6.5 PRC load data

[Turbotank]

Node test Norma mrp 140 Berger hybrid
55.8 3180
56 3211
56.2 3203
56.4 3205
56.6 3260 high pressure signs
56.8 3269 high pressure signs
3 round test
56.2 3202
56.2 duplicate
56.2 3203
30 inch Bartlien barrel savage 110 long action mdt gen 2 ls

 

[Turbotank]

 

[Pge]

Yea man I hear ya on h1000, I was dead set on it since I have alot, and really liked it in my 338L. If I don't stop jacking around with load development I will be able to give you a round count on this barrel soon. Lol! I am working with some 140 hybrids and 4831sc right now that I am VERY impressed with!

Hello! I'm shooting the Ruger Hawkeye 6.5 PRC in PRC matches. Do you know of Accuracy and speed difference with 4831... Normal, not the "sc"? I mistakenly ordered that instead of sc and cannot return it...

 

[CanSniper]

I don't have personal experience, but they are said to be identical. The SC just gives a better fill rate which is not going to be a issue with your PRC.

 

[acourvil]

SC is “short cut.” It’s the same powder, just shorter kernels. In theory, that would mean there is more surface area which could mean a slightly faster burn rate, but I’m not sure that there would be any noticeable difference in practice. I have not tried to do a comparison.

 

[65prc]

First of all thank you everyone for the great 6.5 prc load testing data. I have a seekins havak bravo 6.5 prc 24”. Believe to have found sweet spot with 57.8 h1000 140 eldm reusing hornady brass. Nice groups at 100yds on strong wind day. 2970 avg 1.4 sd. Love the rifle even more with these reloads.

 

[Mopar man]

anyone try reloader 19 in thier 6.5prc yet

 

[IHFarmer07]

Weather: 41*F, 29.55inHg, 62%H.
Shot some loads to see if I can find pressure and see what velocity I can get today with Rel26 and IMR8133 all at a CBTO of 2.264 which is .010” off. Rel26 seemed the best between 55.3 at 2990-55.6 at 3016 with virgin Gunwerks brass and cci200 LR primers using a MS V3.

Quick Load predictions using ADG’s average H2O weight of 66.9gr yielded a 2950 for 55.3 and 2965 for 55.6. At 56g of reloader 26 I got 3022, but to be nice to the barrel I’m going to stay around 3000fps, so I didn’t need to shoot the 56.5g re26, I did not see any pressure signs of any sort.

It shot the 55.3, 55.6, 55.9 into a 1.44” group at 300. Probably be playing with 55.3-55.6gr loads at differing cbto’s.

IMR8133 didn’t do as well as I thought it would, shot 57gr to 60gr in .5gr increments and at 60gr only got 2938fps and was getting a pretty full case.

 

[IHFarmer07]

Heres the first outing on seating depth test on a powder charge that I thought would be close to my goals for velocity.

Not sure but for now I’m going to try the 2.264” cbto 55.4gr load(top right) again to see if that flyer wasn’t a fluke and then 55.5 and 55.6 at 2.264” cbto to see if I can shrink the group maybe, idk. If that don’t pan out I may retry the 2.224” cbto and 2.234” cbto(top two on the left) with a tenth or two more of a grain on those and see what that gets me. Idk hopefully I can find something without using up too much of the pixie dust powder!

 

[IHFarmer07]

Welp today was great after work, went out to confirm a load and to possibly better it.....not only did I confirm the load from before but a tenth of powder more didn’t seem to faze it....


On this one I know I pulled the last two, but it is what it is.

Pulled the last one here too, just couldn’t catch a break, might have been too excited about how I was able to find a load in under 50rnds that checked out, around a half inch or less, good es and sd numbers!!!!! Ready to test out at 600 then a grand and then maybe 1760yrds???!!!

 

[IHFarmer07]

6.5PRC, WTO switch barrel Bighorn Origin, 26” Krieger LT Palma 1-7 4 groove, Athlon Cronus BTR, Nightforce rings, KRG Bravo.

42*F, 29.76 inHg, 54%RH, -908 Dalt, environment taken with kestrel 5700 ballistic/link model.
55.4gr RE26, Gunwerks neck turned virgin brass, CCI200, 147 eldm at 3023fps avg. logged for shots. I have velocities for these four but not here at this time. 650yrds taken with sig 2000, 3.4mil of elevation and .2mil left.



