6.5 PRC Loads

357Max

357Max

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Minuteman
    • Sep 11, 2019
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    Marylandistan
    #1
    6.5 PRC only



    Just starting a load work up. I need your favorite accuracy loads.

    Please provide:

    long or short action

    Bullet weight and Mfg.
    Powder and charge in grains
    Cartridge OAL, yes OAL. If you want to include ogive list the comparator used.
    Primer
    Brass Mfg.
    Velocity
    Barrel length
    Freebore of your chamber if known

    Comments on function, brass life, accuracy, temp stability.

    Today I ran 50 fire forming loads for new ADG brass. The idea was to use up bullets and powder I don't like while fire forming.

    Short action Mausingfield M7
    Win. Staball 6.5
    54.5 gr x 35
    Norma Golden Target 130gr Advertised G1 .610 (I plugged in .585 to Strelok Pro) hit centered at 500.
    Seated for max mag length 2.960 This shot the best @ .875" for 5 avg speed 3090
    Seated 5 @ 2.947
    Seated 5 @ 2.935
    avg speed 3090
    checked several five round groups for velocity out of the car rounds were cool 1st group avg 3090 SD 9.5, then 3115 SD 22, then 3085 SD16.2. Temp stability seems pretty good.
    New ADG brass. Chamfer od/id & mandrel with .2625
    CCI #34
    26" Helix 6/ 8T Braked
    9lb gun

    3 x 5 round ladders with Berger 144 LRHT seated for max mag 2.960
    Vit N565
    57.4 = 2942 SD 11.2 1.1"
    57.9 = 2972 SD 13.9 .875"
    58.4 + 2997 SD 19.3 1.3"

    I'll be loading the 156 eol in this fire formed brass with N565 next.
     
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    #2
    Bergara Premier Pro short action 26” 1:8”
    Bullet: Berger 140gr Hybrid Target (#26714)
    Brass: Lapua
    Primer: RWS LR magnum
    Powder and charge: VV N570 61.0gr (Pretty stable through 55 to 75 degrees temperature.)
    Seating: CBTO 2.342” (.005” jump) (Sorry, I don’t measure OAL because I single feed.)

    This is a finicky rifle, I’ll admit. I’ll be bedding it and see if I can wring out some tighter groups. This load is 1.5gr below Berger’s max load with the N570, and it is not a compressed load. I have no signs of excessive pressure. Primers look great, no ejector marks, and very little case expansion. I am bumping the shoulder only .0005”, which gives a slight resistance when chambering a case. Neck tension is .003” (bushing die). I anneal every firing, so case life should be long. BTW, I only started development with fire formed cases, and I tried three different seating depths before deciding on the .005” jump.

    Here’s the numbers from the Garmin.

    IMG-2683.png


    I’m happy with this load. I’m not as happy with the rifle. After bedding, I hope to eliminate some anomalies and tighten the groups. Best accuracy I’ve achieved is .386” at 102 yards (5 shots). I know that this is a factory offering, but I would like to see how far I can go.

    It took way too many rounds fired to achieve this. I fire formed a hundred cases, then started with OCW tests (16 different weights), and then three different seating depths. My total rounds to get this load was 250. Yes…it took a while.
     
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    #3
    Tikka Action with 24” proof CF prefit 1:7.5”, suppressed
    Bullet: Hornady 143 ELDx
    Brass: Peterson
    Primer: Federal 210
    Powder and charge: H1000 58.7gr
    Seating: 2.95 OAL, can't recall CBTO off the top of my head

    2975 FPS avg and shoots in the .3's.

    May tinker with the 147 ELDM before deer season, but this is strictly my big game hunting rifle so don't shoot it much
     
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    #6
    Short Action TL3
    153.5gr Berger Hybrid
    57.5 +/- .02 gr of H1000
    2.950-2.960” COAL
    CCI BR2
    ADG Brass
    3005 FPS
    28” 1:7.5 tw Bartlein barrel with a SAAMI chamber.

