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6.5 PRC load data
- Thread starter CanSniper
- Start date
Is the general consensus that most everyone is happy with the 6.5 PRC? In my 26” 6.5x47 - my load is giving me 2780 and I’ve not tried to push them any harder - though I’ve got no pressure signs at all.
Just wondering how much of an improvement this really is over a 6.5 Creedmoor - considering the overall expense of getting another bolt, dies, etc. I believe the Creedmoor should easily be another 50 faster than my Lapua. Doesn’t seem like much difference to me for many. Again, is it worth it?
Just wondering how much of an improvement this really is over a 6.5 Creedmoor - considering the overall expense of getting another bolt, dies, etc. I believe the Creedmoor should easily be another 50 faster than my Lapua. Doesn’t seem like much difference to me for many. Again, is it worth it?
I’m running 140’s at 3000 out of a 24” tube without pushing it and with H-1000 for the stability.... if 200 FPS faster is what your looking for then it’s worth it ! You can hot rod it with RL-26 and spread that gap even more, especially with a 26” barrel!!
My 26” 260 rem shoots 140 ELDs at 2850 with H4350. My 26” PRC shoots 147 ELDs at 3000 with H1000. Whether it’s worth it depends on what you are trying to accomplish; the extra power/speed also means there are some trade offs in recoil, barrel life, component cost, etc.
I did a load test on my 6.5 prc with a 24" 1:8 twist proof research barrel carbon fiber, bolly stock with a LRI break. This is built from a tikka t3 300wsm and still has the stock trigger. LRI did all the gunsmith work
I reloaded a barnes 127 lrx in hornady brass CCI BR2 primer and H1000 and got 3250,3224,3256 no pressure signs.
I reloaded a hornady 147 eld in hornady brass, federal primer, H1000 and got
3143,3153,3179 no pressure signs.
I reloaded a barnes 127 lrx in hornady brass CCI BR2 primer and H1000 and got 3250,3224,3256 no pressure signs.
I reloaded a hornady 147 eld in hornady brass, federal primer, H1000 and got
3143,3153,3179 no pressure signs.
Do you know how far off the lands the factory 143 or 147s are in your Havak? What is the col you're using? I shoot a Havak as well but mainly for hunting and am trying to work up a load with the 143s. I'm using rl26 w/ 56.1 grns and running around 2910. And 2.097 col.
For anyone interested in running the Berger 156,
I have tested them in 2 rifles, both 24” 8 twist barrels.
Hornady brass, fed primers and H1000.
Nearly all the loads I tried were sub moa, with many sub half moa.
Bullet seems easy to tune.
Both rifles shoot well with around 30thou jump and 57.5-58g H1000. ( I saw slight pressure around 59g )
Velocity is 2930 and 2945
Round count is sill under 100 on both rifles so the speed may pick up a bit more.
I believe N565 and RL 26 will offer more speed, but I am going bear hunting tomorrow and wanted to use a powder I am familiar with.
In testing to 1300 yds the Berger claimed bc has been spot on for me.
I have tested them in 2 rifles, both 24” 8 twist barrels.
Hornady brass, fed primers and H1000.
Nearly all the loads I tried were sub moa, with many sub half moa.
Bullet seems easy to tune.
Both rifles shoot well with around 30thou jump and 57.5-58g H1000. ( I saw slight pressure around 59g )
Velocity is 2930 and 2945
Round count is sill under 100 on both rifles so the speed may pick up a bit more.
I believe N565 and RL 26 will offer more speed, but I am going bear hunting tomorrow and wanted to use a powder I am familiar with.
In testing to 1300 yds the Berger claimed bc has been spot on for me.
dang i must have a jacked lot of h1000 or a slow af proof lol
mine is a 22" 1:8 and 59-60 grains of h1000 under a 127 and 130 hybrid is only giving me 2950-3000 fps
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Awesome. I'm glad to hear you are getting over 2900 with the 24" and H1k. I have a 22 inch 7.5 twist coming and using RL26 and my goal was 2900+. Looks like I should get there.
Good luck on your hunt!
Both are factory Fierce rifles with 188 freebore.
Coal is 3.55 but there was a good node @ 3.750 as well
Coal is 3.55 but there was a good node @ 3.750 as well
Thanks. Are you meaning 3.055 coal and 3.075 ? No experience with that rifle so is it on a LA or SA. If SA do those rounds feed from a magazine?
