Tested my 6XC Hunting Rifle Today

[Ledd Slinger]

Finally started load development with my 6XC on a Sako action. Barrel broke in nicely with only 5 single shots and cleaning. So I began load testing. I only ran RL-17 powder with GM210M primers today and was disappointed with the accuracy results. However, the speed was very impressive.

I am using a X-Caliber barrel, 1 in 8" twist at only 22" long.

With 37.5gr of RL-17 behind a Berger 105gr VLD I was getting 2915 fps with about 3/4" groups at 100 yards.

38gr yielded 2960 fps with a horrible 2.5" group

38.5gr gave me 2980 fps with a 3/4" group as well.

Being that I only gained 20 fps with the last increase, i believe i have reached the max speed for that powder. None of the loads showed any signs of excessive pressure so I figure im just spitting the powder out the end of the short 22" barrel.

Plan on working with the faster RL-15 and CFE-223 powders next to see if I can hit the 3000 fps mark by getting a complete burn. Anyone have loads for those powders using 105gr bullets? If not, no big deal. I can develop a load with a burn rate chart. Thanks.

 

[mao0720]

I only ran RL-17 powder with GM210M primers today and was disappointed with the accuracy results. However, the speed was very impressive.

This has been mostly what I have heard about RL-17 and was my experience when I used it in an AR platform 260rem. Great speed, junk for accuracy. Im sure you will be much happier with RL-15, Varget, 4895, and even CFE-223.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I do have Varget as well. The reason i tried RL-17 is because it has given me awesome speed amd accuracy in everything else I have tried it in. The two 3/4" groups I got were nice triangle shaped 3 shot groups (only doing 3 shots because its a hunting rifle). Sometimes a simple primer change on a group with good shape will suck it up to a nice tight bug hole. I have just about every primer out there, so i might try some CCI 200s, BR2s, Rem 9-1/2s, standard 210s, or even some Mag primers. For Mag primers, I have 215s, GM215Ms, CCI 250s and Rem 9-1/2Ms. But I usually like to get close to 1/2" groups and reach the speed I want before playing with primers so I think I'll give the faster powders a chance first.

 

[DHD]

Never used Re17 in anything but a 6.5 Creedmoor. Velocity was spectacular, accuracy was not. I did start low and work up, but never could beat H4350 for a good balanced load. As stated, it was FAST!

 

[wboggs]

There is not an animal alive that can tell the difference between a bullet started at 2960 and one at 3000.
Shot placement and bullet construction are more important.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

There is not an animal alive that can tell the difference between a bullet started at 2960 and one at 3000.
Shot placement and bullet construction are more important.

I know that. But I kinda want to see if the 6XC is capable of that speed with a 105gr in a 22" barrel. If not, so be it. If the accuracy was there with my loads at 2960 and 2980 fps, I definitely would have stopped there. Unfortunately the accuracy didnt come with the good speeds this time around.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Never used Re17 in anything but a 6.5 Creedmoor. Velocity was spectacular, accuracy was not. I did start low and work up, but never could beat H4350 for a good balanced load. As stated, it was FAST!

I keep reading good things about H4350 in the 6XC, but i only have a very small amount and havent seen any around town. If I do run into a pound and i havent perfected my load with another powder on hand by that time, I'll definitely give it a shot.

 

[Changeling]

[ I keep reading good things about H4350 in the 6XC, but i only have a very small amount and havent seen any around town. If I do run into a pound and i havent perfected my load with another powder on hand by that time, I'll definitely give it a shot.
[/quote]

I sent you a PM (Sept 26, Sat).

 

[wboggs]

I use 38.8 gr H4350 with the Berger 105 Hybrid for 2980 but I have a 28" barrel. Accuracy is superb.
Bill

 

[kolar55]

You might want to give IMR4320 a try. It works well in a number of cartridges. A rough QuickLoad estimate shows decent velocity and it may produce decent accuracy.

 

[shadrac]

39 gr h4350 berger 105 vld hunting shoots in the .3 3000 fps 26" barrel

 

[rcol317]

By coincidence, I was also working on loads for an 6 XC new X Caliber barrel that same week. When I was breaking in the barrel a few weeks earlier I was a little disappointed in the accuracy. With 20 rounds down the barrel 3/4 " was my best groups. With some effort. I'm getting .135, .162, .192 with 115 DTAC's and with 108 Berger's. Was quite pleased. Shot two 10 shot groups @ 300 yards and covered both with a penny. I'M THRILLED WITH THE X CALIBER 6 XC. Bullet depth is really important with the little 6. I tried RL 17 and wasn't quite as accurate as H 4350 and H 4831 SC with the DTAC's I think you're going to love the 6 XC. Rick

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Thanks Rick. I have some Berger 108s as well. But first I'll play with other faster powders like RL-15, Varget, BLC-2, IMR 4895 and see what happens. If that doesnt work out, ill try some 108s.

 

[WyleWD]

Never used Re17 in anything but a 6.5 Creedmoor. Velocity was spectacular, accuracy was not. I did start low and work up, but never could beat H4350 for a good balanced load. As stated, it was FAST!

I keep reading good things about H4350 in the 6XC, but i only have a very small amount and havent seen any around town. If I do run into a pound and i havent perfected my load with another powder on hand by that time, I'll definitely give it a shot.

If you can find some IMR 4350 don't be afraid to try it. In 2 of my 6xc's it will shoot better groups than the H4350. WD

 

[Kingfisher]

I use 38.8 gr H4350 with the Berger 105 Hybrid for 2980 but I have a 28" barrel. Accuracy is superb.
Bill

I run 38.3 H-4350 also with the 105's for 3050 out of a 29" tube same results.

Planning on doing the same thing, i.e. building a 6XC hunting rifle. One for each of my two boys. Fortunately I've got a little time before they're old enough.

 

[jywolfe]

I appreciate the information on the 22" barrel. I have been working on a project with the M14 IN 6mmXC and we are also using a 22" tube. Please let us know how the other powders do, as I am very interested in the results.

Can you tell me what chamber you are using in terms of freebore and neck dimensions?

V/r

Jon

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Not sure on the freebore...Just rented the reamer so I would have to check on that. 105s fit in my magazine perfectly when seated to the lands. Neck diameter is .275"

Wont be able to test the other powders for a couple weeks cuz im away from home right now. But ill try to get it done as soon as I get the chance and report my speeds.