6.5 Creedmoor

Please explain what you mean by target velocity. This makes no sense to me. The whole point of hand loading is that you can tune your load to your gun. With so many different powders out there with different burn rates. With different neck tension, and then honing in on what your gun “likes” it doesn’t make sense to me to have a target velocity where you know it shoots well. I know I’m new and I’m not trying to be a duche I just don’t understand how that makes any sense. Adding more powder makes sense as far as consistency, consistency breeds accuracy. If at 39 grains, the powder is moving around inside that means it’s laying in the case at a different pattern everytime. As you fill it there are less variations available for it. Too much powder and you have a bad day
When I refer to "Target Velocity" it is the velocity that I am trying to work loads up to or near 2600fps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DubfromGA
No idea why you are loading those so short. What rifle and chamber? If a SAAMI chamber then you should try loading them about .020" off the lands.
That was where I was getting my best results, but after a few more everything seemed to even out


bullet grpowder gr2_7582_7652_782_7952_7972_8252_8342_8592_877
143​
41.5​
1.5665​
1.21007142857143​
1.231​
1.22775​
1.51​
1.903​
1.47​
I have a 6.5 cm howa 1500 heavy barrel the 2.877 does not fit in the mag.
 
That was where I was getting my best results, but after a few more everything seemed to even out


bullet grpowder gr2_7582_7652_782_7952_7972_8252_8342_8592_877
143​
41.5​
1.5665​
1.21007142857143​
1.231​
1.22775​
1.51​
1.903​
1.47​
I have a 6.5 cm howa 1500 heavy barrel the 2.877 does not fit in the mag.

The make aics mags without binder plates that can load to 2.960”. The standard do only go to about 2.870” but you could try and bump back to 2.860” and see how they do.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rahcm
I run 153.5 hybrids in my match rifle (26” 8tw barrel) at a nice 2700fps with zero issues. It’s an excellent load at 60 though off and has worked in this barrel, a similar proof prefit, and an 8tw 22” bartlein I have on my coyote rifle. All three barrel shot the same load in the sub half moa range with low single digit SD’s. Sammi spec chamber/ freebore.
 
Also, there’s an alarming lack of info on the 100gr VT bullets from hornady on here so I shall bless you all with my mediocre testing results. Book max for Varget is 41.1gr with a 100gr eldm so using that info I started at 42gr of Varget because I like to live life dangerously.

Rifle and load spec:

Defiance Deviant
22” 8TW Bartlein M24 barrel
Manners T4A with EFR
NF NX8 2.5-20 Mil XT
TBAC Magnus SR

Alpha SRP 6.5cm OCD brass (also used in my match rifle)
42.0gr Varget
CCI 450

Results:

Did a seating depth test with these bullets as I had less than ideal results with the 80gr VT bullets in my 6cm. Did 10 thou off to 110 thou off lands (sammi freebore). I had pulled down 25 rounds so my ES is shit as I didn’t bother to size the necks again and had some freshly sized brass mixed into the pile.

33 rounds over my Garmin. Min 3180. Max 3250. Avg 3203. ES 71. SD 19.3. Group sizes varied pretty good. Best group sizes were 60 thou, 80 thou, and 110 thou off land. 90 was ok to hunt with but nothing to write home about either. Will post pics here in a little bit. Will update when my brass prep is normal and I will probably run at 60k off. Not going to adjust charge weight unless it’s still giving bad numbers when neck tension is consistent.

Obviously, work up to above book max. Or dont. It’s your face on the line.

IMG_5017.jpeg
IMG_5018.jpeg
IMG_5019.jpeg
 
Last edited:
  • Love
  • Like
Reactions: Ex E6 and DubfromGA
Also, there’s an alarming lack of info on the 100gr VT bullets from hornady on here so I shall bless you all with my mediocre testing results. Book max for Varget is 41.1gr with a 100gr eldm so using that info I started at 42gr of Varget because I like to live life dangerously.

