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6.5 CR w/IMR 4451

Shawn Sinclair

Private
Minuteman
Oct 1, 2020
59
14
Hey guys Im looking for information on where to start my load development for this powder. Im not finding a whole lot of information on min/max setup. Figured you guys have it dialed. Im shooting a Stiller built 6.5 creedmore with a Mcgowan 1:8 Twist. My load will be the IMR 4451 with Lapua brass matched with Berger hybrid target 140. Couldn't find any 4350, sounds like this might be a good alternative. Im new to reloading and can't seem to find the right starting point with this combo. Any info is appreciated. Thanks Shawn
 
When you are looking for load data, you can always go to the Hodgdon/IMR website. It has a load calculator on there.
 
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I tried it in my 6.5CM. I had pressure signs before I got to my target velocity. It will work, but your velocity will be comparatively slow. IMO, you would be better off with any of the 4350 powders or RL 16 or 17.

I decided to give it a try in 6CM. I swapped H4350 for 4451(same charge) and the average velocity dropped 90 fps.
 
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Oh ya I meant the H4350 sorry. I was steered in the the direction of the ImR 4451 as being the most comparable to the H4350 for this load. I guess I'll see. Im going to start with loading tonight. I guess I'll start with the 38.5 and work up. I guess being new to reloading when I don't see the exact bullet and powder combo on the respective websites I get a little nervous. I just need to pay close attention to pressure and trust the process. I appreciate all the info guys, thanks
 
I just finished going through 16 lbs of IMR 4451 and if I didn't have 40 lbs of H4350, I'd still be using it. That 16 lbs loaded over 2,500 rounds of ammo. I found it to be fairly temperature stable, but not as temp stable as H4350, had excellent accuracy at velocities within 50 fps of my H4350 load. The published Hodgdon data is VERY conservative, I would even say overly conservative. My load was a Hornady 6.5 CM case, CCI BR2 primer, Hornady 140 ELDM bullet, and 41.8 grains of IMR 4451 which yielded velocities out of a 24" barrel of about 2,730 fps.
 
I just finished going through 16 lbs of IMR 4451 and if I didn't have 40 lbs of H4350, I'd still be using it. That 16 lbs loaded over 2,500 rounds of ammo. I found it to be fairly temperature stable, but not as temp stable as H4350, had excellent accuracy at velocities within 50 fps of my H4350 load. The published Hodgdon data is VERY conservative, I would even say overly conservative. My load was a Hornady 6.5 CM case, CCI BR2 primer, Hornady 140 ELDM bullet, and 41.8 grains of IMR 4451 which yielded velocities out of a 24" barrel of about 2,730 fps.
Wow that's good news. This makes me feel better that I'm not just compromising because I can't get h4350 and it will still be a good load.
 
An extremely common load for IMR 4451 is my 41.8 gr load which is above the published Hodgdon max, but this load show no signs of pressure and my Hornady cases have lasted 7 reloading with no signs of loose primer pockets. My H4350 load and a 140 ELDM is 42.5 grains and again it's above the published max from Hodgdon but shows no signs of pressure and has long case life.
 
Starline brass, nosler c.c. 140, 41.1 gr 4451. It groups NICE! Mine did show promise above that, but primers looked terrible. I need my bolt bushed.
 
Im testing this week at 42.4 and 42.6 but I'm thinking Im going to see pressure for sure at 42.4 or so. My primers are fine right now.
 
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6.5 CM Bartlein Barrel Alpha Brass, 210M Primers, 143 ELDX, IMR 4451 41.8gr 2653 - 2656 - 2677 - 2687 - 2681 - 2667, etc.

100yds 10 rounds

 
Stiller tac 30 with McGowan 1:8 21 inch sendero spiral twist. 42 grains 4451 Berger hybrid target 140. Avg 2784 SD 3.1 Lapua brass primer 205m
 
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I really liked 4451
I had to use about half a grain more than H4350 to get the same speed but overall I was also able to get a bit higher speed with 4451.
The best groups I have on the wall just happen to be with 4451.
 
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