Hornady 153 A-Tips with H4350 in 6.5 CM

[CanMike]

So I got these to do some testing as I was developing some loads for another bullet. So far I am shocked with the results..

I didn't even shoot these for accuracy just to get initial powder / velocity correlations.

Lapua Virgin Brass (Small) - 24" Cadex Barrel
CCI 450 Primers
H4350 Powder
330 Yards
0.015-0.017 Off the LANDS loaded to about 2.90 OAL

The group in total is 0.5 MOA (8 shots) with charge weights from 40.7 to 41.5. If you take 40.7 and 41.0 (4 shots total) its 0.22 MOA at 330 Yards.

Definitely have to load up some more around 41.0 and try. Clearly the Barrel likes these. Made my Lapua 144s showing 0.5MOA look horrible. LOL

Mike

 

[Kickin45]

Keep going up until you find pressure.
Loading that long, you may be able to fit around 42 grains.

 

[CanMike]

At 41.5 I am pretty close to touching powder with bullet. 42.0 would probably be near max. Can load a couple up and try. This is also virgin brass so a bit smaller volume.

Mike

 

[Rob01]

I run 40.6grns of H4350 in Hornady brass with the 153 ATip and get 2680-90fps in my 28” barrel. Not sure how much more I would push it above where you are at. If you are getting good accuracy a few more FPS won’t make much difference.

 

[MikeMiller]

Rob do you find any advantage over the 147’s? I run the 147’s in both gas and bolt guns. Would the 153 work well in 18” gas guns?

My load is N550 and pushed around 2600 fps through the 18” gas gun

 

[Rob01]

Rob do you find any advantage over the 147’s? I run the 147’s in both gas and bolt guns. Would the 153 work well in 18” gas guns?

My load is N550 and pushed around 2600 fps through the 18” gas gun

Never put them back to back to see honestly. Both have been accurate for me though.

I wouldn’t think they would be a good choice in a gas gun though as they are a longer bullet so getting them in a mag would seat them pretty deep in the case. I’d stick with the 147 if it’s working for you in the gas gun.

 

[CanMike]

Ya I am happy with 2680-2700. I think I’ll load 41.2 and shoot a bunch and see and use these in my 1000 yard comp in a few weeks if they continue to group like above.

Initially was going to use the Lapua 144s.

Mike

 

[CanMike]

I measure out 20 40.0 grain and 10 40.2 Grain so will see how they shoot in the next couple days.. Will be cooler this week so speed may be down a touch .

Mike

 

[CanisLupus]

I measure out 20 40.0 grain and 10 40.2 Grain so will see how they shoot in the next couple days.. Will be cooler this week so speed may be down a touch .

Mike

Interested in how they perform for you. what twist rate are you running with the 153s?

 

[Hickswr]

Congrats on finding bullets your barrel likes.

And proving yet again that “nodes” are fictional characters.

 

[Rob01]

 

[CanMike]

1-8 twist Cadex which should be Bartlein barrell.

Just leaving range. Very happy.

Will update thread tonight.

Mike

 

[CanMike]

Lapua Virgin Brass (Small) - 24" Cadex Barrel 1-8 Twist
CCI 450 Primers
H4350 Powder
330 Yards
0.015-0.017 Off the LANDS loaded to about 2.90 OAL

This range trip we had some swirling / gusting winds 7-9kph so not as calm as first time out. So pretty happy with results.

Shot 41.0 and 41.2 of H4350. 10 shots each. Round Robin - 330 Yards

ES - 20-24
SD - 9.5
Velocity - 2690 average

Average of 4 groups 0.45 MOA

 

[CanMike]

Was also going to ask the group. Has anyone played with seating depth with these and Glinda benefit.

I was thinking with tying but with small sample she not sure I’ll be able to tell th difference. I know the ElDMs are pretty tolerant on a wide range of seating depths. Not sure about these.

Mike

 

[Rob01]

Was also going to ask the group. Has anyone played with seating depth with these and Glinda benefit.

I was thinking with tying but with small sample she not sure I’ll be able to tell th difference. I know the ElDMs are pretty tolerant on a wide range of seating depths. Not sure about these.

Mike

The ATips are the same. I am loading them at 2.860” so they fit and feed reliably in my AICS mags and they are jumping .050” and shoot great.

 

[CanMike]

So back to the range for some seating depth testing to finalize load for match over the weekend. Tried 10, 15, 20, 25 off the lands and by far the clear winner was 10.. So for now settled on 40.7 grains of H4350 and CBTO of 2.226 (9-10 thousandths off lands)

I may play a little more in the 5-10 off lands range later on but I am pretty happy with the results and out of time

Lapua Virgin Brass (Small) - 24" Cadex Barrel
CCI 450 Primers
H4350 Powder
330 Yards
0.009-0.010 Off the LANDS loaded to about 2.90 OAL

2670 FPS
SD - 7.62
ES - 23 (10 shot aggregate)

I'll post full target at 330 yards in modest wind. Center two are the 10 thousandths off lands. I shot each seating depth once (5 shot groups) and then re-verfied and zeroed the best one (10 off lands) That group is slightly larger then first due to me as I zeroed scope to Point of Aim and then lost the Point of Aim in the Mirage and Bullet holes so last 2 shots I was just aiming at the group. Wanted to zero rifle as best I could before doing 1000 this weekend as not sure how much time they will give me to setup scope. Most likely none.

Mike

 

[CanMike]

Also quick question for group. I loaded 10 of each seating depth but since 10 was the clear winner I only re-veried it. So I have 15 rounds slightly shorter so I used the Kinetic Puller and hammered them out a touch and re-seated at the new longer seating depth.. Only 15 Thousandths push out.. I basically pushed them out 40-50 thousandths with the puller and then put them back on seating press to go to 10 off Lands length.

Anyone see any issues with doing that? Safe to use in comp or should I use them as fowlers / sighters?

Mike