Update: My best so far has been 55.5 H4831 w 135 Bergers. I’ve tried various other combinations of H1000, N565, N555 w Berger 144, 153 Atip and 147 ELDM.
MY rifle is short action, 2.990” mags, has a Bartlein/Snowy Mtn Rifle bbl, 22”, 1:8” twist.
6.5 PRC Loads
- Thread starter 357Max
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MY rifle is short action, 2.990” mags, has a Bartlein/Snowy Mtn Rifle bbl, 22”, 1:8” twist.
6.5 PRC out of a Sako S20 24" barrel was super easy for me to load. Virgin Lapua brass, H1000, 143 gr ELDX, and BR2 primers. Loaded up three approaching max book load to check for pressure. Loaded next seven at 59.0 grains and got a .7 MOA group (WITH one called wide), 2930 fps, 6.2 SD.
The load / rifle combo is a laser. Adding a Scythe-TI to it only changed POI about .1 mil low, still way sub-MOA groups. I've thought about chasing some more velocity, or trying the 156 Bergers, but why mess with success?
The load / rifle combo is a laser. Adding a Scythe-TI to it only changed POI about .1 mil low, still way sub-MOA groups. I've thought about chasing some more velocity, or trying the 156 Bergers, but why mess with success?
I compared Lyman and Hornady book loads with GRT for 6.5 PRC. Triple checked the inputs, etc. According to GRT, some of the published loads are hideously overpressure. Anyone else experienced this? Oh, and I'm keeping the site generated user name. Too funny.
Spent the last couple of days working up a load with the Berger 156 EOL. I’m pretty pleased. Ambient temp was 77 degrees.
Defience Ruckus GA Hunter
Proof carbon 22”
Berger 156 EOL
New Lapua Brass
Federal GM210M
H1000 57.6grns
Velocity was 2949
EX 5.5
SD2.2
Coal 2.9725 shot the best and fits in an AW Mag.
CBTO 2.1880
Defience Ruckus GA Hunter
Proof carbon 22”
Berger 156 EOL
New Lapua Brass
Federal GM210M
H1000 57.6grns
Velocity was 2949
EX 5.5
SD2.2
Coal 2.9725 shot the best and fits in an AW Mag.
CBTO 2.1880
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Have Two loads I'm working with
20" Benchmark CF barrel hunting rifle w/ rugged alaskan 360ti
156 Berger EOL
Lapua Brass
CCI BR2 Primer
52.3 gr H4831SC
COAL 2.950
5 Shot Data
Avg FPS 2792.5
ES 16.6
SD 5.1
Group Size 1.354 MOA
Mean Radius 0.528 MOA
^ I think these groups could get better, 3 of the 5 were on top of each other and then 2 were fliers. May retest and see if this improves
142 Accubond Long Range
Lapua Brass
Federal G215M
56.1gr N565
COAL 2.950
10 Shot Data
Avg FPS 2910
ES 54.7
SD 13.9
Group Size 0.995 MOA
Mean Radius 0.319 MOA
20" Benchmark CF barrel hunting rifle w/ rugged alaskan 360ti
156 Berger EOL
Lapua Brass
CCI BR2 Primer
52.3 gr H4831SC
COAL 2.950
5 Shot Data
Avg FPS 2792.5
ES 16.6
SD 5.1
Group Size 1.354 MOA
Mean Radius 0.528 MOA
^ I think these groups could get better, 3 of the 5 were on top of each other and then 2 were fliers. May retest and see if this improves
142 Accubond Long Range
Lapua Brass
Federal G215M
56.1gr N565
COAL 2.950
10 Shot Data
Avg FPS 2910
ES 54.7
SD 13.9
Group Size 0.995 MOA
Mean Radius 0.319 MOA
Just got my barrel and dies for a 6.5 PRC build.
I’m wanting to primarily shoot 153.5, 153 a-tips and 150. Occasional 144’s
Shooting those long sleek bullets, is a short action optimal, or should I go long action?
Thanks
I’m wanting to primarily shoot 153.5, 153 a-tips and 150. Occasional 144’s
Shooting those long sleek bullets, is a short action optimal, or should I go long action?
Thanks
What is your freebore and how long do you intend to load them from the lands?
The reamer will determine your freebore unless you ask your gunsmith to extend it
The reamer will determine your freebore unless you ask your gunsmith to extend it
I’ve got a 28” tube, so I’m not worried about fps. And I can always cut that down to 24”
I figure I’ll stick with the max mag length of 2.955
Will loading them to 2.955in a short action give me any headaches?
I figure I’ll stick with the max mag length of 2.955
Will loading them to 2.955in a short action give me any headaches?
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The only "headache" you might have with those long bullets at 2.955" is that their bearing surface will be in contact with the area where the donut develops. So, as you reload, you'll need to keep an eye on that and find a way to mitigate it.
And since these long bullets will be somewhat deep into the case, you're case capacity is reduced where some powders may not work for you.
i don't know of any short action that accept 2.995" in a mag, but the is the xm (medium) action that goes up to 3.150 or it's 3.015"? hand feeding is acceptable in a short action. some short actions based on what mags will work in them could get to 2.870-2.880", but that's about it. what action are you looking at/for?
I think he simply made a typo as he said he's going to load to 2.995 when actually referred to mag length as 2.955. huh?
The short action mags I have accept 2.975 OAL's.
No. They're a metal box magazine compatible with AICS pattern bottom metal, which came with the rifle (an RPR).
what action do those work in? i'm not much of a bolt action peep and don't own any sa ba's, only la's. i ask as i'm thinking of what action i'm wanting to do for several short mags with close to heavy for caliber projectiles (say 300wsm w/210's, 215's max).I think he simply made a typo as he said he's going to load to 2.995 when actually referred to mag length as 2.955. huh?
The short action mags I have accept 2.975 OAL's.
I think you can find them in Remington 700's, Howa 1500's and the Tikka T3/T3X's. And I'm sure there's plenty custom actions as long as they and the stock are cut for an M5 inlet.
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