Ordered a new barrel....does that mean a completely new load development is to be expected?

[want2learn]

So, i've recently ordered my first new barrel in the same caliber (6.5x47).....i would imagine that the barrel is the main variable in establishing nodes/velocity etc.....hence having to go through the whole load development process all over again, is that the general consensus?

The process seemed to take forever last time. Hopefully i might have learned something along the way. I should be better at the fundamentals of reloading. I used a standard OCW format albeit without a chronograph...still don't have one but i'm not trying to get out further than 600-1000 yards and i don't hunt...just paper/steel.

Any suggestions on how to be more efficient/effective?

is a chronograph a necessity?
thanks

 

[Pagcjc]

Chronograph makes it easier. Same barrel manufacturer, same smith setting it up.... you might be good with your current round. Definitely would give it a chance.

 

[ubettcha]

Shoot your ladder at 1k. Have a portable press loading block scale trickler dies and calipers/micrometer to measure your cases.
If you are using the same reamer it will be easier for seating if not do seating while breaking in the barrel. The further you do your ladder the less you need a chronograph. Be dilignet about your notes and you should be fine

 

[Dstoenner]

I shot 260 rem in f-class and like you it took a while to get a good load. When i replaced the shilen with a mcgowen i tried my last load adjusted the seating length and it shot just as well. Now i replaced the 260 with a mcgowen 6x47 and have a good load. Over the winter I broke in a back up barrel from criterion and tried my good mcgowen load. Shot just as well if not a little better.

There is hope

David

 

[supercorndogs]

There is no OCW format that uses a chronograph. If you found a node, it will be probably br pretty close to the same charge weight. The OAL that shoots best is often different.

I would load a 10 round pressure test first. If you see pressure signs at roughly the same place as your old barrel. I would load a mini OCW starting half grain below the edge of your current node and half grain above and see where the POI shift happens.

For example if your node ran from 34.5-35, I would load a mini OCW from 34-35.5, to see where the POI shifts are happening.

 

[spife7980]

Your new barrel could be close, or it could be way different. Ive had one of each this year, I now dont expect or hope for anything and just be pleasantly surprised when it does work out.

 

[locutus]

There is no yes or no answer. I've experienced both situations in bullseye competition rifles over the years. (M1A and M-1 Garand)

 

[Steel head]

Sometimes yes
Sometimes no.
I’m now shooting a load I developed for a barrel I killed quite a while ago and it’s shooting awesome.

 

[want2learn]

this is turning out to be a very interesting sport

i've still got so much to learn and for some reason i seem to be rather slow at this endeavor... somewhat out of character for me.

going to map out a more thorough and logical approach in advance so i'm not so haphazard in these efforts.

 

[Shoots 700's]

My old 6.5x47 load works great in the new barrel. Not always the case.