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6.5 Creedmoor

I'm not sure what 120 you're using, but I'm getting right at 2900 with a 123g SMK in an 18" barrel using 4350. Great groups. I tried Varget but got much slower velocity and pressure.
ELD-M's. So with a 24" barrel and obviously lighter bullet I should be looking to achieve at least 2900+.
 
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Anyone tried the 107smk or have suggestion on powder to start with? It worked really well for me in a Grendel.
I am going to run an OCW soon, loaded 41-42.8 H4350 in Peterson brass for an AR 20” Krieger 1/8. Hodgdon says you can stuff H4350 behind 107 SMK up to compressed loads but I am not going to do that for a semmi.
 
This was shot out of my 24" barreled AI. Velocity is average was 2860 with a SD of 6.1.
 

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Shooting:
140 Berger Hybrids
Lapua brass
CCI 450
H4350
Case length: 1.910
Neck sized using .289 bushing in redding dies
2.175 to ogive using hornady equipment

Gun:
surgeon 591
Barlein Heavy Palma 1:8 26" with hellfire
MPA chassis
have about 1200+ rounds already down the tube using Hornady brass. Wasn't thrilled with what I was getting. I know I could have tweaked the hornady a little more but decided to give Lapua a try, and I'm glad I did!

Magnetospeed V3 used for chrono.

Ladder tested:
41.0 - 2723
41.2 - 2748
41.4 - 2753
41.6 - 2761
41.8 - 2769
42.0 - 2773
42.2 - 2787
42.4 - 2791
42.6 - 2804
42.8 - 2842
43.0 - 2846
43.2 - 2857
43.4 - 2873
43.6 - 2872
43.8 - 2898
44.0 - 2901


Originally did 41.0-42.8 but had no signs of pressure problems so went all the way up to 44.0. Still had no signs of pressure. Went with nodes 43.5 and 43.9 to narrow down a load. Had another one at 42.9 but didn't see the point in chasing that with the other nodes with higher MV.

43.5
averaged: 2867
ES: 5
SD: 2.4
shot .4 MOA. Very pleased with this load! (never thought I'd reach the holy land, haha)

43.9
averaged: 2888
ES: 15
SD: 5.8
shot .5-.6 MOA. (This was also a compressed load)

Im thinking of sticking with the 43.5. I don't think an increase of 20 FPS is worth giving up the consistency I was getting with the 43.5. Also maybe thinking of trying for a higher node since Im still not seeing any pressure issues.

Next, is off to the 1000 yard line to see how they do. Just waiting for good weather. Will update.
 
A co-worker of mine gave me a pound of Varget since he wasn't using Varget anymore. I looked at Hodgdon's site and they recommend 36.0-40.2gn of Varget with 120gr AMAX. Well I'm going to try it with 120gr ELD-M I have. I know their numbers are usually conservative and on the max end they are showing 2891 FPS. I haven't messed with the 120gr yet as I'm waiting on some H4350 to show up but I want to try some of the Varget in the mean time. I'm going to load according to their specs right now and not going to mess with seating depth. They are saying 2.67" COAL (2.14" BTO).
Is the sweet spot for 120gr over 2900 fps or is that still considered "slow" for the 120gr?

If you can't get h4350 at your LGS, but they have a steady supply of Varget.. you should stick with Varget.. it's #2 on popularity so should be a butt load of data out there...

Just do the 10 shot run up go from the bottom going up by .3 grns and look for a flat spot
 
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Has anyone worked up a load with Benchmark ?

I used it for 223 when I couldn't get Varget
Benchmark works fine; excellent accuracy in Hornady 120 ELD-M, and the only drawback on heavier bullets is lower velocity. Benchmark meters great, too.
 
possibly some useful info for someone...I have been doing extensive load testing with my 6.5cm 22" barrel. I've ran ladder tests using Hornady Brass, Alpha LR brass, RL 16, with CCI BR2, CCI250, FED210, WLR with 143gr ELDX

I had a decent load using Hornady brass with Fed 210 and RL 16 43.3gr with a SD of 8 @2860.

But yesterday I found Alpha Brass, WLR primer, RL 16 39.6gr @ 2744fps with a SD of 1 and ES of 4!

groups are 0.44MOA at 400yds so far out of my factory Christensen Mesa with only a bedding job.
 
May I throw in a question?

If someone would search a bullet, which will give him the most reach / distance possible, on what factor he would have to focus?

Is it only BC?
 
May I throw in a question?