I tried the previous Sunday and nothing was working on my favor, kinda forgot to zero the rifle at 100 which threw everything off, pretty sure I adjusted the windage wrong, kestrel wasn’t set up yet, freaking armadillo ran 22yrds in front of the target and at 628 the little bastard was always moving and was pretty hard to hit, getting dark and my pregnant wife wanted me to grill some steaks.....shot this Tuesday. Pretty happy with the load/rifle.

Since there’s two threads with 6.5prc load data I thought I’d share my data and success and such.

 

[MOUNTIC]

Looking good. I'm seating the 156s at the lands and using 55.3 of RL26 at 2900 out of a 22" tube. ADG brass with CCI200s.

Seems like so far these 156s like it closer to the lands and that 55.3 range is a good combo for a few guys I know for accuracy and velocity without hammering the brass too hard.

 

[IHFarmer07]

Looking good. I'm seating the 156s at the lands and using 55.3 of RL26 at 2900 out of a 22" tube. ADG brass with CCI200s.

Seems like so far these 156s like it closer to the lands and that 55.3 range is a good combo for a few guys I know for accuracy and velocity without hammering the brass too hard.

Thanks.....I’m thinking about getting some 156’s but my plan was to use the 147’s for all things, hunting/shooting steel.

Have you used any other primer....idk if it’s worth while to try another....especially as the powder is really hard to find for most magnums that work really good, RE26, h1000.....the list goes on.

 

[MOUNTIC]

Thanks.....I’m thinking about getting some 156’s but my plan was to use the 147’s for all things, hunting/shooting steel.

Have you used any other primer....idk if it’s worth while to try another....especially as the powder is really hard to find for most magnums that work really good, RE26, h1000.....the list goes on.

The cci200s have been working well for me. Really well so far, so I haven't had a need to switch. I ran out of the federals a while back and couldn't find any more so I just stocked up on the CCI's and they have been working well.

Just get your name on the back order list for all the powders your after at Powder Valley and they will call you when its in.

 

[IHFarmer07]

The cci200s have been working well for me. Really well so far, so I haven't had a need to switch. I ran out of the federals a while back and couldn't find any more so I just stocked up on the CCI's and they have been working well.

Just get your name on the back order list for all the powders your after at Powder Valley and they will call you when its in.

Ok, cool.

Good to know, thanks.

 

[4KDOA]

Looking for data with RL26 / H1000 and 150 SMK's. Thanks, Kendal

 

[goinghunting]

Looking good. I'm seating the 156s at the lands and using 55.3 of RL26 at 2900 out of a 22" tube. ADG brass with CCI200s.

Seems like so far these 156s like it closer to the lands and that 55.3 range is a good combo for a few guys I know for accuracy and velocity without hammering the brass too hard.

Mind me asking what action and barrel you're using? I have a bunch of RL26 and have been thinking of building a 6.5 PRC with a 22" 8 twist Proof CF Sendero on a TL3...

 

[MOUNTIC]

I'm using a Cadex Action. Proof Carbon Sendero 22" 1/7.5 twist. TB ultra 7 can. In a Manners Mini chassis stock.

 

[Pcola]

52.6grns of what appears to be RL something? Maybe someone will recognize this. I pulled this from a 147grn factory Hornady.

When I called hornady they said they mix powders.

 

[One1Bravo]

Just went powder hunting with little luck. Every store in my area is out of H1000, Retumbo, and RL26. I got a pound of IMR 8133 and a pound of Accurate Magpro. All I could find near me that may work.

 

[tRidiot]

I've been checking every couple of days online at a half dozen places.... I managed to snag 6 pounds of RL-26 a few weeks ago, have yet to find any H1000.

I've got a load of virgin Gunwerks brass and 147 ELD-Ms ready to get set up when my smith gets done with my 6.5PRC - my first ever bolt action rifle!

