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6.5 Addiction (Swedemoor)
- Thread starter MTSLW
- Start date
Happy Easter everyone!
TRG65 send me a message recently about my 140 g Berger load, so I thought I should post an update.
My barrel details are above. Although it's attached to a Curtis Custom Vector short action, the chamber is throated for a long action. I shoot 130 gr Berger ARH from my mag, but most of my shooting is single shot hand feeding.
When developing my loads, I chased speed nodes and refined from there, so I let the rifle tell me what it likes. Lapua brass and CCI No. 200 primers. All loads are lightly compressed. And I am getting light bolt head swipes, but my primer pockets are tight. Most of my loads probably on the edge of pressure, but I'm not shooting matches, I'm plinking in the field and hunting, letting my barrel cool between shots.
130 gr Berger AR Hybrid + 52.8 gr H4831 with a decent jump (ARC magazine length): 2,993 clean and cold; 3,011 dirty and cold; 3,035 dirty and warm.
140 gr Woodleigh PP SN + 54 gr H4831 (ARC magazine length): 3,053 dirty and warm.
140 gr Berger Hybrid Target + 53.6 gr H4831, CBTO 2.4180" with .005" jump, COAL approx. 3.1050": 3,033 clean and cold; 3,053 dirty and cold; 3,080 dirty and warm. This is a fast load, so I havent shot it a lot, but it has a pretty good ES.
150 gr Sierra MatchKing + 52.8 gr H4831, CBTO 2.4270" with .0135" jump, COAL approx. 3.1650": 2,943 clean and cold; 3,003 dirty and warm. This load has a very low ES, my rifle loves it. I'm now have to true my Kestrel because my actual elevation is nearly 1 MOA less than the firing solution with my MagnetoSpeed mv, at 550 metres.
Matt
Has anyone tried the winchester brass I know it's not even close to being as good as lapua but I'm able to get some of it from a buddy.
Couple months ago I ordered up a hydro form die from Whidden. I had it made from the JGS reamer print. I wanted to save my barrel 2-300 rounds of wear from fire forming. Considering I use this for PRS style shooting and most all the rest of the LR shooting I do as well, I plan on about 12-1500 rounds from a barrel. I’m pushing a147 at 2900 give or take some velocity depending on powder. So 2-300 rounds of 1500 on a 700 dollar barrel, pretty much paid for the cost of the hydro form die kit. I get about a 75% form. The 6.5x55 case is about 56grs h2o, the hydro formed case is about 59, and the fully formed is 60. The shoulder blew out to full diameter, but the sides did not get fully straightened.
When I used plain water the results weren’t all that good. Rubbing alcohol works marvelous, but right now that is almost liquid gold like toilet paper. I used listerine as a substitute. Pretty high alcohol content seemed to be the key for good performance.
I have another 4-600 rounds of life probably left on this barrel before I get to test the hydro formed cases, but it is close enough I expect good results from a full power load.
When I used plain water the results weren’t all that good. Rubbing alcohol works marvelous, but right now that is almost liquid gold like toilet paper. I used listerine as a substitute. Pretty high alcohol content seemed to be the key for good performance.
I have another 4-600 rounds of life probably left on this barrel before I get to test the hydro formed cases, but it is close enough I expect good results from a full power load.
Has anyone ran the addiction an a shorter barreled rifle with good results. Somewhere between 18-22 inches.
TRG65, so instead of using water to hydro form, you are using rubbing alcohol or listening? With good results?
I gave up on my hydro form die because I could t get results anywhere near what I thought they should be. I might Have to try this with my next batch of brass.
Right now I have 400 rounds down my 26” 1:7.5 tube, and as I look back on my numbers, the barrel just keeps speeding up!
