So I finally “pulled the trigger” on a longer range rifle last week. I won’t see it for a few months (PVA John Hancock 6.5 CM) so in the mean time I can start to look for deals on components. Below are a few questions, but also some additional background.
I’ve been reloading rifle and pistol calibers for years. Probably 15+ different calibers. BUT didn’t really ever do any "precision" reloading, it was more about working up a load for a hunting rifle, or just putting together a bunch of rounds for trips to the range with friends.
I don’t have access to a long range that’s close to my house (I live in the city) but might join a club that goes out to 600. Most of the closer ranges go out to maybe 300. Ideally I’d like to go with some friends and shoot maybe 2-3 PRS style matches a year, maybe more if the bug hits (too many hobbies and family). Mostly just shooting paper, steel and possibly deer hunting with the rig.
Currently I have an RCBS Rock Chucker and Dillon 550 (I will probably invest in a Forster Co-Ax in the near future). Have always used RCBS or Lee dies (factory crimp or some calibers I don’t shoot much). Have the stuff to trim cases (Lyman manual accutrimmer or Frankford Arsenal trim prep station with upgraded RCBS carbide cutter and VLD/Deburr tools). RCBS primer pocket uniformers, Lyman Flash Hole cleaner, etc. The standard case prep tools. A couple of scales (Dillon and RCBS beam scales and a GemPro 250 digital), powder throws, tricklers, etc. I have a basic Caldwell chronograph that has worked well so far. Might borrow a friends Magnetospeed to confirm findings. Have the hornady LNL OAL gauge to check jump once I get the rifle in hand.
As I move into the 6.5, my goal is to work on my skills and be a solid ½-3/4 MOA shooter if possible. I know it’s a rabbit hole but I don’t have the time or $$ to chase tiny holes. Yes I am constrained by budget, but don’t mind spending a bit more if the quality is worth it (or I can find second hand for a deal- best option!).
So here are my questions:
I’ve been reloading rifle and pistol calibers for years. Probably 15+ different calibers. BUT didn’t really ever do any "precision" reloading, it was more about working up a load for a hunting rifle, or just putting together a bunch of rounds for trips to the range with friends.
I don’t have access to a long range that’s close to my house (I live in the city) but might join a club that goes out to 600. Most of the closer ranges go out to maybe 300. Ideally I’d like to go with some friends and shoot maybe 2-3 PRS style matches a year, maybe more if the bug hits (too many hobbies and family). Mostly just shooting paper, steel and possibly deer hunting with the rig.
Currently I have an RCBS Rock Chucker and Dillon 550 (I will probably invest in a Forster Co-Ax in the near future). Have always used RCBS or Lee dies (factory crimp or some calibers I don’t shoot much). Have the stuff to trim cases (Lyman manual accutrimmer or Frankford Arsenal trim prep station with upgraded RCBS carbide cutter and VLD/Deburr tools). RCBS primer pocket uniformers, Lyman Flash Hole cleaner, etc. The standard case prep tools. A couple of scales (Dillon and RCBS beam scales and a GemPro 250 digital), powder throws, tricklers, etc. I have a basic Caldwell chronograph that has worked well so far. Might borrow a friends Magnetospeed to confirm findings. Have the hornady LNL OAL gauge to check jump once I get the rifle in hand.
As I move into the 6.5, my goal is to work on my skills and be a solid ½-3/4 MOA shooter if possible. I know it’s a rabbit hole but I don’t have the time or $$ to chase tiny holes. Yes I am constrained by budget, but don’t mind spending a bit more if the quality is worth it (or I can find second hand for a deal- best option!).
So here are my questions:
- Dies- I assume I will want Full length and a neck sizing die- Full length to get brass back into SAAMI spec, and neck sizing for after I develop a load and can get a couple of reloads without having the bump the shoulder back. (slim chance I would rebarrel a 308 AR I have into 6.5 but that’s another story). Get some basic RCBS FL dies, or Gold Medal, or Forster/Redding neck size/micrometer seating die?
- Brass- I probably have access to a decent amount of Hornady 6.5 once fired brass at a very fair price (more than likely fired from an AR, so the full length/SB dies might be in order). In the past I’ve shot a lot of Starline brass, and sounds like their SRP brass is good to go these days. Is SRP brass worth getting? I have a few k FGMM large rifle primers but also have a large variety of small rifle primers, but nothing match level. Peterson brass? Lapua?
- Bullets- again the go to for most decent performance seems to be the Hornady ELD-M/ELD-X (if I take it hunting). 140gr seems to be what a lot of folks are shooting from Hornady factory ammo but they make 100/120/123/130/140/147 ELD-M. I’ve shot SMK’s in the past but the ELD seems to be the current favorite for many.
- Powder- seems the go to is H4350 or RL16. I have IMR 4064, Varget, and others but assume I’ll get some H4350 soon.
- Prep- the only thing I think I might look into is something to turn necks for consistent tension, and a way to anneal the brass (probably the salt dip method as I have a spare unused Lee pot already from casting). Anything else I might be missing?