 

[IHFarmer07]

Took the ol girl out tonight, 650yrds was ok, had cleaned the the powder residue out because I had a bullet blow up so I thought I would clean it a bit, didn’t clean the copper out though and the first three rnds were all sorts of wonky getting it seasoned, that’s why the one wide and right didn’t get counted and the rest was the scope correction. All rounds were loaded, realized I fucked up on charge weight, pulled bullets, resized, recharged and then seated same pulled bullets.

weather:50*F, 29.59inHg, 66%RH, -117 Dalt
53.4gr re23, cci200, 147eldm at 2.264bto, 10 shots were taken at this target.
1-2977, 2-2988, 3-2992, 4-3003, 5-2994
Av-2990, es-26, sd-9.4 these were loaded for a longer period of time)
1-3004, 2-3003, 3-2996, 4-2997, 5-2997
Av-2999, es-8, sd-3.7

1083yrd target......same load as the one just above here. It started to mist and target was starting to get blurry from the mist.
1-3009, 2-3003, 3-3004, 4-2998, 5-3003
av-3003, es-11, sd-3.8



Annnnd a little fun took two shots at 1083yrds with my re26 load....first shot was at the handle and second shot was a .2mil correction and hit great, no explosion though. 54.7g re26, fed 210m, 147eldm at 2.264”bto. Both shots were at 3013fps.

 

[brad502a]

Factory ammo gave me 2890 in a 28 inch 1-7 w awesome accuracy. 5 shot group at 300 .818....i just loaded 55gr RL-26 which gave me 2970ish. Looks like it needs another 1-1.5 grains of powder. Time to work up a load

Has your velocity increased? My rifle is pretty similar to yours, with the 56gr of RL 26 I"m getting just under 2900fps average.

Sorry for the late reply. I loaded up to 56 g RE26 and started showing signs of pressure. Velocity was at 3000. I switched gears for antelope season. I came up with 55.5 g of RE23, Sierra 130 TGK at 3250, 2.965" , .5 - .6 moa, and no pressure. Complete pass through on a goat last year at 300 yds. Good stuff.

 

[Lunabear]

Has anyone had good success using retumbo in their prc?

 

[Pge]

Good data there. Thanks for sharing.

Anyone know which powder hornady is using in their factory PRC loads?

Hornady has their own proprietary blend. Nobody else gets to have any… LOL

 

[STEELBANGERTOM]

Has anyone had good success using retumbo in their prc?

Good luck finding any! I’ve been looking for months. But I did get really lucky and found 2 pounds of H1000 at my local reloading store.
I just switched my 6.5 creed barrel to my new 6.5 prc since all my competition’s where canceled (thanks corona) my gun is Curtis vector action MPA chassis mpa barrel 26” 1-8 twist night force 7-35 ATACR TT D trigger set at 6oz’s. 60 shots down barrel so far. 20 rounds of 147 factory to break it in. Used a lab radar
-factory shot ok groups like a .5–.9
Velocity was 2650fps kind of disappointed in this due to being 60fps slower then advertised
SD -24 / ES- 58

-first reloads where on virgin gunworks brass(ADG) federal 210 primer 147eld .0015 neck tension oal at 2.955-2.96 since oal of eld isn’t consistent but oal to ogive of bullet had less then .0005 of run out. All testing at 100 yards verified with kilo 2400 0 degree incline to target.
-56.5 grains of H1000 5 shots
AVG 2871 FPS
SD - 7.3
ES - 18
Group size was .29
-57 grains of H1000 5 shots
AVG-2890
SD - 11.2
Es - 24
Group size opened up to .75”
-57.5 grains of H1000 5 shots
AVG - 2926
SD - 11.2
ES - 29
Group size was a .7”
-57.7 grains H1000 5 shots .3 over max
AVG - 2913
SD- 13.7
ES - 36
Group was .5” ok group weird numbers.
No pressure signs
-58 grains H1000 5 shots .6 over max!
AVG - 2974
Sd - 5.3
Es - 13
Group was a .25”
No pressure signs what so ever
-58.3 grains H1000 .9 over max!
AVG - 2998
SD - 11
ES - 22
Group size was .25” also after group realized mpa muzzle break was loose
No pressure still. I belive when I go out again that the 58-58.4 will be a good node for h1000 going to load 10 at 58.2 10 at 58.3 and 10 at 58.4 and I’ll post my results on here.