MattSplat, Correct with water I was getting very poor results. I also had to space the die .010 off the shell holder, I tried more (actually significantly more, but started getting a line in the neck I didn't like the looks of, but the shoulder definition was much better after full length sizing, I think the most I'd space would be about 15-20 thou). I gauged it using a piece of shim steel. If you can get rubbing alcohol it gives the best results. However, I was using mostly listerine (the yellow version with the most alcohol). Like I said, it is about 75% of the capacity gain. Below on the left is a x55, then two hydroformed and FL sized cases, then a case with 7 full power firings.
I’ve got a 20” tikka @ 2900 with a 130 AR Hybrid, and a 22” Lilja @ 2930 with a 147ELD. Reloader 23 and 26 give similar speeds. I’m in the 51-53gr range.
Anyone running 156 gr Berger EOLs?
Tomorrow I will be trying to refine my load development with H1000 and CCI No. 200 primers ( I previously got to about 2,940 fps), plus trying H1000/CCI No. 250 and RL26/CCI No. 200.
I will let you know how I how.
Tomorrow I will be trying to refine my load development with H1000 and CCI No. 200 primers ( I previously got to about 2,940 fps), plus trying H1000/CCI No. 250 and RL26/CCI No. 200.
I will let you know how I how.
Well, the 156 gr Berger EOL is looking promising. I have tried a few powders with jump of .0150" and a COAL of approx. 3.1400".
I ran H4831 up to 52 gr for 2,957 and H1000 up 54.8 gr for 3,013 (there was a speed node around 2,985-2,996), however, both showed too much pressure, using CCI No. 200 std primers.
Then I ran H1000 with CCI No.250 magnum primers with medium to light bolt lift, with great speed results and less variation than CCI No. 200 std primers:
- 53.8 gr = 2,972
- 54.0 gr = 2,981
- 54.2 gr = 3,017
- 54.4 gr = 3,013
- 54.6 gr = 3,006
- 54.8 gr = 3,003
I then tried the first of my 10 x test loads with RL26, 53.6 gr to 55.4 gr, with CCI No. 200 std primers but i didn't get past the first one, 3,120 fps! Heavy bolt lift and ejector mark / bolt swipe. I will drop down a couple of grains and try again.
So I expect to be able to refine a 156 gr + H1000 + CCI No. 250 primer load for hunting and long range plinking. When I look at the data for the 6.5-284 and 6.5 PRC cartridges with this projectile, I feel the 6.5 Addiction is punching above its weight. All my test shots hit hard.
Also, this morning I hung some new steel targets at 930 m / 1,017 yards and shot my 130 gr Berger AR Hybrid rounds. The two cold bore fouling shouts were hits, as were 4 of the next 6 shots, and with one of my 2 misses I pulled the shot and I could see it hit immediately beside the plate.
I will be putting a new 26" 1:7.5 Bartlein (light bull sporter with extended breech) on my new Terminus Helios action to shoot the 156 gr Berger EOLs, and my existing barrel (same specs) will be set back and used on my short action to shoot the 130 gr Berger AR Hybrids.
I ran H4831 up to 52 gr for 2,957 and H1000 up 54.8 gr for 3,013 (there was a speed node around 2,985-2,996), however, both showed too much pressure, using CCI No. 200 std primers.
Then I ran H1000 with CCI No.250 magnum primers with medium to light bolt lift, with great speed results and less variation than CCI No. 200 std primers:
- 53.8 gr = 2,972
- 54.0 gr = 2,981
- 54.2 gr = 3,017
- 54.4 gr = 3,013
- 54.6 gr = 3,006
- 54.8 gr = 3,003
I then tried the first of my 10 x test loads with RL26, 53.6 gr to 55.4 gr, with CCI No. 200 std primers but i didn't get past the first one, 3,120 fps! Heavy bolt lift and ejector mark / bolt swipe. I will drop down a couple of grains and try again.
So I expect to be able to refine a 156 gr + H1000 + CCI No. 250 primer load for hunting and long range plinking. When I look at the data for the 6.5-284 and 6.5 PRC cartridges with this projectile, I feel the 6.5 Addiction is punching above its weight. All my test shots hit hard.
