Re: **6.5 Creedmoor Loads**
Just another data point from my AI AE Mk3 in 6.5CM with a factory 24" Bartlein barrel.
Factory 140 Amax loaded ammo went over the chronograph at 2775fps avg for 20 rounds and dope out to 600 tracked the chronograph very well. Accuracy was about 1/3 MOA at 300Y.
The same day I tested some handloads with fresh 6.5CM brass, GM210M primers, 140 Amax seated .010 off the lands (2.170 to ogive), and 41.5gr H4350. This was a duplicate of the "on the box" factory load with the exception of the bullets seated out about .025 longer to put them .010" off the lands. These loads averaged 2705fps over the chronograph for 20 rounds and the dope out to 600 tracked the chronographed 2705fps very well. Accuracy of this load was also about 1/3 MOA at 300Y.
The velocity variance between the factory loads and my loads may have been a lot to lot variance of H4350 or as others have noted the factory Hornady loads might really have about 42.4-42.5gr powder instead of the 41.5gr marked on the label. I didn't pull any of the factory ammo to check the charge weights.
Next time I head to the range I'm going to try a little more powder to try to match the velocity of the factory ammo.
I'm really liking the 6.5CM in terms of easy load development, performance, and the availability of very accurate factory ammo. I'm probably going to sell my .308 Armalite AR10 and have GA Precision build me a GAP-10 in 6.5CM. I can't see shooting my .308s much anymore!