If someone would search a bullet, which will give him the most reach / distance possible, on what factor he would have to focus?

Is it only BC?

I would venture to say a combination of BC, velocity to keep it supersonic, stability and accuracy with the given rifle, and consistency within the bullet lot.
 
Finally tested Varget with 120 ELD-M and found a good load.

40.8gn Varget
Fed 210M
Hornady annealed multi-fired brass
120gr ELD-M
2.14” CBTO

Avg velocity was 3018 FPS
24” Bartlein 1:8

Group was high because my dumb ass had it up a click. 5 shot group is about 0.37”. I’ll take that.

82360E91-8555-4169-A59B-A23D0EC3F9EF.jpeg
 
Off topic.. Advisable to use 120gr in a precision rifle class that shoots out to 1K? I'm not sure on the wind conditions where I'll be attending. It's in northern Texas.
*See above post for load*
 
Wow that seems like really good with the RL-17. I thought people were reporting it was too slow?
It is temp sensitive and my barrel is getting old. Used to be 2797fps with great consistency it's first summer
 
A co-worker of mine gave me a pound of Varget since he wasn't using Varget anymore. I looked at Hodgdon's site and they recommend 36.0-40.2gn of Varget with 120gr AMAX. Well I'm going to try it with 120gr ELD-M I have. I know their numbers are usually conservative and on the max end they are showing 2891 FPS. I haven't messed with the 120gr yet as I'm waiting on some H4350 to show up but I want to try some of the Varget in the mean time. I'm going to load according to their specs right now and not going to mess with seating depth. They are saying 2.67" COAL (2.14" BTO).
Is the sweet spot for 120gr over 2900 fps or is that still considered "slow" for the 120gr?

40.1gr Varget behind 130gr Hybrids does very well. 2900fps and tiny groups from my 24” Bartlein barrel. Check out my post on page 19.

John

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/6-5-creedmoor.89643/page-19
 
Shooting:
140 Berger Hybrids
Lapua brass
CCI 450
H4350
Case length: 1.910
Neck sized using .289 bushing in redding dies
2.175 to ogive using hornady equipment

Gun:
surgeon 591
Barlein Heavy Palma 1:8 26" with hellfire
MPA chassis
have about 1200+ rounds already down the tube using Hornady brass. Wasn't thrilled with what I was getting. I know I could have tweaked the hornady a little more but decided to give Lapua a try, and I'm glad I did!

Magnetospeed V3 used for chrono.

Ladder tested:
41.0 - 2723
41.2 - 2748
41.4 - 2753
41.6 - 2761
41.8 - 2769
42.0 - 2773
42.2 - 2787
42.4 - 2791
42.6 - 2804
42.8 - 2842
43.0 - 2846
43.2 - 2857
43.4 - 2873
43.6 - 2872
43.8 - 2898
44.0 - 2901


Originally did 41.0-42.8 but had no signs of pressure problems so went all the way up to 44.0. Still had no signs of pressure. Went with nodes 43.5 and 43.9 to narrow down a load. Had another one at 42.9 but didn't see the point in chasing that with the other nodes with higher MV.

43.5
averaged: 2867
ES: 5
SD: 2.4
shot .4 MOA. Very pleased with this load! (never thought I'd reach the holy land, haha)

43.9
averaged: 2888
ES: 15
SD: 5.8
shot .5-.6 MOA. (This was also a compressed load)

Im thinking of sticking with the 43.5. I don't think an increase of 20 FPS is worth giving up the consistency I was getting with the 43.5. Also maybe thinking of trying for a higher node since Im still not seeing any pressure issues.

Next, is off to the 1000 yard line to see how they do. Just waiting for good weather. Will update.



43.5 is right where both my creedmoor's shoot well with most 140 class bullets and 147 ELD-M also. With that seating depth, how far are you jumping those hybrids? I bought a box to try out and using the hornady oal guage I found that to get to the lands with this bullet my oal is 3.008" in one rifle and 2.953 in the other. I am curious what amount of jump is working for everyone with this bullet
 
43.5 is right where both my creedmoor's shoot well with most 140 class bullets and 147 ELD-M also. With that seating depth, how far are you jumping those hybrids? I bought a box to try out and using the hornady oal guage I found that to get to the lands with this bullet my oal is 3.008" in one rifle and 2.953 in the other. I am curious what amount of jump is working for everyone with this bullet
I run them at .030" off the lands and that's working well for me. I'm right at 2850 fps in a 26" 8 twist.
 