Also, this morning I hung some new steel targets at 930 m / 1,017 yards and shot my 130 gr Berger AR Hybrid rounds. The two cold bore fouling shouts were hits, as were 4 of the next 6 shots, and with one of my 2 misses I pulled the shot and I could see it hit immediately beside the plate.
I will be putting a new 26" 1:7.5 Bartlein (light bull sporter with extended breech) on my new Terminus Helios action to shoot the 156 gr Berger EOLs, and my existing barrel (same specs) will be set back and used on my short action to shoot the 130 gr Berger AR Hybrids.
I did a bit more 156 gr Berger EOL testing this morning in beautiful (temperate Australian) winter conditions, after I tried to call in a wild dog (i.e. dingo cross).
Reloder 26 and CCI No. 200 primers, 26" 1:7.5T:
- 51.2 gr = 2,980, light bolt lift
- 51.4 gr = 2,978, light bolt lift
- 51.6 gr = 2,987, light bolt lift
- 51.8 gr = 3,005, medium bolt lift
- 52.0 gr = 3,024, light to medium bolt lift
- 52.2 gr = 3,030, medium bolt lift
- 52.4 gr = 3,042, medium to heavy bolt lift
- 52.6 gr = 3,049, medium to heavy bolt lift
- 52.8 gr = 3,051, medium to heavy bolt lift
- 53.0 gr = 3,066, medium to heavy bolt lift
Most shots hit the plate at pretty consistently at 930 m / 1,017 yards. So the speed node of the first three shots looks promising.
I retested some H1000 + CCI No. 250 primers, but the results didn't resemble my data from a week ago, so more testing is required. Anyway, its good fun and great trigger practice.
Reloder 26 and CCI No. 200 primers, 26" 1:7.5T:
- 51.2 gr = 2,980, light bolt lift
- 51.4 gr = 2,978, light bolt lift
- 51.6 gr = 2,987, light bolt lift
- 51.8 gr = 3,005, medium bolt lift
- 52.0 gr = 3,024, light to medium bolt lift
- 52.2 gr = 3,030, medium bolt lift
- 52.4 gr = 3,042, medium to heavy bolt lift
- 52.6 gr = 3,049, medium to heavy bolt lift
- 52.8 gr = 3,051, medium to heavy bolt lift
- 53.0 gr = 3,066, medium to heavy bolt lift
Most shots hit the plate at pretty consistently at 930 m / 1,017 yards. So the speed node of the first three shots looks promising.
I retested some H1000 + CCI No. 250 primers, but the results didn't resemble my data from a week ago, so more testing is required. Anyway, its good fun and great trigger practice.
Today I shot a few more 156 gr Berger EOL / H1000 and RL26 test loads. I looked for a lower speed node with H1000, but my bolt and cases were not happy. Re-shooting my previous lowest RL26 loads gave very similar results, so I'm happy with that.
I ran my first batch of 9 x test shots with Retumbo and CCI No. 250 in a 26" 1:7.5 twist Bartlein gave me (the relevant ones):
- 54.4 gr @ 3,007
- 54.6 gr @ 3,001
- 54.8 gr @ 3,013
Compressed loads with a .015" jump. As my powder charge went above 54.8 gr, the results started to jump around a bit. I think I found my second load for this big pill.
I ran my first batch of 9 x test shots with Retumbo and CCI No. 250 in a 26" 1:7.5 twist Bartlein gave me (the relevant ones):
- 54.4 gr @ 3,007
- 54.6 gr @ 3,001
- 54.8 gr @ 3,013
Compressed loads with a .015" jump. As my powder charge went above 54.8 gr, the results started to jump around a bit. I think I found my second load for this big pill.
