RL15 starting load for 6BR ?

[highpwr]

I have a new rifle in standard 6BR and would like to start off making up some loads using RL15 with 105-107 gr bullets. Help with a good starting charge weight and achievable velocities would be apprciated.

,My COL with the 107 gr MK just touching the lands is 2.335 in.)

 

[Forum Boss]

Velocities are going to be largely dependent on your throat length and your barrel. Based on your COL it looks like you've got about a .090" freebore which is good from a velocity standpoint.

For naked bullets, we suggest you start at 29.0 grains of RL15, with a 2.350" OAL,.015 in the lands in your rifle). You'll probably end up around 30.5 to 31.0 grains. Max load should deliver 2820-2940 fps from a 28" barrel. Note, some rifles can go into the mid-31 grain range, but don't count on it. Watch for ejector marks and stiff bolt lift.

NOTE: We've seen reported velocities vary up to 70 fps among different brands of chronographs,and even unit by unit), so keep that in mind with the reported numbers.

 

[Longshot]

Along these same lines, has any one played with VV135 in 6BR? According to QuickLoad, it ought to be a good candidate, but I've not seen anyone descibing loads/results using this powder.

Thanks,
- Bert

 

[shcal]

Longshot - there are plenty of loads for N-135 on this site, link to reloading page is below:

Click Here

If you then click to the Varmint Reloading page you will see several loads. I personally use 31.5 grs of N-135 with 75gr V-Max's, works very well.

 

[Longshot]

Thanks!! I've been using Varget, and although I can't complain about it's accuracy, it is noticeably dirtier than the VV powders I've used,N133 is 6 PPC and N165 in 6.5-284)

Again, thanks
- Bert

 

[chino1969]

I've had excellent results with N-135 using 65 grn. bullets in a Hart 1:14 barrelled 6 BR. I'm only using 31.0 grns. with a Federal match primer and Lapua brass. I haven't chrographed it yet but will in the near future.

 

[Forum Boss]

Note:

There may be some significant lot variations with RL15. Jackie reported it burned VERY clean in his rifle in the upper pressure ranges--cleaner than Varget by his report.

I want to reiterate to start around 29.5 grains.

The loads Lynn just published are more typical of Dasher loads. In my rifle, with an .080 freebore, and a tight bore, I maxed out around 30.8 grains. Jackie maxed out, with a .110" Freebore, and a .237" land diameter, around 31 and a half.

Don't count on getting anywhere near the velocities Lynn was seeing. That must be a magic barrel. Jackie was getting around 2990 with his 4-groove Krieger, but not many people have reported the ability to duplicate that load yet. John Brewer was getting around 2940 fps with RL15, with maybe a bit more room to play.

 

[Forum Boss]

Lynn, what is the cartridge overall length you are running, and could you measure the H20 capacity of a fired and sized case, to top of neck.

There are some things we just can't explain. Jackie was definitely getting 3000 fps with RL15 and a standard case. What we are seeing is definitely swings of up to 120 fps from one barrel to another. Jason took his load up to the point where he is seeing ejector marks. If his Oehler is reading right, he won't reach 2900.