Has anyone tried the new Superformance powder that hodgdon put out with hornady? It's velocities are about 100fps faster than all other powders according to their reloading site and the hornady manual.
 
140 Berger Hybrids
42.0 gr RL16
CCI BR4 Primers
Lapua Brass (confirmed with both virgin and 1x fired brass)

2.198" CBTO (.040" jump)
AIAX 24" 6.5 Creedmoor

2845 fps
14 ES
4.4 SD
10-shots

1/4" - 3/8" 5 shot groups @ 100 yards

This is with the factory (Win Tactical) 6.5 Creedmoor AI barrel.
 
Last edited:
140 Berger Hybrids
RL16
CCI BR4 Primers
Lapua Brass (confirmed with both virgin and 1x fired brass)

2.198" CBTO (.040" jump)
AIAX 24" 6.5 Creedmoor

2845 fps
14 ES
4.4 SD
10-shots

1/4" - 3/8" 5 shot groups @ 100 yards

This is with the factory (Win Tactical) 6.5 Creedmoor AI barrel.

What charge weight? I have similar setup, except using Norma LRP (BR2). RL16 - 42.3 -~2835fps with 140gr ELD-M
 
I did some ladder testing this weekend with Lapua Brass this weekend!

Environmental Conditions
Temp 80
wind 10-12mph - 1:00

Rifle Specs
Action: Trued and BP R700 - no bushing on firing pin
Barrel: Krieger 24" Rem Varmint
Stock: Manners T6A
Suppressor: TBAC Ultra 7 in .30cal.

Target: 300y

Chronograph: LabRadar

Load Data
Powder: 41.0 - 45.0 H4350
Primer: CCI 400
Brass: Lapua
Bullet: 130gn Target Hybrid AR


The winning load was:
44.9gn H4350
.03 Jump
Average Velocity 2986fps
SD: 6

There is the faintest sign of the extractor mark but there was no sticky bolt lift or other signs of over pressure. Little bit of primer back flow on all spent primers. I'm going to roll with it for now. I had another node around the 2900fps mark so I might back down to that when it gets to 100 degrees in Texas. Happy to add more upon request.

How are you getting 45 gr of H4350 in Lapua brass. I'm crunching 43 with a 4" drop tube.
 
It was a little crunchy but it fit with a 130gn bullet.. Maybe I was throated longer? I no longer have the rifle and I don't use Lapua brass anymore - otherwise I'd give you a better update. I've since switched back to Hornady brass but kept with the 130's. Backed it back down to the 2880fps (42.8gn) load and its been running great.
 
I fell just short of shooting clean scores with this load at the last f-class match. I crossfired in the last string. RL-16 is no joke.
I will have to keep working with RL16. I had an SD of 12 on one of my better grouping loads. I'm just trying to run my stock of 4350 out before dedicating my loads to RL16
 
Just starting to load for 6.5 creedmoor. Picked up some lapua Brass, some H4350, and some CCI-BR4 primers. Projectiles is hornady ELD-M 140 grain.

Where would you guys start your testing at? Hornady book has min at 38.5 gr and max at 41.5 gr.

Going to be shooting them out of a RPR with a 26” Hawkhill custom barrel 1 in 8 twist with a conventional 4 groove.

Was thinking about starting at 41 grains as a starting point based off what I am seeing. Anyone think that’s too hot?
 
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Just starting to load for 6.5 creedmoor. Picked up some lapua Brass, some H4350, and some CCI-BR4 primers. Projectiles is hornady ELD-M 140 grain.

Where would you guys start your testing at? Hornady book has min at 38.5 gr and max at 41.5 gr.

Going to be shooting them out of a RPR with a 26” Hawkhill custom barrel 1 in 8 twist with a conventional 4 groove.

Was thinking about starting at 41 grains as a starting point based off what I am seeing. Anyone think that’s too hot?

Manufacturer safety and fear of lawsuits keeps them low. Most on here are using 42-42.7g of 4350 with 140 Pills.
 
I am pretty new to reloading for precision and am hoping for some input. Just got my magnetospeed chrony in the mail this afternoon. I already had my ladder test loaded up and waiting for it. I was going for a “Satterlee type” load development test just to see what kind of results I could come up with. Also to find the max charge weight that my rifle can safely handle, a Bergara B14 HMR, 22” barrel. I started my load at 41.0 gr of H4350 and loaded up to 44.0 gr in .2 gr increments, not really expecting to make it all the way to 44.0 gr before running into pressure signs. I ended up cutting it off at 42.8 gr due to faint ejector marks. You can only see the marks if the light hits it just right. I was hoping you guys could help me interpret my results and also tell me if I am right for cutting it off there.