Interesting, I went back and looked at my notes. I have a Retumbo node at almost the same spot (a bit lower) with the 147 and well within mag length (2.925"). However, my notes show it was only going 2841 (24" 8tw barrel and CCI BRs). When I went back and retested it for accuracy, it wasn't great, same with H1000. I think they are just too compressed. But then I load mine a lot shorter than you do. I really wanted Retumbo to work, because I have a bit of it and it burns cool so the throat would last.
I'm very keen to see if I will achieve consistent velocity with Retumbo, so I will shoot again next weekend. I haven't yet shot groups, just this initial speed test.
My chamber is throated for a 140 gr Berger target hybrid in the optimum position, ignoring magazine length, for single loading in a short action. In a few months, I will have a new Helios long action and new barrel and I will throat the chamber for the 156 gr B EOL, probably with a .020" jump. This rifle will be for hunting and long range target shooting.
For my current short action rifle (Vector action), I plan to run hand-tightened barrels...260 Rem in a heavy palma at 24" for general plinking and 6.5 Addiction (setting back my current barrel to about 25") for hunting and fire forming. The main projectile for both will be the 130 gr Berger AR Hybrid, and run the 140 gr Woodleigh in the 6.5 Addiction too.
My chamber is throated for a 140 gr Berger target hybrid in the optimum position, ignoring magazine length, for single loading in a short action. In a few months, I will have a new Helios long action and new barrel and I will throat the chamber for the 156 gr B EOL, probably with a .020" jump. This rifle will be for hunting and long range target shooting.
For my current short action rifle (Vector action), I plan to run hand-tightened barrels...260 Rem in a heavy palma at 24" for general plinking and 6.5 Addiction (setting back my current barrel to about 25") for hunting and fire forming. The main projectile for both will be the 130 gr Berger AR Hybrid, and run the 140 gr Woodleigh in the 6.5 Addiction too.
TRG65, I turned the necks of 1/2 a box of new Lapua brass on the weekend, and tonight I used my hydroforming die on a few cases using pure alcohol, isopropanol I think. Like your experience, the sizing definitely worked better than with water, thanks for sharing your tip!
When I first got my barrel chambered, I loaded a heap of new rounds at magazine length, with 129/130 gr pills, but I think because of my long throat for 140 gr Bergers at a long action length, I had terrible results with most failing to fire. Once I disassembled them and jammed 140s, my fire forming when without a hitch.
With this hydroforming and then FL sizing, it seems I have a false shoulder, so I’m going to test a few and see if I can successfully fire form with my old stock of 129 gr ABLRs st magazine length. I feel reasonably confidential that it will work this time. I want to get some cases formed before I set this barrel back and get my new long action rifle up and running.
I should be testing this weekend, together with a few more 156 gr / Retumbo test loads, to hopefully validate my recent results.
I have loaded them to 2.950 and they shoot awesome with 49.2 gr RL 26, not a hot load in my gun.
The sweet sauce for mine ended up being with 143 ELDx and RL26. Relatively warm load at 3120fps with an ES of 20fps over .4gr spread of powder, although primer pockets are solid and brass is in great shape. The one issue I am having is the dimensions of the case head being .4803 for the Sweed, and the standard .308 case being .4728 ... the Sweed case head is 75 thou larger. (maybe it shouldn't matter) but about 1-2 cases per hundred will have a failure to extract and the claw extractor of my BigHorn TL3 will slip off the case rim.
Taps out very easy with a rod, so it's not excessively over pressure.
Seems that the geometry of the TL3 Claw is not getting full engagement of the rim.
Anyone else running an Addiction with what is essentially a CRF Push Feed see the same issue??
Got a new extractor from Zermatt and had one in the first 50 rounds.
Taps out very easy with a rod, so it's not excessively over pressure.
Seems that the geometry of the TL3 Claw is not getting full engagement of the rim.
Anyone else running an Addiction with what is essentially a CRF Push Feed see the same issue??
Got a new extractor from Zermatt and had one in the first 50 rounds.