    5 shot groups are great:

    IMG_2198.jpeg


    Temp stability is pretty good. I recorded almost all of my shots over a 2 day match. Temps ranged from the low 60s in the morning to the mid 80s in the afternoon. Despite that, I had an SD of 10 and ES of 47 for the entire match.

    Each stage was 4 to 8 shots. The error bars show the min and max velocity for each stage.

    1719340480879.png
     
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    #8
    Tikka T3x Lite Roughtek
    147gr Hornady Eld-M
    57.6 gr of H1000
    2.95” COAL
    CCI BR2
    Lapua Brass
    Averaging 2986 over 50 shots.
    Group size on a 10 shot group is .75 MOA at 100 yards.

    I’m in AZ and the MV and group sizes have been incredibly consistent regardless of outside temp. I have shot this in the low 50’s and temps as high as 110. Pretty happy with it for a hunting load.
     
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    #10
    Christensen Arms MPR 24” SiCo Omega 30
    Magnetospeed V3

    147 ELDMs vaporized on multiple occasions so I suggest avoiding those. There’s plenty of anecdotal stories on here and elsewhere regarding those.

    Hornady 129gr Interlock
    H4831 58 gr
    Hornady brass x 4
    Fed 210M
    COL 2.052
    COAL 2.850
    3154, 3176, 3180, 3179

    Hornady 129gr Interlock
    RL22 57 gr
    Hornady brass x 4
    Fed 210M
    COL 2.052
    COAL 2.850
    3160, 3190, 3212, 3206

    Hornady 153 gr A-Tip
    H4831 53 gr
    Hornady brass x 2
    Fed 210M
    COL 2.030
    COAL 2.955
    2927, 2886, 2899, 2891, 2898, 2895

    Hornady 153 gr A-Tip
    RL23 52.5 gr
    Hornady brass x 3
    Fed 210M
    COL 2.045
    COAL 2.955
    2915 fps

    Hornady 153 gr A-Tip
    RL26 55.7 gr
    Hornady brass x 5
    Fed 210M
    COL 2.045
    COAL 2.955
    3009, 2989, 3007, 3009, 3010,
    3024, 3000, 3001, 3012

    53F 44% 30.23mmHg
    Berger 156 gr Elite Hunter HPBT
    H4831 54.8
    Hornady brass x 6
    Fed 210M
    COL 2.035
    COAL 2.940
    2852, 2866, 2852, 2870, 2859
    2865, 2875, 2877, 2868, 2877 SD 7.5

    48F 86% 30.08mmHg
    Berger 156 gr Elite Hunter HPBT
    RL23 52.8
    Hornady brass x 1
    Fed 210M
    COL 2.030
    COAL 2.940
    2871, 2872, 2888, 2896, 2866 SD 12.7

    48F 86% 30.08mmHg
    Berger 156 gr Elite Hunter HPBT
    RL26 56.0
    Hornady brass x 1
    Fed 210M
    COL 2.030
    COAL 2.940
    2949, 2962, 2956, 2947, 2955
    2951 SD 5.4 elevated pressure signs

    Berger 156 gr Elite Hunter HPBT
    RL26 55.6
    Hornady brass x 3
    Fed 210M
    BTO 2.220
    COL 2.020
    COAL 2.920
    2931, 2940, 2956, 2943, 2953 SD 10

    SMK 150 HPBT
    RL26 56.0 gr
    Hornady brass x 3
    Fed 210M
    BTO 2.220
    COL 2.040 too long
    COAL 2.946
    2987, 2993, 2972, 2984, 2971
    2986, 2977, 2998, 2982 SD 9
     
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    #12
    I'm getting started with N565 this week.

    20" C6 1:7 barrel
    Lapua Brass
    CCI mag primer
    130 & 140 Sierra Gamechanger bullets

    I'll let you all know how it goes.

