Starting loads 6xc

[Lundstrom]

Recieving a 6xc rifle later this spring. Planning on using Lapua Scenar 105 gr and Sierra fmj 90 gr, Norma brass and powders like Norma 203b and VV160 or H4350. What starting loads would you 6xc shooters suggest?

 

[Mudcat]

Using H4350, I normally max out with the 105-7 class bullet at around 39-40.0grs, so start out around 35-36grs and work up, carefully. Barrels and brass can make a HUGE difference in pressure.

John

 

[spclark]

If this is a used rifle you're acquiring, ask the seller what their experience & history is with this rifle; starting out from scratch takes longer than starting out where somebody else left off.

203B is a little fast for 6XC, but N160 ought to work as it's very close to H4530, the common standard for 6XC.

Mudcat has it 100% that you can load overpressure rounds very easy if you haven't loaded for 6XC before, so please work up.

 

[Lundstrom]

Thanks for your answers! Lack of data on 6XC and safety concern is mainly why I posted this thread so your answers hopefully helps me,and others) to be careful enough.

The rifle is brand new and built on a rem 700 action and a custom barrel from Bartlein bought from Norma in Sweden. Normas 6XC rifles have shot very well with their factory ammo. They use Berger 105 gr moly coated bullets and apparently 203B powder. I´ve also read that others have shot well with the factory ammo but some have experienced pressure signs.
The Norma barrel is made with special bore and groove size which is .236 x .2441 with a 50/50 land to groove ratio in a 1-8 twist, 4 groove. Perhaps the groove size helps keeping the pressure down.

Please feel free to continue post your thoughts about suitable starting loads.

 

[3gunplay]

My source for H-4350 has run dry but they have Accurate XMR 4350. Has anyone used it as a replacement for Hogdon 4350 in a 6xc?
Thanks

 

[spclark]

On this burn rate chart:

http://home.hiwaay.net/~stargate/powder/powder.htm

Accurate 4350 is just ahead of IMR, both before Hodgdon - in a row.

This one:

http://www.handloads.com/misc/burnrate.htm

.. doesn't show Accurate 4350 but again, the other two are right next to one another.

Here:

http://www.reloadbench.com/burn.html

... they're a bit more spread apart, with Accurate XMR4350 first, next to IMR4350, then Hodgdon.

I'd say you're probably safe if you assume they're close enough, but drop a grain to be safe when you run some test loads to better understand how one or the other work in your rifle as a substitute.