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To clarify, all my numbers were measured using a Hornady bullet comparator w/calipers. ( not coal )
The rifles I tested are on a long action.
For coal,
I believe factory PRC 147s are loaded to 2.950 and my load with Berger 156 is 3.050
No idea if they would fit or feed in a short mag
Finished a bit of testing with the 156 EOLs. Using the hornady gauge, the max COAL was 3.074 (see picture attached) for the .188 FB. FWIW the bullets I measured were +- 6 thous in terms of OAL, so need to factor that into the measurement.
Best accuracy node was ~10-15 thous off. Running a 16.5” Proof CF barrel, 1:7 that was pushing them at 2750 FPS with H1000 and fed 210M primers... This was a hot load but anything under had an ES of 40+, whereas with this one the ES was holding at 15-20 FPS. Started losing primer pockets around load #6-8.
Regarding accuracy - I’m not totally satisfied, mostly because I was seeing flyers show up on a consistent basis. It would lay down two groups under 3/8”, and then the next would open up to an inch plus with a flyer. Could be related to the CF barrel heating up, but couldn’t really pin point the issue (checked action screw and scope ring torque, barrel clearance, switched to the VLD seating redding seating stem, etc.). Shot 200 rounds at various seating depths and charges. Lesson learned for me is that a “medium” action (e.g. defiance XM) is the way to go due to COAL restrictions on a normal short action with detachable mag. Due to the COAL restrictions and accuracy issues, I’m having a GAP 4s barrel spun up to see how these EOLs work... Will post results in the GAP 4s thread.
Best accuracy node was ~10-15 thous off. Running a 16.5” Proof CF barrel, 1:7 that was pushing them at 2750 FPS with H1000 and fed 210M primers... This was a hot load but anything under had an ES of 40+, whereas with this one the ES was holding at 15-20 FPS. Started losing primer pockets around load #6-8.
Regarding accuracy - I’m not totally satisfied, mostly because I was seeing flyers show up on a consistent basis. It would lay down two groups under 3/8”, and then the next would open up to an inch plus with a flyer. Could be related to the CF barrel heating up, but couldn’t really pin point the issue (checked action screw and scope ring torque, barrel clearance, switched to the VLD seating redding seating stem, etc.). Shot 200 rounds at various seating depths and charges. Lesson learned for me is that a “medium” action (e.g. defiance XM) is the way to go due to COAL restrictions on a normal short action with detachable mag. Due to the COAL restrictions and accuracy issues, I’m having a GAP 4s barrel spun up to see how these EOLs work... Will post results in the GAP 4s thread.
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Is there a reason your running a 16 inch barrel and then trying to squeeze velocity out of it with a slower powder like H1k? I would expect you have the same results with the 4s with that barrel length, bullet, and powder.
The proper fix is a longer barrel with these SAUM type cartridges.
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I like to run short barrels for hunting / suppressed applications - And also Just to do something a bit different.
My 16.5” Creedmoor is only able to push 140s at a max of 2450 FPS (accuracy node was at 2400). Pretty happy with an extra 300+ FPS.
Agree with your point though that the full potential for SAUM cartridges is best realized with longer barrels.
My 16.5” Creedmoor is only able to push 140s at a max of 2450 FPS (accuracy node was at 2400). Pretty happy with an extra 300+ FPS.
Agree with your point though that the full potential for SAUM cartridges is best realized with longer barrels.
I have a 6.5 prc, 24" cf proof research barrel 1:8 twist built built off of a tikka t3 300wsm action and bolt.
At 59.7 hornady eld 147 h1000, federal primer, hornady brass 3179 fps .20 otl Top picture
At 59.3 barnes lrx 127 h1000, cci primer, hornady brass 3250 fps .20 otl bottom picture. I am working on this one tomorrow
At 59.7 hornady eld 147 h1000, federal primer, hornady brass 3179 fps .20 otl Top picture
At 59.3 barnes lrx 127 h1000, cci primer, hornady brass 3250 fps .20 otl bottom picture. I am working on this one tomorrow
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Sad these longer bullets come out and we can’t mag feed them in a true short action. I will still test the 156 berger for fun I’ll just have to single feed them in
Dam your 147 is close to my 147 w RL-26 from a 28 5r 1-7. Had issues w the last batch of 147.
