I worked up a load and this was the low end node , im using RL17 and want to be cautious with it. I shot this group at 175 yards and it measures around 3/4” so accuracy is there . I see alot of people getting 2800 fps with a 140 grainer ,is that hotrodding or is 2700 a normal velocity?
I get to see a lot of this type of question from other shooters trying not to overdo but get something approximating an average for performance. Your load is definitely at the bottom of the pressure/velocity curve with regard to the potential of this cartridge/bullet combination and it is a long way away from hotrodding. On a scale, 2700 can be considered low, 2800 as the middle and 2900-3000 as the high end. As I've written before, there are a ton of folks who stop at the first node they determine to be accurate, in their opinion. There are a few of us who prefer to utilize the cartridge for it greatest potential rather than mediocrity. So we look for the higher node instead of stopping at the lower node. If you're comfortable with the low node and are afraid of losing this node while searching for the next node higher, stay put. But bear in mind that similar and possibly better performance can be attained at a higher node.
i’m convinced that you don’t need to chase blazing velocities to attain match winning results.
There is nothing blazing about the performance of the 6.5 Creedmoor loaded with any of the 140 class bullets. This is not a high velocity cartridge, it is meant for moderate velocity coupled with out-of-the-box accuracy from factory loaded ammunition. However, with the advent of higher performance/lower temperature powders, we can improve on what the factory middling loads can supply by simply choosing a different powder.
Re-17 is one of my favorite powders but I don't often shoot in highly variable temperatures. Along comes Re-16 and now you can have the best of both worlds, slightly more velocity and those temp stable properties. That means that H-4350 can be
passé, no need for it since there are viable powders available to replace it. If you feel that you have to preserve the life of your barrel, stop shooting right now because any shot you make will degrade the quality of any barrel no matter which powder you choose.
If this is a hunting rifle, I think you're probably fine although there is more that can be obtained with a little more testing. If this is supposed to be a Match rifle, I suggest refining your loads for greater accuracy.
In any case, enjoy the process and enjoy the shooting!