I just purchased a GAP rifle in 6.5CM and looking for advice on components. I have never reloaded before so I have been doing some reading on the topic and want to make wise choices initially. First, my rifle has a 26" 1:8.2 twist barrel and looking to load the hornady ELD-M bullets that I will use everywhere up to 1000 yards. I have been reading lots of threads of people going between the 140gr and 147gr and looking for info on which I should go with since I am finding the 140gr back in stock places. I couldn't tell from the threads if people are preferring the 147gr over the 140gr or if they were switching due to the 140gr not being available. I also have purchased Lapua brass and found a few pounds of H4350 locally (but overpriced).
6.5CM 140 or 147gr ELD-M?
- Thread starter SleepDoc
- Start date
Either will work for what you want to do and with the rifle you have. Buy a box of both and try them. If you just wanted to buy one in a large amount right off the bat then go with the 140s only because they are a more standard weight and will do the job to 1000 easily.
If you are limited to 1000 yards, the 140 is more than enough, heck, the 120's work at that range too. When you start getting to terminal ballistics and range, depending on location and elevation, 1400 yards is about it at sea level for me; but, further for others at higher elevations, than I would look at the 147gr for a higher Ballistic Coefficient.
H4350 is a good powder but as you indicated, hard to find sometimes - there are others to use, RL 17X,, IMR 4451, IMR 4350 and lots of others. Most people start around 41 grains and work up until you find your rifles likes.
H4350 is a good powder but as you indicated, hard to find sometimes - there are others to use, RL 17X,, IMR 4451, IMR 4350 and lots of others. Most people start around 41 grains and work up until you find your rifles likes.
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