143 gr ELD-X
H4350 41.0-42.8 gr
Fed 210 primers
2.875 OAL
41.0 - 2645
41.2 - 2662
41.4 - 2663
41.6 - 2678
41.8 - 2702
42.0 - 2706
42.2 - 2726
42.4 - 2732
42.6 - 2711 (will retest)
42.8 - 2752

I see a pretty obvious node at 41.3 but I really would like a little more velocity than that. I am thinking that 41.9 might be good or possibly 42.3. I had primer cratering throughout, even on the factory loaded 143 gr ELD-X which got me 2579 FPS. (Pic attached) I ran it through first to make sure the chronograph was working. I also noticed what seems to be some primer flattening even at 41.0 but it did not seem to get worse up to 42.8 where I stopped. The second pic attached it the 42.8 gr case. What do you think?E12D5D50-8C07-44F7-99B1-BBE3A8EEFBA7.pngFactory 143gr ELD-X17F68D5E-03DB-4FA7-9D02-A9AD520014AD.png143 gr ELD-X w/ 42.8 gr H4350
 
I am pretty new to reloading for precision and am hoping for some input. Just got my magnetospeed chrony in the mail this afternoon. I already had my ladder test loaded up and waiting for it. I was going for a “Satterlee type” load development test just to see what kind of results I could come up with. Also to find the max charge weight that my rifle can safely handle, a Bergara B14 HMR, 22” barrel. I started my load at 41.0 gr of H4350 and loaded up to 44.0 gr in .2 gr increments, not really expecting to make it all the way to 44.0 gr before running into pressure signs. I ended up cutting it off at 42.8 gr due to faint ejector marks. You can only see the marks if the light hits it just right. I was hoping you guys could help me interpret my results and also tell me if I am right for cutting it off there.

143 gr ELD-X
H4350 41.0-42.8 gr
Fed 210 primers
2.875 OAL
41.0 - 2645
41.2 - 2662
41.4 - 2663
41.6 - 2678
41.8 - 2702
42.0 - 2706
42.2 - 2726
42.4 - 2732
42.6 - 2711 (will retest)
42.8 - 2752

I see a pretty obvious node at 41.3 but I really would like a little more velocity than that. I am thinking that 41.9 might be good or possibly 42.3. I had primer cratering throughout, even on the factory loaded 143 gr ELD-X which got me 2579 FPS. (Pic attached) I ran it through first to make sure the chronograph was working. I also noticed what seems to be some primer flattening even at 41.0 but it did not seem to get worse up to 42.8 where I stopped. The second pic attached it the 42.8 gr case. What do you think?View attachment 6999616Factory 143gr ELD-XView attachment 6999617143 gr ELD-X w/ 42.8 gr H4350

42.3gr is your upper node. If you want more velocity with that barrel length you’ll have to try RL16 and see what that does for you.
 
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Is an ES of 1 at the lower node that is only shooting 2662 FPS better than an ES of 6 at 2730 FPS?

I’m just wondering, at what distance would you have to be shooting for that ~70 FPS gain to be worth the higher ES when using a heavier bullet in the 140-147 range. Just curious everyone’s thoughts since I rarely get to go past 600 yds.
 
Is an ES of 1 at the lower node that is only shooting 2662 FPS better than an ES of 6 at 2730 FPS?

I’m just wondering, at what distance would you have to be shooting for that ~70 FPS gain to be worth the higher ES when using a heavier bullet in the 140-147 range. Just curious everyone’s thoughts since I rarely get to go past 600 yds.
If you’re only going out to 600 yards just shoot the lower node. To me that 70 FPS would only matter if I was shooting comps or shooting past were my load was going subsonic
 
I'm new to reloading 6.5CM, and would like to hear opinions about large v. small primer brass. I'll be buying all new components, and would like to start as I intend to go on. I would prefer to use small primer because I already load with those, but if the large have an advantage I'm willing to keep both on the shelf.
 
I'm new to reloading 6.5CM, and would like to hear opinions about large v. small primer brass. I'll be buying all new components, and would like to start as I intend to go on. I would prefer to use small primer because I already load with those, but if the large have an advantage I'm willing to keep both on the shelf.
It seems like the answer I see the most is that it allows you to use Lapua brass who does not make Creedmoor brass with a large primer pocket.
 