 

[tRidiot]

I got lucky this morning and found H1000 at Powder Valley. I ordered some, we'll see if it ever actually gets shipped, or if my order gets canceled due to this COVID and the panic buying. <sigh>

 

[Lunabear]

My lgs has an 8lb keg of retumbo on their shelf so that’s why I asked

 

[Lunabear]

Good luck finding any! I’ve been looking for months. But I did get really lucky and found 2 pounds of H1000 at my local reloading store.
I just switched my 6.5 creed barrel to my new 6.5 prc since all my competition’s where canceled (thanks corona) my gun is Curtis vector action MPA chassis mpa barrel 26” 1-8 twist night force 7-35 ATACR TT D trigger set at 6oz’s. 60 shots down barrel so far. 20 rounds of 147 factory to break it in. Used a lab radar
-factory shot ok groups like a .5–.9
Velocity was 2650fps kind of disappointed in this due to being 60fps slower then advertised
SD -24 / ES- 58

-first reloads where on virgin gunworks brass(ADG) federal 210 primer 147eld .0015 neck tension oal at 2.955-2.96 since oal of eld isn’t consistent but oal to ogive of bullet had less then .0005 of run out. All testing at 100 yards verified with kilo 2400 0 degree incline to target.
-56.5 grains of H1000 5 shots
AVG 2871 FPS
SD - 7.3
ES - 18
Group size was .29
-57 grains of H1000 5 shots
AVG-2890
SD - 11.2
Es - 24
Group size opened up to .75”
-57.5 grains of H1000 5 shots
AVG - 2926
SD - 11.2
ES - 29
Group size was a .7”
-57.7 grains H1000 5 shots .3 over max
AVG - 2913
SD- 13.7
ES - 36
Group was .5” ok group weird numbers.
No pressure signs
-58 grains H1000 5 shots .6 over max!
AVG - 2974
Sd - 5.3
Es - 13
Group was a .25”
No pressure signs what so ever
-58.3 grains H1000 .9 over max!
AVG - 2998
SD - 11
ES - 22
Group size was .25” also after group realized mpa muzzle break was loose
No pressure still. I belive when I go out again that the 58-58.4 will be a good node for h1000 going to load 10 at 58.2 10 at 58.3 and 10 at 58.4 and I’ll post my results on here.

Does retumbo perform better or worse than h1000? On par? My lgs has an 8lb keg of retumbo on the shelf is why I asked

 

[STEELBANGERTOM]

Does retumbo perform better or worse than h1000? On par? My lgs has an 8lb keg of retumbo on the shelf is why I asked

I have not personally tried it, but I know it has a slightly slower burn rate then H1000 so if you have a 26 inch are longer barrel you should be able to get more speed and case fill then h1000. But I will say when I got up to 58.3 grains I wasn’t compressed but the case was pretty much full with the 147eld seated at mag length. You might be able to do compressed loads with retumbo but as always start low and work your way up.

 

[db2000]

Here's my data in another thread.

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/6-5-prc-load.6963496/post-8419403

 

[akxx]

Bumping to keep this thread alive. Such great info collected on these pages!

 

[NCLR224]

I expect/hope my stock for my PRC build to show up this week. All the other components sans scope are in. Purchased the heavies to shoot in this barrel (Rock Creek 7.5 gain twist @ 26”), 150 SMK, 156 eol and a 144 Berger hybrid to start with. For you folks near Salisbury, NC Blue Collar Reloading has a stockpile of h1000 and rl-26. They don’t ship powder so you gotta make the drive. I also found some Retumbo locally. Just putting that out there.

 

[JRock47]

Has anyone had good success using retumbo in their prc?

I have had great results with Retumbo. Running 58.0 gr's with 147 ELDM's @ 2995 fps, and 60.5 gr's with the Barnes 127LRX @ 3162 fps. The 147's are shooting 1/4 moa and the 127's are 1/3 moa. No pressure sign at all. Could go higher on powder, but this is where velocity nodes were for my 6.5 PRC, in a 26" Proof Barrel. FYI only at 40 rds through barrel, so velocity may speed up. Going to try V N570 next and the 156 Berger.

 

[dgheriani]

Has anyone run any shorter barrelled 6.5 PRCs? Thinking of an 18 or max 20" barrel and hoping to get similar speeds with 140 ELDMs as I do in my 26" 6.5 Creed (2750-2800). Sound feasible?

