6.5 PRC load data

[jamesZ71]

just ordered my dies and have 200 pc of brass waiting to be loaded.
Going to start with H1000 and 139gr lupua , 140 gr nosler , and 142 smk

Fellas feel free to add what you have worked up with

 

[stevenc23]

6.5 SAUM/ 6.5PRC Facebook page has a lot of good info

My final load:

56.4 grains RL-26 147 ELD Bullets
Federal Large Rifle Magnum Primers
Using a Long Action so COAL is 2.995

Getting 3120 fps out of 28" barrel

FWIW I loaded up to 57 grains without any pressure signs

 

[K_4c]

58.7 h1000/142 smks/1:8 twist/.130 FB/26” medium Palma Benchmark netted me 3002 FPS with 85 rds down the tube...

 

[shoot4fun]

I haven't shot any H1000 in mine, only RL26 and Retumbo. I wound up with a good load using Retumbo, about a grain under what Hornady gives as max with the 140 ELDM. It shoots very well. My barrel is a Kreiger 8T finished at 28" and wearing an Area 419 brake. I can spot my own hits it is so tame and takes exactly 7 mils dial up for 1,000 yards (100 yard zero).

 

[Shadow knows]

Following

 

[BCX]

57.5 RL-26 147 ELD 2.950 OAL 3150 FPS from Bartlein 5R 1-7 28 inch no signs of pressure

 

[acourvil]

Have any of you using RL-26 tried it in hot weather (e.g., 90F+)? I’ve seen a few reports of bad results in hot temps but don’t know how seriously to take that.

 

[BCX]

I have shot it from 93F to as low as 48F. I have had 0 issues!!! Actually i worked up my loads in the 90s now in the 40s I'm running a higher velocity. My barrel has sped up for the 3rd time now lol....

 

[BCX]

I am using CCI 200 primers. I bet guys having issues are running a magnum primer?

 

[JFive]

Anyone reloading Hornady 143gr ELD-X ?
I worked up a load close to max in my rifle, Tikka T3, rock creek med palma 1-8" @ 26".
6.5-PRC
58.6gr - H1000
143gr - ELD-X seated ten thous off the lands
CCI- 250 primers getting 3045 fps
Question is when I go over that velocity bullets seem to lose stability with no noticeable pressure and start to rip the target a little, at or below that velocity I get nice round holes, anyone else seeing this happening?
Thanks

 

[bullfisher]

I am using CCI 200 primers. I bet guys having issues are running a magnum primer?

This was my problem. I was getting pressure signs early and high ES with magnum primers.

 

[shoot4fun]

This was my problem. I was getting pressure signs early and high ES with magnum primers.

I think Hornady actually recommended using standard primer instead of magnum. I have always had a thing about feeling the need for magnum primers with large charges of slow burn powders and have, to this point used Federal Gold Medal Magnums in the 6.5PRC.
I have had no issues with them yet but will likely go back and retest with standard primers soon.

 

[Msaon308]

what can I say there are so many potentials in this round. I shoot my 6.5 PRC build to 1000yd with factory ammo about 2930 fps. here is some group photo. I am go to try some 150 smk and 140 beger hybrid this weekend.

 

[mrobles3808]

Bighorn TL3
MPA Comp Chassis
Benchmark 26"
147ELDM
H1000 @ 57.7gns
Velocity: 3030 fps
Seating Depth Test Left To Right: .020" off, .030" Off, .040" Off
Distance: 116 yds

 

[Msaon308]

Bighorn TL3
MPA Comp Chassis
Benchmark 26"
147ELDM
H1000 @ 57.7gns
Velocity: 3030 fps
Seating Depth Test Left To Right: .020" off, .030" Off, .040" Off
Distance: 116 yds

impressive I am going to try some 150 smk and 140 Berger this weekend.

 

[Brentc]

Bighorn TL3
MPA Comp Chassis
Benchmark 26"
147ELDM
H1000 @ 57.7gns
Velocity: 3030 fps
Seating Depth Test Left To Right: .020" off, .030" Off, .040" Off
Distance: 116 yds

Nice. I hit a great node at 57.7 of H1000 too.

My final load ended up right on the Hornady RL26 max with a 147.