Yea a LA is ideally the way to go. I however am having TSCustoms spin up a barrel with a short .125 freebore right now so I can still mag feed the 156gr Berger and 153 A tips without having a crazy jump. At mag length it's not a crazy deep seating.. we'll see what pressure and velocity I get with these with RL26.
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This I want to pay attention to! I was having the same thoughts of getting my barrel with a .130 freebore just to see what I could get away with when seating to fit in the mag with the 153 and 156 grainers just for fun. I won’t be using any factory ammo at all for the gun. All hand loads.
I have a .130 FB cut by Bugholes. 153gr A-Tip measures 2.968 (2.303C) to the lands and 150 SMK measures 3.013 (2.295C) to the lands. If you're using a finishing pilot reamer you might consider .115 or .120 FB. I'm sure both of these bullets are going to shoot but as the throat burns out you won't have a lot of room to grow, if any. I don't see much difference between .125 and .130, if you're going with a shorter throat you may as well give yourself some room.
That was the shortest one he had without custom ordering one. I believe he also has a .150 and the .188. So the .125 was the best choice. If I can't get the 156s to shoot I'll be going back to the 140s.
Thank you for your measurements.
Hopefully you had a great hunt and back with a great story? Did you circle back around to see where the RL26 and N565 would take you? Have a LA Sako A7 coming out of the smiths next week with a new 8.7-7.6 left hand gain twist Bartlein and working up some loads. ADG brass, Fed 210 primers and testing RL26 as well as H1000. Had a conversation with a nice gentleman at Berger who was kind enough to share the following. Not sure if I helps but thought I’d share....
156g Berger
COAL 2.955
RL26
52 grain minimum with 57.8 max @ 90% fill. 2944 @ 57.8g
H1000
54.5g minimum with 60.4 max @ 103% fill. 2936fps @ 60.4g
Just ran a pressure test with H1000, 156eol, cci250s, ADG brass .015" jump @ 3.070oal 24" 8 twist.
Worked up in 1grn increments just looking for pressure.
With the new ADG brass about 60grns is about all the case will hold for capacity.
Ran 3020fps @ 60grns pretty good ejector swipe. Probably a little over Max w/ADG. Probably ok with Hornady brass. 2900fps+ should be real easy.
Worked up in 1grn increments just looking for pressure.
With the new ADG brass about 60grns is about all the case will hold for capacity.
Ran 3020fps @ 60grns pretty good ejector swipe. Probably a little over Max w/ADG. Probably ok with Hornady brass. 2900fps+ should be real easy.
Thanks for this data. TSCustoms just finished up my 6.5 PRC. Cadex Sheepdog action, proof 22 sendero, and going to use a Rugged micro 30 suppressor. I am using the same components as you and have no doubt I'll get my 2900 fps.
What neck bushing die are you using?
That .292 is what I have and loaded up my initial ladder test batch with. I believe on your recommendation. I know some guys are seeing good results with less neck tension but in my case as a hunting rifle, I want at least that .002
All good. I know some folks including myself had terrible results with Hornady dies that sized down the brass way too much. At least for me in my 300 norma.. never doing that again.. I bought a FL Neck bushing Redding type s die and seems to work well so far.
In for the info...
Was really interested in this when it first came out, but decided to sit back and watch to see what luck everyone had with it. Looks like you can get high 2000's / low 3000's without much effort, but it takes a little effort and some luck to get the 140-class pills moving North of 3100fps?
Was really interested in this when it first came out, but decided to sit back and watch to see what luck everyone had with it. Looks like you can get high 2000's / low 3000's without much effort, but it takes a little effort and some luck to get the 140-class pills moving North of 3100fps?
Had another wee play with my prc today. I think I might off lucked out with my barrel as it seems to be a fast one. Tryed 3 slight variations off my load today. All loads was with 147 eld-m. First load was 57.8 grains off h1000 loaded factory length .51 moa 3 shoot group and 3180 FPS. Is a tad warm and getting slight ejector swipe. Federal mag primer
57.6gr .55 moa group and 3150 FPS no pressure sign federal large mag primer
57.8 gr and cci large mag primer .59 moa and slight ejector swipe
So am going to try 5 at 57.5 gr and see how that goes. I’d be happy round 3120 FPS
57.6gr .55 moa group and 3150 FPS no pressure sign federal large mag primer
57.8 gr and cci large mag primer .59 moa and slight ejector swipe
So am going to try 5 at 57.5 gr and see how that goes. I’d be happy round 3120 FPS
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A bit of a quick one for sure. I am quite happy with the 3020 I get with 54.14 of RL26...Unobtanium.