    Up to this point, I have been using RL-26 but the spread on speed is just no good as far as I'm concerned. I see pretty big variations in speed when the temps change, and I'd like to get something more stable.
     
    #13
    shootertom said:
    I'm getting started with N565 this week.

    20" C6 1:7 barrel
    Lapua Brass
    CCI mag primer
    130 & 140 Sierra Gamechanger bullets

    I'll let you all know how it goes.

    Up to this point, I have been using RL-26 but the spread on speed is just no good as far as I'm concerned. I see pretty big variations in speed when the temps change, and I'd like to get something more stable.
    Click to expand...
    Really interested to hear what you end up with, I bought a pound of H4831SC for a similar configuration (20" 7.5tw) but I know some of the VV powders are appropriate too.
     
    #14
    shootertom said:
    I'm getting started with N565 this week.

    20" C6 1:7 barrel
    Lapua Brass
    CCI mag primer
    130 & 140 Sierra Gamechanger bullets

    I'll let you all know how it goes.

    Up to this point, I have been using RL-26 but the spread on speed is just no good as far as I'm concerned. I see pretty big variations in speed when the temps change, and I'd like to get something more stable.
    Click to expand...
    Well, RL26 is unicorn dust at this point so might as well find something else. If you’ve got a big pile and don’t like it let me help you out with that burden 😜
     
    #15
    db2000 said:
    Well, RL26 is unicorn dust at this point so might as well find something else. If you’ve got a big pile and don’t like it let me help you out with that burden 😜
    Click to expand...
    lol, I think I'm somewhere around 9 pounds left now. I'm honestly surprised people like it. It seems like everyone's focus is on maximum speed, and I get that. But it's crazy the speed variations I see in the Alliant powders.
     
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    #16
    Just started loading for the 6.5 PRC this week. I’ve been shooting factory Hornady 147 ELDM ammo for a few years and was never really happy with it. It killed several deer, but felt it could shoot better.

    Defience Ruckus Ga Hunter
    Proof 22’ carbon barrel
    Hornady 1x fired brass
    Federal 210
    147 ELDM
    56.6 H100
    2954 fps
    ES 8.7
    SD 3.9

    .260 group

    This was only a 3 shot group. I’ll confirm with a larger group when I get back from work in a month.
     
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    #17
    shootertom said:
    I'm getting started with N565 this week.

    20" C6 1:7 barrel
    Lapua Brass
    CCI mag primer
    130 & 140 Sierra Gamechanger bullets

    I'll let you all know how it goes.

    Up to this point, I have been using RL-26 but the spread on speed is just no good as far as I'm concerned. I see pretty big variations in speed when the temps change, and I'd like to get something more stable.
    Click to expand...
    Don’t sleep on N560. Its great with a 140 in my PRC
     
    #19
    Tugboater said:
    Just started loading for the 6.5 PRC this week. I’ve been shooting factory Hornady 147 ELDM ammo for a few years and was never really happy with it. It killed several deer, but felt it could shoot better.

    Defience Ruckus Ga Hunter
    Proof 22’ carbon barrel
    Hornady 1x fired brass
    Federal 210
    147 ELDM
    56.6 H100
    2954 fps
    ES 8.7
    SD 3.9

    .260 group

    This was only a 3 shot group. I’ll confirm with a larger group when I get back from work in a month.
    Click to expand...
    147 ELDMs come apart. There’s plenty of info out there on this. Find another bullet before wasting any more resources developing them.
     
    #21
    I was going to post the same thing. N560 was more accurate than N565 in my PRC but I had some big changes in velocity with large temp swings.

    Regarding the 147 coming apart, I've not personally seen that. All I've seen is 7 African animals dead right there and a few elk as well. I was suspect of using the 147 but witnessing all that I've swapped over to it as my all-purpose hunting bullet. A buddy took 11 African animals with the 143 so I can't say negative things about that either.
     
