6.5 PRC Pressure signs

Schalla said:

Hi,
I’m new to reloading for rifle calibers. I’m using White River Large Rifle Magnum primers, virgin Norma brass, 56 grains of N560, and 147 gr ELD-M bullets. The bolt lift feels heavier than with factory loads. The rifle has about 100 rounds through it. Are the extractor marks on the cases a cause for concern? Average velocity is 2901 fps.

Rifle:
Howa 24"
Long action
Suppressed

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straightshooter1 said:

You're charge weight of 56 grs of N560 fills Norma cases just fine and normally shouldn't produce a pressure issue, though that charge is just a bit on the warm side. But those ejector marks are a sure sign of over pressure that needs to be addressed. I think you have a combination of things, the main one being the use of magnum primers. With this size of cartridge, there's really no issue where you've need to use magnum primers with a powder that as fast burning as N560. . . unless you're shooting in very very cold conditions that might effect ignition. I've never used magnum primers in my 6.5 PRC and great performance out of standard LRP's.

If these were shot in pretty warm/hot summer temperatures, it would contribute some to increasing pressure since your load is a somewhat warm charge to start with. Then being suppressed can add to that too.

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Schalla said:

Thanks, I am in South Africa and shooting supplies are rather expensive, I know a direct conversion to USD is not comoletely accurate but 100 Lapua cases are about $280, I payed about $120 for a 100 Norma cases

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Schalla said:

Sweet thanks I will switch N565

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