Set a 5 shot group at 300 in the failing light. First shot impacted low left, and we couldn't quite see where the others landed so we assumed they had to be tight around the middle.
That wasn't expected that the face would need to be opened for such a minute difference, but I can see how it would improve reliability.
After a long wait, I finally have my second 6.5 Addiction up and running. It’s on a Terminus long action and otherwise the setup is very similar to my short action. I managed some sighting and barrel breaking shots, the balance this afternoon. Throated for 156 gr Berger.
Wow, how quite is this thread. I’ve got 76 rounds down the tube of my new long action. 52.7 gr RL26 under a Berger 156 gr is giving me 3,006 to 3,017 at around 20 degrees Celsius, with the occasional fast and slow shot.
I don’t hold much hope for RL26 as we get into the Aussie spring and summer. Soon I will have to go back to 2225/Retumbo.
I don’t hold much hope for RL26 as we get into the Aussie spring and summer. Soon I will have to go back to 2225/Retumbo.
RL26 seems to be the magic sauce! That’s a pretty stiff load for a 156… I’d be hard pressed to get the bullet seated and would be super compacted. I also use a 12” drop tube.
Agreed, RL26 performs well. With my chamber throating, my projectile is ideally placed and my RL26 charge is not compressed, but probably not too far off it. The kernels are definitely moving around after seating. On the other hand, my 2217/H1000 and 2225/Retunbo are compressed.
I’m very happy with the long range accuracy of these big 6.5 pills.
I would really appreciate any information on who currently chambers the 6.5 addiction short action and where I can get a die set. Anyone in the hide able to help?
love the round I have not had the chance to try rl 26 but as it looks to be far better than rl 16 which just made me sad I will have to keep an eye out for it to try . My personal goal was speeds around 2747 to 2800 ish + or- a few fps using 42 gr or less and so far I have not been let down , sd's in either the single digits or 10 - 12 trying not to go higher than that and again most of the powders we have and have tried have done it with flying colors not as good with some others . but as much as I enjoy it I am more impressed with others at our range using 6.5x47 with using less powders they get faster speeds using the same 140 gr pill keep the speeds on the slow end and your barrel life should be pretty darn nice . but I do love me some 6.5 creed the 308 was nice at 1k the creed really felt like I was cheating some how . I hope your experience with the round keeps getting better for you .
The 6.5x55 is a neat round that deserves a lot more attention than it gets. The 6.5 Addiction seems to be something special
Dies are special order from Whidden. Accuracy Addiction designed the cartridge, talk to them.
Great information, I will check with them. Thank you, I appreciate it.
Good to know. Now I just have to make a decision whether to have a current action rebarreled or wait to see what happens with measure 114 here in the looney state of Oregon. Our Californian population has finally reached just over 50% apparently. I have a a TL3 and 4 bolt heads waiting for my background to pass, but I'm a long way away in the queue.
I feel for you living under that tyranny. Unfortunately a lot of other states aren’t far behind Oregon. The TL3 is an excellent action. The reamer PVA has is for short actions, it has the short freebore.
dont hold your breath on the RL26, its the rarest or rarities. I havent even heard of it hitting retail it in almost 2yrs. plus Theres a lot of numbers between 16 and 26, just sayin.
Ive purchased two 8 lb jugs (separate purchases) of it here in the last year. Its there for sure, but quite hit and miss. Agreed on the numbers between 16 and 26 though.
I have both a short and a long. It's not all that popular of a request any more these days with the popularity of the 6.5 PRC. Same with the 6.5-284.
Thank you, Sir
It is tyranny for sure. If you had to pass a in perosn test and demonstrate knowledge to get a permit to exercise freedom of speech, freedom of press, to vote etc... people wouldn't be so quick to vote away others rights. I purchased the tl3 in the standard SA. I was either going 6.5 addiction in a short action or 6.5x55 BJAI in a long action.
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