    #22
    parshal said:
    I was going to post the same thing. N560 was more accurate than N565 in my PRC but I had some big changes in velocity with large temp swings.

    Regarding the 147 coming apart, I've not personally seen that. All I've seen is 7 African animals dead right there and a few elk as well. I was suspect of using the 147 but witnessing all that I've swapped over to it as my all-purpose hunting bullet. A buddy took 11 African animals with the 143 so I can't say negative things about that either.
    Click to expand...
    Have you shot 1000 of the 147’s?
    143 are a hunting bullet and perfectly fine. I sure as hell wouldn’t risk losing an expensive animal over my bullet vaporizing 50 yds in front of me. Why risk it when there’s so many better choices? Anyway. You’ve been warned.
     
    #23
    Yes, I have shot 1000's of the 147, maybe even 10,000. The only bullet I've ever had come apart was a 112 Matchburner from a Dasher in a comp. And, that was only one of 1000's.

    I have heard they're inconsistent lot to lot but I've not personally experienced that.
     
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    #24
    secondofangle2 said:
    Not a lot of guys shooting 6.5 PRC or just not posting their loads?
    Click to expand...
    There have been like 10 threads because the mods just didn't sticky one for a long time, but most of the past thread kind of suck. Glad there's finally something stickied, post in here instead of reviving the two threads below:

    Info for >150gr class bullets
    www.snipershide.com

    Berger 6.5mm 156g EOL, 153.5g LRHT, & 144g LRHT Load Data for 6.5 PRC

    Good afternoon! Wanting to see if anyone on her has done load development for the Berger 156g EOL, 153.5g LRHT, & 144g LRHT for a 6.5 PRC. If so what powders/charges, what did your ladder test look like for minimum charge - maximum charge, & how was your success? I'm currently working on a...
    www.snipershide.com www.snipershide.com

    Other loads
    www.snipershide.com

    6.5 PRC Loads

    Hello. I couldn’t find many posting on 6.5PRC load development, so if I’m missing it please direct me to the right thread. Lapua Brass Fed 210M H-1000 Berger 156 hybrids. Speeds seem to be good around the 2900fps range and I’m working with seating depth to tighten up the groups. What...
    www.snipershide.com www.snipershide.com
     
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    #25
    parshal said:
    I was going to post the same thing. N560 was more accurate than N565 in my PRC but I had some big changes in velocity with large temp swings.

    Regarding the 147 coming apart, I've not personally seen that. All I've seen is 7 African animals dead right there and a few elk as well. I was suspect of using the 147 but witnessing all that I've swapped over to it as my all-purpose hunting bullet. A buddy took 11 African animals with the 143 so I can't say negative things about that either.
    Click to expand...


    I’m with you, I personally haven’t seen the 147 come apart. I’ve killed probably 40 coyotes and three deer with this bullet so far. I’ll continue to use it tell I see different.
     
    #26
    I got out today and tested N565 and the results were lack luster for me.

    Heres my set up

    20" 1:7 barrel
    Lapua Brass
    130 Game Changer
    CCI mag primer

    My previous load was with 56.5 gr of RL26 and I was averaging 2990 FPS

    With VV N565 I tried 57 gr and got an average of 2830 fps

    Im not even going to waste my time with larger N565 loads as I plan to run it with an 18" barrel as well and it appears that the powder does not do well in shorter barrels.

    Accuracy was also poor, but I didn't worry to much about that because I know it wants to be pushed harder.

    So back to the drawing board, not sure what powder I test next. I just wish RL26 were temp stable.
     
    #27
    shootertom said:
    I got out today and tested N565 and the results were lack luster for me.

    Heres my set up

    20" 1:7 barrel
    Lapua Brass
    130 Game Changer
    CCI mag primer

    My previous load was with 56.5 gr of RL26 and I was averaging 2990 FPS

    With VV N565 I tried 57 gr and got an average of 2830 fps

    Im not even going to waste my time with larger N565 loads as I plan to run it with an 18" barrel as well and it appears that the powder does not do well in shorter barrels.

