Where to go next with this 6.5 Creedmoor load

[x2cross]

Gas gun w/ 22" barrel
ADG LRP brass
Br2 primer
130gr Berger OTM
H4350

(bracket from 39-41gr, ejector swipe at 41gr.)
COL 2.800

Just trying to figure out where to go from here. I'm new to all this reloading stuff

 

[Krob95]

I’d go 39.5 and do some jump testing to see if you can get your groups to tighten up if they’re not already there.

 

[x2cross]

I’d go 39.5 and do some jump testing to see if you can get your groups to tighten up if they’re not already there.

That's what I was guessing as well. 2.800" is pretty much as long as I can fit in my mag, so what increments shorter should I try?

 

[Krob95]

Howd the group look at 39.5? I’d go 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 thou further. If numbers look good still and no compressed loads and groups are not good, try another 5-10k off. What’s the realistic groups size you’re looking for?

The OTM match bullets should be very jump insensitive though since they were made for AR mag lengths. I would see what the increments above net you though and go from there.

 

[Shooter J]

Focus first on ES. If ES is good. Test seating depth. Simple as that.

 

[x2cross]

Howd the group look at 39.5? I’d go 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 thou further. If numbers look good still and no compressed loads and groups are not good, try another 5-10k off. What’s the realistic groups size you’re looking for?

5 shot group was ok, didn't measure it, but looked about 1.5 MOA. I'd like to get a bit better as I've shot sub-moa with hornady factory match

 

[Krob95]

5 shot group was ok, didn't measure it, but looked about 1.5 MOA. I'd like to get a bit better as I've shot sub-moa with hornady factory match

Definitely do the jump tests then lol

 

[47guy]

how far off the lands are you at 2.800?

 

[bobke]

Couple of things. Is there a similar POI for the loads you’ve tested? While you may find best SD/ES at a point, and 5-7 SD’s are good, they may be outside of a common POI between loads. If you have three with common POI, pick the middle and play around a bit with charges in tenth or two increments and seating depth in .003’s and see where you go. Seems like you’re using P Mags with 2.800” max length-you might pick up a few ASC mags that will allow you to go 2.865 or so, and see if that doesn’t help. Would think you should be able to reach near 2800 without too much pressure or effect on brass.

 

[x2cross]

how far off the lands are you at 2.800?

No idea, didn't figure there was a point because I'm limited by mag length.

Seems like you’re using P Mags with 2.800” max length-you might pick up a few ASC mags that will allow you to go 2.865 or so

I'll check em out, didn't know better mags existed. Also, what is gained by finding where the consistent POI is on a test ladder? I've seen people talk about it, but no one has explained why it matters.

 

[bobke]

Consistent POI would be an indication of a broader node, where you have more flexibility and consistency, if say a large change in temperature affected velocity in a way that moved you off a more limited/restricted node of a single charge weight.
Padom has shown dozens of his OCW/seating depth load tests that explain it far better than I can. Just know...it works. Try the ASC mags, they’ll give you lots of room to work with as you try other bullets down the road. Not too expensive, either.

 

[47guy]

No idea, didn't figure there was a point because I'm limited by mag length.

I'll check em out, didn't know better mags existed. Also, what is gained by finding where the consistent POI is on a test ladder? I've seen people talk about it, but no one has explained why it matters.

you could run a seating test and seat back starting at 2.790 and go .010 farther for 4-5 sets and see how that goes....
so 3 at 2.790...3 at 2.780...3 at 2.770...3 at 2.760....3 at 2.750

 

[x2cross]

Well, I just ordered 2 ASC mags. When they show up, I'll measure where my lands are, and start from there (mag length permitting)

 

[upsdownsideways]

Howd the group look at 39.5? I’d go 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 thou further. If numbers look good still and no compressed loads and groups are not good, try another 5-10k off. What’s the realistic groups size you’re looking for?

The OTM match bullets should be very jump insensitive though since they were made for AR mag lengths. I would see what the increments above net you though and go from there.

How do you know if your load is compressed or not?

 

[x2cross]

How do you know if your load is compressed or not?

You'll hear it crunch while seating, or shake the completed shell and see if you can still hear the powder rattling around in there