How Fast Is Too Fast With 140gn ELDM And RDF 6.5 Creedmoor

[sig2009]

So I'm working on some loads with 140gn ELDM and H4350 with my new 26" Rock Creek PVA barrel. So far I have found a node at 42.6gn at 2864 fps with no pressure signs. Am I looking to burn out this new barrel sooner running these that fast?

I've also found a node with the 140gn RDF and IMR 4350 with 42.4gn of IMR 4350 at 2800fps with no pressure signs.

Should I be looking at finding a lower node with both bullets in the 2700 fps range or just keep shooting what the barrel likes at those velocities and not worry about premature barrel wear. I don't shoot PRS so I'm lucky to shoot a couple hundred a month. Any input appreciated.

 

[sig2009]

So no one reloads 6.5 creedmoor anymore?

 

[Kadams1563]

I find that with a 26' barrel about 2800 FPS is what it should run for a node. My best group so far and the lowest SD's came from 2812fps out of my 26" Bartlien.

For the record my load is 42.2 H4350 with Lapua brass.

You could do a full work up and find your low node and the middle node and see what FPS you would get. If your just plinking then it really doesn't matter much.

 

[mojavejim]

I run a bit faster than that. 42.8 is my middle node load w/140 hybrids. Why reload if your only after 2700'ish. Will I burn up barrels a bit faster? I don't really care it only takes a minute to change out on my AX, with all the $ involved in this game 75% barrel life is the least of my worries.
Just be careful in the summer, I drop down to that middle node when hot, even with H4350.

 

[kthomas]

It's not a race.

Find a solid velocity node, and load to that. My current (24") and past barrel (26") both liked 2780-2800 fps with the 140's.

Ballistically you are not gaining much by going an extra 50-100 fps - maybe a tenth or a bit more of wind at 1000 yards.

 

[Maddy]

Last year I shot BWRS matches with 140RDF bullets using RL16. I have a 26" prefit Tikka barrel from PVA. It is a button rifled barrel from Spencer/Masterpiece arms I believe. I did my initial load developement without a chrony, just looking for pressure signs. When I did test it I found I was running over 2900fps! Thought, "Oh crap! I'm going to blow this thing!" After I thought about it, I decided to chrony some factory loads I had. Turns out my barrel is just faster than most. With the Hornady 140ELD factory load (which states 2710fps on the box) I was getting 2840fps.

I decided not to worry about it and ran another 1200rnds of that 2900+fps load through my rifle in competition and practive. Had no issues. Shot in 100deg weather.

 

[Maddy]

I also wanted to mention. I did some testing with other bullets and in my rifle I found that the RDF 140 grain bullets had more velocity than the 140 ELD's and 142SMK with the same charge weight in my rifle

 

[308Gunner]

As Maddy and others have stated if you want a barrel to shoot forever get a 308, in a 6.5 of any flavor anywhere from 2 to 3000 rounds you are looking at a barrel. My 6.5 Super LR was running 140's at 2865 and I was not at the top, but it shot good there so that is where I stopped.

 

[47guy]

when one explodes mid flight thats a little to fast you need to back it down a half grain!