Rifle and load spec:

Defiance Deviant
22” 8TW Bartlein M24 barrel
Manners T4A with EFR
NF NX8 2.5-20 Mil XT
TBAC Magnus SR

Alpha SRP 6.5cm OCD brass (also used in my match rifle)
42.0gr Varget
CCI 450

Results:

Did a seating depth test with these bullets as I had less than ideal results with the 80gr VT bullets in my 6cm. Did 10 thou off to 110 thou off lands (sammi freebore). I had pulled down 25 rounds so my ES is shit as I didn’t bother to size the necks again and had some freshly sized brass mixed into the pile.

33 rounds over my Garmin. Min 3180. Max 3250. Avg 3203. ES 71. SD 19.3. Group sizes varied pretty good. Best group sizes were 60 thou, 80 thou, and 110 thou off land. 90 was ok to hunt with but nothing to write home about either. Will post pics here in a little bit. Will update when my brass prep is normal and I will probably run at 60k off. Not going to adjust charge weight unless it’s still giving bad numbers when neck tension is consistent.

Obviously, work up to above book max. Or dont. It’s your face on the line.

View attachment 8455849View attachment 8455850View attachment 8455851
According to the Hornady app the max for Varget is 42.5 for 3200 fps. COL 2.775.
Have never shot the bullet, but I figured I could pass on Hornady’s numbers for that bullet.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Krob95
Favorite 16" load for hunting and yotes?
I'll assume you're not pelt conscious ? . If you are 85 gr. Hammer Hunter's are the ticket and load them down . If not then what weight does Your rifle prefer 123- 140 ,156 ?. I've popped a few using 123 gr. Hornady SST because I have them . Door nail dead and accurate is an understatement . Sta Ball 44.4 gr. I prefer VV N540 36.3 gr. . At 165 yd. Sta Ball .404 for #5 shots and 540 .303" for #5 shots .
However I'm running a 22.5" barrel so velocity won't do you any good .
As long as you can get the bullet down range straight ,makes little too NO difference as Yotes aren't tough ,just Noisy .
 
I'll assume you're not pelt conscious ? . If you are 85 gr. Hammer Hunter's are the ticket and load them down . If not then what weight does Your rifle prefer 123- 140 ,156 ?. I've popped a few using 123 gr. Hornady SST because I have them . Door nail dead and accurate is an understatement . Sta Ball 44.4 gr. I prefer VV N540 36.3 gr. . At 165 yd. Sta Ball .404 for #5 shots and 540 .303" for #5 shots .
However I'm running a 22.5" barrel so velocity won't do you any good .
As long as you can get the bullet down range straight ,makes little too NO difference as Yotes aren't tough ,just Noisy .
Heard those 85gr hammers are awesome. Not sure how I feel about those type of bullets. Might just try some.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ex E6
Heard those 85gr hammers are awesome. Not sure how I feel about those type of bullets. Might just try some.

I prefer using 123 * ,129 ,139 **, 140 and 143 grain as I wait buy in bulk during sales . Bullet selection in those weights are abundant ,so finding something which works shouldn't be an issue . * The 123 Gr. is available in relatively inexpensive Match bulk bullets ,from more than a couple of manufacturers and shouldn't be overlooked . Cheap practice fodder . **My favorite Hunting load is 139 Gr. and I think this photo shows why at .404 " for #20 at 278 Yd. . The 143 ELD-X Hornady does equally well from My Aero Precision AR platform and is MY New 2024 Hunting caliber . I used a little more than 44. gr. of VV N560 for that load so as to increase velocity and right around 2700 Fps .

