Unusual Request for 6.5-284 Load

[AlanPF]

A mate wants to take some loaded rounds to the range this weekend, but he doesn't have any way of working up the load. He asked me to work up a load in MY very similar setup, so he can base his loads on my figures. We understand the risks of assuming the same load will be safe in different rifles. However, it is quite a mild load that he wants, and importantly, he will take a couple of cases with lower loads to fire first.

He has a 6.5-284 with 30' barrel, using H4350, 142gn,naked) SMKs seated 10 thou into the lands and wants to get 2930 fps.

Does anyone have figures for loads close to the above? I think I can give him a better figure by asking for a few similar loads from other shooters, and take the average, so if anyone can give me some figures it would be much appreciated.

Alan

 

[280man]

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[243Mendoza]

When you say 'similar setup', does he have the same brand barrel, bore diameter, reamer, action and gunsmith? What would work in a long-range prone gun would be too hot for a long-range benchrest rifle which tend to have tighter throats.

 

[AlanPF]

Steve,

Same reamer, but different make of barrel. He's actually my gunsmith .

Anyway, I've hunted around the forums and reloading sites, and will recommend he loads at 48.0 grns of H4350, but beforehand does one at 47.0 then one at 47.5 as a sanity check. If he finds pressures signs at any stage, then he'll just have to come home again, and take some powder out. I estimate that the minimum velocity he can get with 48.0 grns is around 2900fps and maximum 2960fps.

Alan

 

[243Mendoza]

Steve,

Same reamer, but different make of barrel. He's actually my gunsmith .

Anyway, I've hunted around the forums and reloading sites, and will recommend he loads at 48.0 grns of H4350, but beforehand does one at 47.0 then one at 47.5 as a sanity check. If he finds pressures signs at any stage, then he'll just have to come home again, and take some powder out. I estimate that the minimum velocity he can get with 48.0 grns is around 2900fps and maximum 2960fps.

Alan, good method.

I use 49.5 of H4350 with molied Lapua 139 Scenars and Russian primer and Norma cases which give about 2950fps in a 30' 8.5 tweist Krieger barrel.

 

[AlanPF]

Steve,

I am on my 7th barrel, of which 5 have been Kriegers, either 8 or 8.5 twist. Every one has been different, and I've ended up using either Scenar, SMK or Berger VLDs, and either H4831SC or N165 powder, and usually CCI BR2 primers. Brass is Lapua - I asked about Norma brass a few weeks ago for the first time and found out why no-one seems to use it in Australia - it was 2.5 times the cost of Lapua!

The reason I haven't used H4350 is because I have listened to the 'full case' brigade. However I intend to try it in my new barrel just run in because velocity spread is unacceptable with N165.

Alan

 

[BR]

have you tried any RL 22?

 

[AlanPF]

have you tried any RL 22?

BR,

No, mainly because as well as the 'full case brigade', I've been listening to the 'temperature stable brigade'.

Alan

 

[RDavies]

Is your friend able to get a few quick crony shots away? Due to work, I dont get to test much on targets, only a few hurried shots over a crony. For a 30' barrel, the accuracy nodes are around 2820fps and 2950 fps. I have just put a new barrel on my 7mm 284 and with the same load I got an extra 100 fps but much much higher presure. Same reamer,powder, same cases, same bullets, primers loaded together, The old barrel,only 200 rounds through it) gave 2820 fps with no pressure problems,while the new barrel,different maker) screwed on 5 minutes later, 18 rounds though it) gave 2920 fps with major,major pressure. Will have to drop down 1.5gns Obviously one barrel was fairly loose inside, while the other had tight land/grooves. Shows that you cant realy just swap loads with different make barrels.