I'm new to reloading 6.5CM, and would like to hear opinions about large v. small primer brass. I'll be buying all new components, and would like to start as I intend to go on. I would prefer to use small primer because I already load with those, but if the large have an advantage I'm willing to keep both on the shelf.

I fought this battle myself recently. I ended up going with small rifle primers. From everything I saw there is no right or wrong answer.

From an accuracy standpoint there is a little bit of conflicting reports which one is better. In the end small rifle maybe marginally more accurate because there is more consistent ignition and burn of small rifle primers which may give you a tighter standard divation. On the flip side it appears you may lose a slight bit of velocity with small vs large.

The big selling point to me on the small rifle primers was brass life. Small rifle primer pockets will last longer.

Then lastly I was like well if Lapua only makes 6.5 small rifle primer it must the better of the two.

The only real potiental con I see is possibly cratering and priecing the small rifle primer with a large firing pin. I don’t think this is as common as I originally thought. In the end you can always Bush your firing pin.

Hope this helps! I just got all my 6.5 reloading gear last week. Next weekend I am swapping my 308 barrel with a 6.5 and headed to the range.
 
OK, what the heck is going on here? I loaded up a ladder of H4350 under some 147gr ELD-M's in Hornady brass, using a FGGM primer. Why are my velocities so low?

Getting up towards the top, I noticed some slight cratering around the primers, but no ejector wipes or anything of that sort. I was using a Magnetospeed V3, shooting through my can. Last time I was out shooting these loads, I was seeing velocities in the 2670fps range from 40 or so grains of the same powder out of the same jug..

Im so confused.

45780113435_74dd682eac_c.jpg
 
OK, what the heck is going on here? I loaded up a ladder of H4350 under some 147gr ELD-M's in Hornady brass, using a FGGM primer. Why are my velocities so low?

Getting up towards the top, I noticed some slight cratering around the primers, but no ejector wipes or anything of that sort. I was using a Magnetospeed V3, shooting through my can. Last time I was out shooting these loads, I was seeing velocities in the 2670fps range from 40 or so grains of the same powder out of the same jug..

Im so confused.

45780113435_74dd682eac_c.jpg

How many rounds are on your barrel?
 
OK, what the heck is going on here? I loaded up a ladder of H4350 under some 147gr ELD-M's in Hornady brass, using a FGGM primer. Why are my velocities so low?

Getting up towards the top, I noticed some slight cratering around the primers, but no ejector wipes or anything of that sort. I was using a Magnetospeed V3, shooting through my can. Last time I was out shooting these loads, I was seeing velocities in the 2670fps range from 40 or so grains of the same powder out of the same jug..

Im so confused.

45780113435_74dd682eac_c.jpg

What barrel length? Also, what chrono are you using? Is the Chrono proven reliable or calibrated? Confirmed with dope?
 
What barrel length? Also, what chrono are you using? Is the Chrono proven reliable or calibrated? Confirmed with dope?
The barrel length is 24", as stated, used my Magnetospeed V3 which has been proven to be accurate in the past, confirmed with DOPE.
 
The barrel length is 24", as stated, used my Magnetospeed V3 which has been proven to be accurate in the past, confirmed with DOPE.

Something has to be off there. I can’t imagine it’s that slow. I’m at 2780 with 42 gr of H4350, 143 eld-x, and a 24” benchmark. Used my MS sporter for speed.
 
Hmm, I'm getting 2830 fps with 42.3 grains of H4350 (Hornady brass/147's) from a 24" Bartlein. Peterson brass requires only 42 grains for the same. That has to be a bad chrono or super slow barrel.
 
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23" Criterion 1-8 barrel
Hornady 140eld-m
Alpha Munitions LRP 6.5 Creedmoor brass
41gr RL16
CCI 200 primer
COL 2.815"

Averaging 2748fps in below freezing temperatures.

Alpha brass has significantly less capacity than Hornady. I went up to 42.2gr and got over 2800fps, but worried about pressure signs in the summertime 90's temps. OT was also starting to crunch powder at 40.5gr.

Overall I'm very happy with the brass. SD's dropped to under 10 immediately, and accuracy went up. Hoping to get way more reloads as well.
 
I did a ladder load test for my RPR using 140 Gr ELD-M and 41.5 gr - 43.3 gr of H4350. It looks like there is a node between 42.5 and 42.9.
6.5 CM H4350 Ladder Test.PNG

Does this look correct or did a screw something up?

Cheers,
Conan
 
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