powder recomendation for 6.5 x284

[archerross]

This is my first post here although I've been checking things out for a while.

My first custom rifle should be finished in early Feb. It is a 6.5x284 built on a trued Ruger M77 MKII action with 26" Brux 1:8.5 twist SS barrel in #3 contour, H-S Precision stock. I am considering 142 gr Sierra MK for targets and 130 gr Accubonds or 140 gr Partitions for a hunting bullet. There are many powders available for this caliber; however I am finding that most folks are using H4350 or H4831sc. Given my rifle specs and bullet choices, would these powders be a good place to start or should I consider others first?

 

[Forum Boss]

H4350 and H4831sc both give excellent accuracy with less-than-average temp sensitivity and best-in-class ES and SD. Unless these powders are hard to obtain in your location there is no reason not to start with one or the other.

While there are many other fine powders for the 6.5-284, I don't think any alternative is superior in all aspects, considering price, availability, temp sensitivity, accuracy, and uniformity,as measured by ES/SD).

 

[treeman]

archerross, you might considerthe 120gr barnes-tsx for a hunting bullet. when you put one in the boiler its lights out in my experience regards,treeman

 

[280man]

26inch barrel I would try H4350 I have shot a dear with 6.5x284 & the 130 Nosler Accubond it was nasty lets just say it wasn't very bonded next time I will try the Barnes TSX or the Swift Sirocco

 

[archerross]

Thanks for the input fellas. Looks like I'll be picking up a pound of H4350 and H4831sc to start. Generally speaking I shoot Fed 210 primers. I have a bunch of them right now and will start with them in the 6.5x284. I've read that Fed BR primers are softer than other companies and thus begin to show pressure signs before reaching max loads,in some cases). I am game to try new primers in the 6.5x284. I'm sure there are many opinions on which to use, so let's hear them. CCI? Rem? Wolf? Standard or BR style?

 

[JoeDuke]

The 6.5x284 is indeed somewhat hard on barrels so if you are not careful, you can use up a significant portion of the barrel life testing components. There are lots of components ie. bullets, powders, primers that will work if you shoot enough.
However, the 6.5x284 has become a bit like the 6ppc in that certain combinations are known to just work well. If the rifle won't shoot using the 140 grain class bullet from Lapua, Berger, or Sierra; H4831sc or H4350; and a Federal or CCI match primer; You will need to go back and determine what is wrong with either the rifle or your technique. The above items in no particular name order, will work if the rifle is right.
There are other combinations that will work well also but you will use lots of barrel life finding them.
Of course, practice and shooting is fun no matter what and trying lots of other things will teach you lots of good stuff.

Joe

 

[swglenn]

To minimize your development of target and hunting loads you can consider the Berger 140 for both. My friend shoots a 6.5-284 in F Class and hunts with it. He dropped a 140# 7 point at 650 yds this year using the Berger. He knew the yardage and dialed in the MOA's using a NF 8-32 scope . His blind is set up with a front rest and rear bag. He said it was a classic heart lung shot and the exit was the size of a 50 cent piece. The deer ran less than 30 yds. He uses Lapua brass and 4350 powder but I don't know what primer he uses.

 

[LittlefieldK]

VV-N165 with Lapua case, CCI-250 primer, and Sierra 142 MK. Jump the bullet .020".
25 round string; velocity 2950 fps, SD 8 FPS.

 

[JCinCalif]

H4831 and 140gr Berger VLD's work great in my 1x8 twist, 26 inch Broughton barrel. I took a nice Antelope with this gun/load this year.

 

[archerross]

It sounds like the Berger VLD has a bit of a following as a hunting bullet as well as for targets. This might be a real stretch, but has anyone used the 140 VLD in 6.5 for elk? I've heard they are adequate for deer and antelope, but I might also want to take this out for elk.