Are you here in the states or New Zealand as your moniker suggests? What made you decide on a mag primer vs.large rifle?
Have the RL26 and 156 Bergers ready to roll......just need the damn gun back from the smith? Ill be happy with that speed as well at that load. What length barrel are you running?
26" MPA barrel. My DA (two posts up) is around 10k but that has nothing to do with MV.
147 ELDs at 2.955 COAL, Fed 210s, - not magnum, and Hornady Brass
147 ELDs at 2.955 COAL, Fed 210s, - not magnum, and Hornady Brass
Yep I’m from just out off Christchurch in the South Island. The main reason I went for mag primers is I’m cheap lol. I’ve got a couple off thousand off them as I run them in my 300 win mag so I pretty much just run them in all my rifles. Saves haveing a few different kinds off primers and getting them
Mixed up but mainly me been cheap lol
Just got the word that my rifle is done and I can pick it up tomorrow? 26” as well and can’t wait.
I have 155 rounds on my 6.5 PRC. I pick up about 20-25fps on account of my barrel speeding up. Here’s my findings with 147eldms and H1000.
147’s jumping .050”
ADG brass
57.9 H1000
CCI 250’s
3020fps
ES under 15
Same load using CCI BR2’s gets me 3000fps with ES under 10.
Rifle specs
Origin action
26” 7.5tw Hawkhill
.188 FB
147’s jumping .050”
ADG brass
57.9 H1000
CCI 250’s
3020fps
ES under 15
Same load using CCI BR2’s gets me 3000fps with ES under 10.
Rifle specs
Origin action
26” 7.5tw Hawkhill
.188 FB
Anyone with data loading 147s shorter to fit factory BDL wsm box? I’m doing a lightweight hunter using a SA origin and Hawkins BDL. I’d have to load to 2.845 OAL to fit this BDL box and that would put me .060 off the lands using a .140 freebore. Haven’t shot any yet but that’s quite a jump.
Alternatively, I’ll have LRI open up this action for a Wyatt’s box. Trying to avoid anymore GS work since deer season is upon us though.
Alternatively, I’ll have LRI open up this action for a Wyatt’s box. Trying to avoid anymore GS work since deer season is upon us though.
I tried it with the one binder plate mag that I have. Just pushed the bullet over my normal load back to fit. Accuracy did not suffer for it, but I lost 85 +/-fps of velocity. Likewise did the same with Hornady Factory Ammo, and got the same results
After a 100 rounds through the 22" 6.5 PRC I did another load workup with RL26 and the 156g Bergers. ADG brass. CCI200 primers. Seated at the lands at 2.970. Freebore is .125 on this TS Customs spun up barrel. Barrel sped up 30 fps since new.
22" TUBE
RL26..FPS
53.7.. 2813
54.0.. 2821
54.3.. 2837
54.6.. 2869
54.9.. 2895
55.2.. 2898
55.5.. 2907
55.8.. 2920
My original load workup when the barrel was new was a little different and when the barrel sped up, got me out of it. Accuracy was in the .5moa range 5 round groups. 3 round groups were in the .18-.22 moa range. ES is 8 and SDs of 3.0. May use this same load still if the 54.9-55.2 range doesn't show good results. If its decent I'll work back from the lands in ten thou increments and see if it tightens up.
More to follow.
22" TUBE
RL26..FPS
53.7.. 2813
54.0.. 2821
54.3.. 2837
54.6.. 2869
54.9.. 2895
55.2.. 2898
55.5.. 2907
55.8.. 2920
My original load workup when the barrel was new was a little different and when the barrel sped up, got me out of it. Accuracy was in the .5moa range 5 round groups. 3 round groups were in the .18-.22 moa range. ES is 8 and SDs of 3.0. May use this same load still if the 54.9-55.2 range doesn't show good results. If its decent I'll work back from the lands in ten thou increments and see if it tightens up.
More to follow.