This is MY first year I've not chosen either My 7mm Rem Mag. , .308 or .338 Win Mag. to hunt with in over 55 years !. Hopefully all goes according to Hoyle . With luck 2025 will find Me in Alaska with .338 Win mag. , for most likely MY last Big game hunt out of lower 48 anyway . When You reach mid 70's ,humping up and down hill sides become tedious as well as strenuous and you'd better know when to fold em . Friday will find the Mrs. and I in flight ,spending the month of August in Alaska ,so all of you behave in My absence ;)
 

Attachments

  • Hunting load 129 gr 278 Yd April 2024 1.jpg
    Hunting load 129 gr 278 Yd April 2024 1.jpg
    311.4 KB · Views: 28
I'm getting heavy bolt lifts with 42.5g of H4350 pushing the 130g ELDM, no other pressure signs. SD and groups were also meh. Ended up running well with 41.5g of H4350. Velocity is at 2770fps with 41.5g (24in barrel 1/8).

Should I go back and revisit the 42.5g of H4350 using 130g Berger or other 140g bullets? Should I expect similar heavy bolt lifts when I'm pushing similar bullet with the same 42.5g?
 
I'm getting heavy bolt lifts with 42.5g of H4350 pushing the 130g ELDM, no other pressure signs. SD and groups were also meh. Ended up running well with 41.5g of H4350. Velocity is at 2770fps with 41.5g (24in barrel 1/8).

Should I go back and revisit the 42.5g of H4350 using 130g Berger or other 140g bullets? Should I expect similar heavy bolt lifts when I'm pushing similar bullet with the same 42.5g?
When I checked Hornady reloading for H4350, 42,5 is close to max, but your reported MV for 41.5 grains is very high. I don’t shoot the 130’s so I have no experience to offer.
However, the extra fast MV and possibly the heavy bolt lift might suggest something off regarding cartridge prep or bullet seating. Are you seating the bullet into the lands? Perhaps headspace could be affecting heavy bolt lift with higher pressures?
When you are close to the max it won’t take much to send you over if you are into the lands or, perhaps, experiencing some headspace issue.
 
I've got a Bergara HMR PRO in 6.5 Creedmoor. I'm pretty sure the action is a Remington 700 short action blueprint, but I'm looking to replace the trigger and want to make sure.... Anyone know, or where I can find that information?

Thanks
texashaag
 
I've got a Bergara HMR PRO in 6.5 Creedmoor. I'm pretty sure the action is a Remington 700 short action blueprint, but I'm looking to replace the trigger and want to make sure.... Anyone know, or where I can find that information?

Thanks
texashaag
Yes, the B14 series Bergara are same foot print as R 700’s. I replaced the stock trigger with a Trigger Tech. There may be the need to modify the stock/chassis around the bolt release lever. Pretty minor.

If you order a trigger….get without bolt release.
 
I've got a Bergara HMR PRO in 6.5 Creedmoor. I'm pretty sure the action is a Remington 700 short action blueprint, but I'm looking to replace the trigger and want to make sure.... Anyone know, or where I can find that information?

Thanks
texashaag
Don't the pro's come with a trigger tech from the factory?
I have the same rifle and the trigger is great, I have it set around 1.8 pounds. I had to replace the bolt spring, in which Bergara was very good about sending out another one asap. Rifle shoots really well though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TexasHaag
Don't the pro's come with a trigger tech from the factory?
I have the same rifle and the trigger is great, I have it set around 1.8 pounds. I had to replace the bolt spring, in which Bergara was very good about sending out another one asap. Rifle shoots really well though.
I see no reference to that on the website or the manual.... Is the trigger adjustable? nothing in the manual...
 
I see no reference to that on the website or the manual.... Is the trigger adjustable? nothing in the manual...
If it is the premier series then yes. I guess I assumed that all of the pro’s were a premier series. Drop it out is the stock and find out. I feel that the answer to your original question is yes. The Bergaras do have the same trigger pattern/hanger as a 700 action.

Also adds the PREMIER Bergara action and adjustable trigger from TriggerTech™ with frictionless Realease Technology®.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TexasHaag
If it is the premier series then yes. I guess I assumed that all of the pro’s were a premier series. Drop it out is the stock and find out. I feel that the answer to your original question is yes. The Bergaras do have the same trigger pattern/hanger as a 700 action.

