I currently run a .260, but want to build another rifle. I know I want a 6 or 6.5, but don't really care which. Of course, the number of choices is large, so I created a list of requirements to eliminate the choices. Fire-form = no, good case life = yes, small/large primer = don't care, blah, blah, blah... One of the more important requirements is multiple powder options. In your experience, which cartridge works well with different powders?
6/6.5 with largest selection of powder options?
- Thread starter Little Yoshi
- Start date
This is an exercise in your desired use, bullet, and how much compromise you can accept.
You can run a 6.5 Creedmoor with H4350/IMR4451/RL17 with 140s, and Varget/RL15 with 123s as well as the slightly slower powders. You can use 140s with the latter powders, but you'll give up 100+ fps velocity.
260 is similar, and you can use 4831SC with 139-142s, especially from a longer barrel.
243 can use H4350 & H1000, and likely some Reloader and IMR powders.
Norma 6mm Dasher would require no fireforming and could use H4895, Varget, RL15, 8208XBR, or any others.
again...desired use, bullet, and acceptable compromises.
You can run a 6.5 Creedmoor with H4350/IMR4451/RL17 with 140s, and Varget/RL15 with 123s as well as the slightly slower powders. You can use 140s with the latter powders, but you'll give up 100+ fps velocity.
260 is similar, and you can use 4831SC with 139-142s, especially from a longer barrel.
243 can use H4350 & H1000, and likely some Reloader and IMR powders.
Norma 6mm Dasher would require no fireforming and could use H4895, Varget, RL15, 8208XBR, or any others.
again...desired use, bullet, and acceptable compromises.
My experience has shown that most of the 6mm and 6.5 caliber options will shoot multiple powders and be reasonably accurate. As Boiler said, many times it's bullet weight that provides the powder limitations within a given caliber for your acceptable accuracy. On my rifles, the lighter bullets seem to prefer Varget or powders withing that burn rate while many of the heavier ones prefer the H4350 or powders of similar burn rate. Each rifle in a given caliber may have a particular powder that it likes better than another. My 6.5x47 with 140s likes H4350 just a bit better than Varget or RL15. H4350 will shoot under .5 MOA while the other two will shoot at .5 MOA. A buddy has a rifle that loves Varget with the 140s and easily shoots under .5 MOA.
With the above said, I think the demand on H4350 has motivated some to do as you are doing and look for other powder options for particular calibers. Boiler listed several options available but a couple of other substitutes are IMR 4350, H414, Hybrid 100V and 4166. You might also visit the Hodgdon reloading site (link below) and choose the calibers and bullet weights you are considering. They have a complete listing of their powders with reloading data for your use.
Hodgdon Reloading Site: http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/
With the above said, I think the demand on H4350 has motivated some to do as you are doing and look for other powder options for particular calibers. Boiler listed several options available but a couple of other substitutes are IMR 4350, H414, Hybrid 100V and 4166. You might also visit the Hodgdon reloading site (link below) and choose the calibers and bullet weights you are considering. They have a complete listing of their powders with reloading data for your use.
Hodgdon Reloading Site: http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/
I have not found the Norma brass for Dasher from bullets.com to be worth a crap. I've had the 1rst gen and just wasted my money on the 2nd gen. IMHO, you'll need to fireform with Lapua.
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I'm waiting on a 6.5x47L because it's supposed to be a very good reloader cartridge in that it's forgiving as far as using different components and seating depths and getting very good results downrange. This is all what I have read from the net about it, so it must be true. I have no experience with the cartridge as of yet.
Scott
Scott