 

[James n TN]

I have a 7.5 twist barrel on order to chamber the 6.5 PRC. What is the general opinion on the proper FB shooting the 150 SMK? This will be shot in a single shot action

 

[Cascade Hemi]

I have .130 FB and I'm .050" off the lands at 2.950 COAL. The base of the bearing surface is right at the neck junction (boat tail in the case). The 150 SMK is long like a VLD and probably better suited for shorter FB. Even with a single feed rifle where COAL isn't limited by a magazine I'd probably still select a FB no longer than .150" for that bullet.

 

[223762]

I have a 7.5 twist barrel on order to chamber the 6.5 PRC. What is the general opinion on the proper FB shooting the 150 SMK? This will be shot in a single shot action

I would use the .188 freebore reamer. I believe the 150 SMK the boat tail bearing surface junctions is just above the shoulder case neck area. I’d have to look at one of mine again to be 100% sure. Your OAL will be in 3.1ish area. The bullet isn’t taking up any room for powder at that length. I think you have to put 60ish grns to start crushing powder. If your doing a single shot, OAL really isn’t a problem then.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

This is .050" off the lands of .130FB. Not that it matters because I think I'm 90% fill with RL26.

 

[tRidiot]

Should have mine by next weekend - crossing my fingers

28" Bartlein 5R heavy palma 1:7.5 twist
Defiance Deviant Tactical LA
Cut with a .187 reamer
Cadex Field Tactical chassis

Have 100 Gunwerks (ADG) brass, couple hundred 147 ELD-Ms, buncha RL-26 and H1000 stocked up. Reading reading and trying to figure out where to start loading.

 

[CMP70306]

Did some testing with the new 153.5 Berger’s, went from 56gr to 57.5gr H1000 before I started getting ejector marks.

56 - 2834 fps es-13. sd-6.3
56.3 - 2847 fps es-19. sd-8
56.6 - 2844 fps es-24. sd-10 - 0.30 MOA
56.9 - 2878 fps es-34. sd-15.5
57.2 - 2878 fps es-17. sd-7.4 - 0.48 MOA
57.5 - 2916 fps es-29. sd-14.5

57.5 was my stopping point as it was the charge that got me just under 3000 fps with the 147gr ELD-M and it is also the one I got ejector marks on with the 153.5s. I also managed to pick up 4 pounds of RL-26 which means I have enough to test and shoot my class in 2 weeks, hopefully that will get my to just under 3000 fps.

One thing to note, the above was at 2.96 COAL, I was having feeding issues previously with the 147 ELD-M and 122gr Lehigh Defense so I got the LRI mag spacers in order to alleviate the issue. Upon testing with the 153.5’s I found that they allow me to run them at 3.04 (0.04 off the lands) which is long enough to alleviate the feeding issues previously seen with shorter bullets. So going forward I’m going to run the RL-26 and rerun the H1000 test with the new COAL.

 

[MattSplat]

I’m shooting a 6.5 Addiction, not 6.5 PRC, which has a little more case capacity. I’m currently testing the 156s with pretty good success using H1000, and between 54.0 and 54.8 gr I’m getting about 3,017 to 3,003 fps with CCI No. 250 primers.

The point is, I tried both 200 and 250 primers with H1000, and whilst both shot as fast as each other, the magnum primers gave me a much more consistent velocity increase with powder weight increase, and less pressure (bolt lift). So if you are shooting with H1000, you may find a magnum primer will improve your results.

 

[tRidiot]

Got mine last night, got to the range to just get it sighted in today, put about 40 rounds through it, only chrono'd the last 2 groups of 3.

6.5PRC
147gr ELD-M
28-29" Bartlein heavy palma 1:7.5" twist (I haven't measured the actual length of the bore, I need to do that)

H1000 59.0gr
3173
3166
3159

RL-26 56.0gr
3138
3139
3117

Pretty happy with those speeds, personally.

 

[Don Dial]

Thought I would share some info I have gathered working with my new 6.5 PRC.

Plans are for 130 grn bullets and try some 140s later. So far it is a pleasure to shoot. Very little recoil, less than 308. And is a Lazer flat to 1k. Shot some Hornady factory 147s that chrono'd about 2850, which is 100fps slower than advertised on the box.