Also adds the PREMIER Bergara action and adjustable trigger from TriggerTech™ with frictionless Realease Technology®.
You are correct.... Trigger Tech from the factory....
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bbracken667
I find it interesting with book maxes:

Hornady says book max for IMR 4350 and a 140 grain bullet. At 42 grains for 2750 fos

Lyman says 140 Amax = IMR 4350 @ 39.xx something is max.
velocity also low on every powder all maxed approx 2660fps. In this manual
 
I find it interesting with book maxes:

Hornady says book max for IMR 4350 and a 140 grain bullet. At 42 grains for 2750 fos

Lyman says 140 Amax = IMR 4350 @ 39.xx something is max.
velocity also low on every powder all maxed approx 2660fps. In this manual
This is a classic illustration of different rifles, and different reloading details. For instance, none of the above mentions pressure used or friction of the bullet to cartridge at contact point. I am well aware of the potential inconsistencies because I treat my bullets with hBn. Makes yet another difference between my results and the “book” results.
 
I find it interesting with book maxes:

Hornady says book max for IMR 4350 and a 140 grain bullet. At 42 grains for 2750 fos

Lyman says 140 Amax = IMR 4350 @ 39.xx something is max.
velocity also low on every powder all maxed approx 2660fps. In this manual
Don't know about Hornady but in Lyman's LR Precision Rifle manual they like Sierra use a universal receiver , so their results depend on the barrel make as well as length and several other factors
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bbracken667
I find it interesting with book maxes:

Hornady says book max for IMR 4350 and a 140 grain bullet. At 42 grains for 2750 fos

Lyman says 140 Amax = IMR 4350 @ 39.xx something is max.
velocity also low on every powder all maxed approx 2660fps. In this manual

Manuals are just reference points. Not anything carved in stone. Use them for a starting point and go from there.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bbracken667
Please advise if this is normal for primers to look like this (heightened edges like it is popping out?). I previously used CCI200 with "normal" signs but no more local availability. Exactly the same very mild load of VV N150 36gr with ELDX 143gr, RWS 5341 standard LR primer @ 2.860 COAL producing 2535FPS with a 20" barrel. All normal. GRT thinks this is ca 43-44k PSI load. I also tried VV N555 with ca 53K PSI load and got exactly the same primer picture as shown. CCI200 acted Normal under the same pressure.

Anyone else has used RWS 5341 primers? Is this ok and safe to proceed? Absolutely no other pressure signs shown - no heavy bolt lift, no ejector marks, primer edges are nice and round etc.

20240812_150515.jpg
 
Brand New PVA OBW 7.5t 26" 6.5CM Barrel
- Alpha OCD SRP
- H4350
- Berger 153.5
- 30 thou jump

4x 40.0; all others are 5x

39.0: 2,506, 6 SD
39.5: 2,538, 7 SD
40.0: 2,565 5 SD
40.5: 2,594 7 SD

My buddy shot one of the 40.0 through his broke-in barrel and we clocked it at 2,665.
 
Brand New PVA OBW 7.5t 26" 6.5CM Barrel
- Alpha OCD SRP
- H4350
- Berger 153.5
- 30 thou jump

4x 40.0; all others are 5x

39.0: 2,506, 6 SD
39.5: 2,538, 7 SD
40.0: 2,565 5 SD
40.5: 2,594 7 SD

My buddy shot one of the 40.0 through his broke-in barrel and we clocked it at 2,665.
Good to know just got my pva barrel.
 
  • Like
Reactions: S3th
A good rifle will shoot just about every load well so I not longer make decisions on group size. For each group, what is your case fill, SD, and FPS.
Unfortunately we were not running a chrono. One main problem we were trying to avoid was primers getting flattened from hot factory loads and then trying to sort out which ones had the tightest groups out of the hand loads. Then we were planning to chrono and narrow down the powder. I also have a box of different loads using varget to try. I am pretty new to the reloading world and would value any methodology to maximize the rifle and ammo.