 70 grain bullets that shoots really well. One day with 5-10 mph cross winds I shot 4 groups measuring .165, .328, .349 and .281. Not the best it has ever done with N133 and N135, but pretty darn good and the barrel cleaned up really easy. I will IM the powder charge to you.

 

[birdog]

In my Remington 700 6 BR 12 twist I shoot 32.5 gr N-135
N-135 is the gold standard for light bullets in the BR and Dasher.

 

[fdshuster]

Crusader: As others have said, you gotta start low & slowly work up. Of the 3 powders you listed N135, and birdog mentioned, is one of my favorites for the lighter weight bullets. And my load also is 32.5, works fine in all three of my 14 twists with 68 to 70 gr. bullets, but, it is near max. in my rifles & I will not go higher.

I do prefer the VihtaVouri powders, and use them as much as possible since I find them to be very clean burning & very consistant from one lot to the next.

Varget remains my first choice for the heavier than 70 gr. bullets. Tried N140 (same burn rate as Varget) but just cannot get it to perform like Varget.

 

[Forum Boss]

In my Remington 700 6 BR 12 twist I shoot 32.5 gr N-135
N-135 is the gold standard for light bullets in the BR and Dasher.

Concur. N135 hammers for me in a 6mmBR with Berger 80s. If you can't get the Vmax to shoot tight clusters, try the Berger 80s. If those 80s don't work at 100, and you have a solid rest/bag set-up, I would start worrying about the barrel. Some Savage factory barrels shoot, some don't. We've had very good luck with pre-fit Pac-Nor and Criterion bbls on Savages. The PacNor 3-groove is exceptionally easy to clean -- a good choice for a varminter.

 

[jefats]

29.0 H322 with the Sierra 70 Match HP is a real good load in my Cooper 6BR (1-10 twist). Velocity 3216 and if I do my part, near 1" groups (5 shots) at 300 yards is the norm.

90 Bergers and Scenars do just as well with Varget.

 

[Crusader]

Thanks for the responses, guys. The load data links don't really work for what I have on hand (the Hodgdon data doesn't include anything for the 75 V-Max, though it does have a 75 Speer listing so maybe I could use that as a guideline, and it does have data for my Nosler 70 BT; the Alliant link doesn't have 6mm BR data, unless I am looking at it wrong; and the VV doesn't show data for the bullets I have). There seems to be a lot of good data from all you guys for your rifles, which I guess is a testament to the inherent accuracy and versatility of the cartridge.

I'd like to make things as simple as possible at first. So I think what I will do is work up loads with VV135 and the 75 V-Max, and H4895 and the 70 Nosler BT and see what I get. If none of those seem to be tack drivers in my rifle, maybe I'll get some 80 Bergers and try those with VV135 and see what that gives me.

Thanks again for the input!

 

[hogpatrol]

Crusader, Did you check this page? http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/6mmbr/#6BRVarmint
It has two 75vmax suggested loads. Hog

 

[Crusader]

Yep, Hog, I saw that data and will use that, probably starting 10% or so below the listed load.
Question for you guys who advocate the 80 gr Bergers--which bullet works best for you?

 

[hogpatrol]

Crusader, Accurate powder has loads listed for their powders in the 6BR for the 70 Nosler. I've had good results with 2015 and 2230 with the lighter bullets in my 1-14 lilja.

http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/accurate_load_data_3.5.pdf page 13. Hog