    Accuracy was also poor, but I didn't worry to much about that because I know it wants to be pushed harder.

    So back to the drawing board, not sure what powder I test next. I just wish RL26 were temp stable.
    Click to expand...
    I think the VV565 is better suited to heavier class bullets 140+ in the PRC.

    If I were running 18”-20” barrel with 130’s I’d try working up loads with RL16 or even N550 to get good speed and complete burn.

    My fire forming loads with 54.5g 6.5 Staball & 130’s were 3090 with a 26” barrel. Knock 150 off for 20” & should be 2940ish. That wasn’t a top end load. Not a hint of pressure. Just picked it as a fire form load. The 6.5 Staball is not my favorite powder but goes to show faster burn rate powders can work well with the lighter projectiles.
     
    #28
    shootertom said:
    I got out today and tested N565 and the results were lack luster for me.

    Heres my set up

    20" 1:7 barrel
    Lapua Brass
    130 Game Changer
    CCI mag primer

    My previous load was with 56.5 gr of RL26 and I was averaging 2990 FPS

    With VV N565 I tried 57 gr and got an average of 2830 fps

    Im not even going to waste my time with larger N565 loads as I plan to run it with an 18" barrel as well and it appears that the powder does not do well in shorter barrels.

    Accuracy was also poor, but I didn't worry to much about that because I know it wants to be pushed harder.

    So back to the drawing board, not sure what powder I test next. I just wish RL26 were temp stable.
    Click to expand...
    I'd say that N560 would be a good powder to try. And if you're after velocity, it'll get that projectile over 3k fps without any pressure issue in a 20" barrel and over 2900 for an 18" barrel.

    Another good powder would be H4831sc.
     
    #37
    straightshooter1 said:
    I'd recommend going with H4831sc. It's really a good power that done well in various cartridges and calibers. It's even worked well for me using 140 to 153.5 gr Bergers.
    Click to expand...
    So the H4831SC is awesome! I have 3 range sessions on it and the speeds were all consistent and predictable. The best part is the ES was 10 fps or below on all loads tested. I ended up settling on 56.5 gr of powder with 140 game changer bullets. Averaging 2955 fps. (20” barrel)

    Super happy with this, thank you again for the recommendation. I’ll test the same load in my 18”. Hoping to get 2900 fps.
     
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    #38
    shootertom said:
    So the H4831SC is awesome! I have 3 range session on it and the speeds were all consistent and predictable. The best part is the ES was 10 fps of below on all loads tested. I ended up settling on 56.5 gr of powder with 140 game changer bullets. Averaging 2955 fps. (20” barrel)

    Super happy with this, thank you again for the recommendation. I’ll test the same load in my 18”. Hoping to get 2900 fps.
    Click to expand...
    Sounds great. What COAL are your cartridges loaded to?

    56.5 grs of H4831SC sounds a bit hot to me. But apparently you're not getting any pressure signs.
     
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    #39
    straightshooter1 said:
    Sounds great. What COAL are your cartridges loaded to?

    56.5 grs of H4831SC sounds a bit hot to me. But apparently you're not getting any pressure signs.
    Click to expand...
    I am loading it to 2.950"

    I did test greater charges with 130's but they just never grouped well. I ran those from 56.0-58.5 gr in .5 gr increments.

    Thankfully no pressure signs and shooting in 75-85 deg weather. Should be very happy at hunting temps.
     
    #40
    shootertom said:
    I am loading it to 2.950"

    I did test greater charges with 130's but they just never grouped well. I ran those from 56.0-58.5 gr in .5 gr increments.