Also ran a little H1000 and 4831sc. Never got a real good chance to group them mostly due to constant CO wind. But got some Chrono #s that should be helpful.

Rifle is Remington 700 action trued with Bartlien 26" 8 twist and APA little bastard brake. Pillar bedded Manners stock. Nightforce 3.5-15 nxs. Magneto speed Chrono.


Here is what I got so far.

H1000, br2, new Hornady brass, 130eldm.
All three round groups

59.3grn avg3040 es23

59.6grn avg3051 es55

59.9grn avg3078 es30

60.2grn avg3095 es18 (best group .2")

60.5grn avg3123 es13

60.8grn avg3133 es38

61.1grn avg3158 es34
61.1 still held primers and just started to show very very slight ghost of a ejector mark.

I am not pushing hard for velocity, but consistentcy.

H1000 just did not click with me. I felt like it was missing something.

Soo...
4831sc, Br2, new brass, 130eldm.
All three rnd groups

55.0grn avg3034 es24

55.3grn avg3050 es12

55.6grn avg3065 es9

55.9grn avg3085 es9

56.2grn avg3100 es10

56.5grn avg3111 es17

56.8grn avg3115 es23

57.1grn avg3137 es12

4831sc alot more consistent! Definitely going to focus on it a little. Hopefully if the wind stops I can shoot some groups. Pressure seemed lower with 4831 as well. Also have some 7828ssc I will try.

Everything I shot had pretty flat primers. Even the factory stuff, so I stopped looking at that for a pressure indicator. Never got a sticky bolt or a brass flow into ejector. I think everything I loaded could be pushed harder if you are into that. I try not to blow my face off though.

Keep posting I just ordered a Mauser M 18 in it and have to put it together, do what I can with it to make it acceptable as a truck gun. I have H 4831, IMR 8133, & H 1000 on hand. Have 123 Gr Scenars coming and 140 Gr Hornady SST on hand. Just got tired of lugging my 15 lb TRG up into deer blinds.

 

[CMP70306]

I settled on 57.2gr H1000 with the 153.5 Berger Hybrid, after playing with seating depth (0.10 off) Igot 2900 FPS with a 24” proof prefit barrel.

 

[Don Dial]

I’m breaking in and working up loads on a Mauser M18. It’s pretty light and has a 24.4” Tube which is short. Factory Hornady 143 ELDX were in patterns and I get ejector marks and brass on bolt face. Also noticed it leaves a lot of powder residue in bbl. looks like Unique it’s so nasty. At 34 rounds I had reloaded 123 Scenars and ran 59.0 Gr in Hornady cases with H1000, and 58.5 Gr IMR 8133 in ADM cases. Both were sloppy dime 3 shot groups. I get 2 140 Gr SST’s to group and third is 1 1/2” away. Update at 58-70 rounds groups are a dime, barrel sweetened and I reduced trigger to 2 lbs added heavier scope now 9 lb rifle. Should make great Deer Rifle.

 

[Lubenator]

Hello everyone! Happy to be here and read all your posting and learn from your knowledge!
After long debate for and against I finally took the balance in favour of "For" and as you know that disturbed the balance elsewhere! I am happy though!
I've Ruger Hawkeye Long-Range Target 6.5 PRC (26in) and ready to step in to the reloading world of this cartridge. Looking for advise on powder as I've located Reloader 25 and 26. Thank you again. Cheers

Purchased R26 last 4lb. R25 was gone...

 

[rj112275]

RL26 should be perfect.

 

[Turbotank]

Ok guys I have been testing imr 8133 .This is a 4 shot group at 1065 . I did find a node at 58.5 grains with a velocity of 3030 on a 5 shot test I had a Sd of 3.4 and a es of 8 I’ve been running Norma mrp but also looking for something that was not temperature sensitive.
150 Sierra matchking
3.0 overall length

 

[Don Dial]

I have obtained a local supply of RL 26 for my 6.5 PRC. I have 120 Gr Barnes TSX, 123 Gr Scenar, and 140 Gr SST Hornady to build loads as I do break in on my 24” bbl 1/8” twist Mauser. Need load data , none of the H1000 or IMR 8133 have grouped well.