Where to start my load dev.

[slowbalt]

So I actually bit the bullet and am going with a 6BR (standard). Looking into my first load developpement, and am a bit stuck.

I want to maximize brass life and run a conservative load. Barrel is 22in long so no point in cramming all the powder in there as I will not hit the highest speeds anyhow. From my research, it seems most people are running between 29 and 30 grains of H4895 with a 107 SMK, however books stop between 26 and 27.5. So where should I aim? Where would you start?

 

[urbanrifleman]

29.5 is max in most barrels. It will shoot lower. Start at 27.5 and work up.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Pick you powder and bullet. Your book says for THAT combination, MAX is XXX. Start at maybe 1 1/2 or 2 grains below that max. Adjust from there.
All MAX loads will get you is NO wiggle room and shorter brass life. Pick a lower node, It'll be your friend.

 

[60723]

Varget worked better than 4895 for me. 29.4 grains with 105 hybrid was the ticket!

 

[60723]

Same charge with 103 Vapor Trails was even better

 

[boltfluter]

30 gr of Varget and a Berger 105VLD seated .020 into the rifling was the magic combo for me. Shoots mid 2's. Start at 27.5 gr just to be safe. Prepare to be amazed!
Paul

 

[Kracken McGraw]

For what your wanting there would be nothing wrong with starting at 26.0 grains of the h4895, then work up in small increments.

 

[magicman]

I have had good luck with RE-15 in my rifle.

 

[JB10]

Im using 105 berger hybrids with H4895. First powder charge i tried was 27.0gr. Shot so well i never tested anything else. While it is slowish in speed, just over 2,700 fps i dont care. I only shoot this at 100 yards its a 26in barrel. I had never planned on shooting passed 100 yards with this rifle. Was built for local fun matches with some friends.

 

[Straightshooter1]

So I actually bit the bullet and am going with a 6BR (standard). Looking into my first load developpement, and am a bit stuck.

I want to maximize brass life and run a conservative load. Barrel is 22in long so no point in cramming all the powder in there as I will not hit the highest speeds anyhow. From my research, it seems most people are running between 29 and 30 grains of H4895 with a 107 SMK, however books stop between 26 and 27.5. So where should I aim? Where would you start?

You might want to listen to what Tim Sellars has to say in Cortina's YouTube video. There's a lot involved in the video, but you might want to take a look at 55:30 -56:50 and 1:00:00 - 1:07:30 to get a good taste.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Im using 105 berger hybrids with H4895. First powder charge i tried was 27.0gr. Shot so well i never tested anything else. While it is slowish in speed, just over 2,700 fps i dont care. I only shoot this at 100 yards its a 26in barrel. I had never planned on shooting passed 100 yards with this rifle. Was built for local fun matches with some friends.

I did 26.5 on mine with the Hornady 105’s to start out the new Lapua brass. I think I got about the same speed with my 27” barrel.

 

[NorCalMikie]

No matter how fast or slow, if they're all going in the same hole, you're good.
Never seen a critter or target squawk about how fast or slow the bullet was going when they died.
REMEMBER, LEAVE YOURSELF some wiggle room OR, invest in a bigger hammer to beat the bolt open on a hot day.