    Thankfully no pressure signs and shooting in 75-85 deg weather. Should be very happy at hunting temps.
    Click to expand...
    So, I ran some numbers just to see where that load is, as I know I've been running ~54.5 grs and know that was on the high end. So, here's some ballpark numbers just FYI:
    H4831SC - 20in - COAL-2.950.jpg
     
    #41
    straightshooter1 said:
    So, I ran some numbers just to see where that load is, as I know I've been running ~54.5 grs and know that was on the high end. So, here's some ballpark numbers just FYI:
    View attachment 8482512
    Click to expand...
    I like that software; I'll have to download and try it out.

    I would be interested to see what the RL26 numbers are, they are basically running neck and neck for speed (in my rifle). It's interesting that the 4831 would show near max pressure with extremely low velocities.

    The fill volume also makes me wonder, I could shake the loaded round and vividly hear/feel the powder still had some capacity.

    Is there any chance that this software is on the "lawyer" side of things?
     
    #42
    shootertom said:
    I like that software; I'll have to download and try it out.

    I would be interested to see what the RL26 numbers are, they are basically running neck and neck for speed (in my rifle). It's interesting that the 4831 would show near max pressure with extremely low velocities.

    The fill volume also makes me wonder, I could shake the loaded round and vividly hear/feel the powder still had some capacity.

    Is there any chance that this software is on the "lawyer" side of things?
    Click to expand...
    This software is available for download, but at a price. Note too that there's a bit of a learning curve for how to get the numbers right that's reliable. It works well for finding the ballpark to work within. Basically yes, I'd say it's on the "lawyer" side when used properly.

    Here some RL26 numbers (for the default burn rate):
    RL26 - 20in - COAL-2.950.jpg
     
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    #43
    straightshooter1 said:
    This software is available for download, but at a price. Note too that there's a bit of a learning curve for how to get the numbers right that's reliable. It works well for finding the ballpark to work within. Basically yes, I'd say it's on the "lawyer" side when used properly.

    Here some RL26 numbers (for the default burn rate):
    View attachment 8482568
    Click to expand...
    Ok that makes sense, at least for my rifle the numbers seem a little off. Either way it’s a great way to find a good starting point.
     
    #44
    357Max said:
    I think the VV565 is better suited to heavier class bullets 140+ in the PRC.

    If I were running 18”-20” barrel with 130’s I’d try working up loads with RL16 or even N550 to get good speed and complete burn.

    My fire forming loads with 54.5g 6.5 Staball & 130’s were 3090 with a 26” barrel. Knock 150 off for 20” & should be 2940ish. That wasn’t a top end load. Not a hint of pressure. Just picked it as a fire form load. The 6.5 Staball is not my favorite powder but goes to show faster burn rate powders can work well with the lighter projectiles.
    Click to expand...
    I have an 18 inch barrel, got some Peterson virgin brass to fire form. I decided to play with TAC since I only had 2 lbs of it. I chose 130gr TMK bullets and just plugged some data into Gordon's reloading tool. Picked a charge that was just under the warnings for close to max pressure and loaded 50 rounds. They shot excellent. 15 rounds less than 1 MOA and consistently with 5 shot groups. 2900+ FPS My plan was to use VVN565 with 140gr Sierra but if that fails I might have already stumbled upon a nice working round.
     
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    #45
    Boss Gobbler said:
    I have an 18 inch barrel, got some Peterson virgin brass to fire form. I decided to play with TAC since I only had 2 lbs of it. I chose 130gr TMK bullets and just plugged some data into Gordon's reloading tool. Picked a charge that was just under the warnings for close to max pressure and loaded 50 rounds. They shot excellent. 15 rounds less than 1 MOA and consistently with 5 shot groups. 2900+ FPS My plan was to use VVN565 with 140gr Sierra but if that fails I might have already stumbled upon a nice working round.
    Click to expand...
    130 TMK’s shoot great out of mine using N565. It’s a 24” tikka roughtec using virgin Lapua brass, cci 200, going roughly 3025 fps with 58.5 grns of N565. Would have liked a little more speed but it just shoots and recoil is very tolerable.
     
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