6.5 creedmoor OCW test with RL16

[sprink21]

Went out this morning to run a OCW test in my 6.5 Tikka CTR. I'm a bit lost because I was expecting to see some POI shifts but it looks like the POI remained the same through the entire test. So what load would you start working around? 41.4gr obviously had the tightest group but I know I'm not looking for groups just similar POI. I used virgin Lapua brass, 140gr ELD-M bullets, RL16 powder and CCI 450 primers. COAL is 2.865" which puts me .02" off the lands.

 

[308pirate]

I'm assuming that was 100 yards?

If so, try at 300.

Or maybe you're a lucky bastage and your rifle like just about anything so you can just pick the one with the smallest group/ES/SD.

 

[sprink21]

I'm assuming that was 100 yards?

If so, try at 300.

Or maybe you're a lucky bastage and your rifle like just about anything so you can just pick the one with the smallest group/ES/SD.

Yea, I shot at 100yds.

 

[Supersubes]

This why I do these at longer ranges, you just get more resolution in the vertical. In my limited experience with R16(and only with 147’s), the 41.4-42 grains is about where you should be for pressure. There is vertical shown here, however slight. Also, don’t disregard group size. Looks like everything after 42 gr, with one exception, is opening up a bunch. Id be exploring 41.4-42.

 

[quest450]

That's pretty close to my sweet spot
My T3 Tac with 26" Bartlein likes 41.70gr of RL16 with SMK's 142
Avg 2820fps, ES 20, SD 8.0
CBTO 2,1900 (-80thou) .289 neck

 

[sprink21]

I was able to make it back out again today, this time with my magnetospeed. I shot these 5rd groups @200yds and here's what I got.

41gr
avg 2643
SD 13
ES 34

41.2gr
avg 2650
SD 14
ES 34

41.4gr
avg 2664
SD 12
ES 31

41.6gr
avg 2684
SD 9
ES 23

41.8gr
avg 2697
SD 13
ES 35

42gr
avg 2713
SD 9
ES 25

42.2gr
avg 2726
SD 7
ES 21

42.4gr
avg 2744
SD 5
ES 15


So 42.4gr load gave the best SD and ES numbers but one of the worst groups. Would playing with seating depth shrink that group and keep the lower SD and ES or should I try tweaking the 42.2gr load since the group was already sub MOA?

 

[supercorndogs]

41.1-41.4 and 42-42.3 and 42.9-43.2 would look to me to be three nodes here. I would choose one and run a length test.

 

[JSTARSZ]

I am curious as to why RL16 vice RL17? I run RL17 at 42.3 grains in a 24" Bartlein barrel with 140ELD-M and get pretty close to your exact same FPS numbers. I think mine is 2730 for 42.3 grains. Is there a reason you are using Rl16 - am I missing something?

 

[sprink21]

I am curious as to why RL16 vice RL17? I run RL17 at 42.3 grains in a 24" Bartlein barrel with 140ELD-M and get pretty close to your exact same FPS numbers. I think mine is 2730 for 42.3 grains. Is there a reason you are using Rl16 - am I missing something?

RL16 is supposed to be temp stable.

 

[Patty]

RL16 is supposed to be temp stable.

I can verify that it is, i've shot RL16 from 29 degrees to 85 degrees F* without a noticeable velocity change. The same temp change with RL17 can result in a swing of as much as 100 fps.

My load is..
42.9gr RL16, 140 ELD
Lapua Brass, CCI small rifle magnum primers
2908fps SD: 3.7 out of a 24" carbon Proof

 

[my human host]

41.8 to 42.2 is where I would focus. I'd reshoot those at 400 to 500 yds in good conditions, then maybe fiddle with seating.

I didn't realize RL16 is temp stable. May have to pick up a jug.

 

[Supersubes]

41.8 to 42.2 is where I would focus. I'd reshoot those at 400 to 500 yds in good conditions, then maybe fiddle with seating.

I didn't realize RL16 is temp stable. May have to pick up a jug.

R16 is awesome! My h4350 and R16 loads are .5 gr apart. I find it a closer match to h4350 than 4451 is.

 

[260284]

I can verify that it is, i've shot RL16 from 29 degrees to 85 degrees F* without a noticeable velocity change. The same temp change with RL17 can result in a swing of as much as 100 fps.

My load is..
42.9gr RL16
Lapua Brass, CCI small rifle magnum primers
2908fps SD: 3.7 out of a 24" carbon Proof

What bullet are you using?

 

[Patty]

What bullet are you using?

Sorry meant to include that, 140 ELD-M

 

[sig2009]

Trying to get my ELDM to work. Shot this today with 26" Patriot Valley Arms Rock Creek Barrel and Nosler RDF. Barrel isn't even broken in yet. 5 shots.

 

[sprink21]

Nice shooting! I've been eyeballing those PVA pre fit barrels. They seem to be the most economical option and it looks like they shoot awesome also.