55.7 grains of RL26 with a 147 seated to .020" off in a Hornady case (~2.975 OAL) with a Fed 210M. The velocity is 2975 fps. My rifle is a Christensen Ridgeline with a 24" bbl. It'll be a great hunting rifle.

 

[Sticks]

Two threads with the same name. Fun.
https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/6-5-prc-load-data.6878053/

I posted my initial factory results and load development in that one.

6.5 PRC in a Curtis Custom Axiom w/ WTO Switch Lug, 26" MPA Barrel 1:8 (M24 profile on the build list) MPA Brake, MPA Compettion Chassis.

4860 ASL
Ambient Temp - 73*
Ammo Temp - 65*
Station pressure 25.35

I settled on 54.14gr RL26, Hornady Brass @ 1.702 to the shoulder, Hornady 147 ELD seated at 2.950 Federal 210, .002 neck tension.

3023 FPS // 4.9 SD // 10.6 ES was the last trip out. SD/ES is getting lower. Started at 6.2//13.6 - 5 shot test

I lack the skills to shoot better than a .57 group at 750.

Now I am out of RL26, and none to be found locally or on the interweb market. Damnit.

 

[30cal user]

Re-25 won’t work?

 

[Sticks]

RL-25? It may or may not. Probably a lot of other powders out there that will.

I am just frustrated, as this is the first time I have hit the jackpot so to speak in load development. 1 powder, 2 range sessions, and 55 fired rounds (I am nowhere near good enough to do the 10 round ladder test) to find my sweet spot that is staying very consistent and accurate. Last thing is need is another four, flavors of 1# powder sitting on the shelf that don't work (already have that with my Grendel load work).

Roo Roo Becky just goes on a diet for a couple months. I have 400 rounds loaded up, and 1 pound for emergency. If nothing by February, then I will try a different powder. Probably Retumbo first, then H4381 unless someone else posts a nice recipe.

 

[8nbait]

Seekins Havak 24” barrel 8 twist .188 freebore
When I first got the rifle I fired and reloaded on piece of brass 13 times with 58-59 H1000 and a 140 VLD and it still held the primer.

I am currently working with 50 pieces that are on their 9th loading and still going strong. This brass is way better than hornadys 6.5 saum brass.

All loads with hornady brass and either a Tula LRM or a Fed 210M primer

57.5 H1000
147 ELDM
2970 FPS

56.2 RL26
147 ELDM
2990 FPS

57 RL26
140 VLD
3035 FPS

58.2 H1000
140 VLD
3020 FPS

I like it so much I’m in the process of building another rifle with a 7.5 twist bartlein with .130 freebore on an SR3 short action to use for hunting...it’s going to be sweet!

 

[IHFarmer07]

Seekins Havak 24” barrel 8 twist .188 freebore
When I first got the rifle I fired and reloaded on piece of brass 13 times with 58-59 H1000 and a 140 VLD and it still held the primer.

I am currently working with 50 pieces that are on their 9th loading and still going strong. This brass is way better than hornadys 6.5 saum brass.

All loads with hornady brass and either a Tula LRM or a Fed 210M primer

57.5 H1000
147 ELDM
2970 FPS

56.2 RL26
147 ELDM
2990 FPS

57 RL26
140 VLD
3035 FPS

58.2 H1000
140 VLD
3020 FPS

I like it so much I’m in the process of building another rifle with a 7.5 twist bartlein with .130 freebore on an SR3 short action to use for hunting...it’s going to be sweet!

What was your COAL?

 

[Sticks]

What is your SD/ES with the H1000?

 

[BLKWLFK9]

Whos got loads for super short PRCs? My 26" is getting cut to 18". Should be a fun little bush gun. Hoping to stay at creedmoor speeds with it.

 

[8nbait]

What is your SD/ES with the H1000?

COAL with 140 vld is 2.990, .020 jump
147 is 2.945, .060 jump
The 147 shot good anywhere from .020 to .060 that’s why I went with the .130 on the new rifle. It will have a Wyatt’s box and BDL so I will be able to run the 140’s at .010-.020 and fit in the box.

ES and SD with H1000 and RL 26 was under 20 ES and around 8 SD if I remember.

I developed the RL26 load last winter in 5-10 degree temps. This summer I left the rifle and some ammo in truck all day with highs around 95-100 and only gained about 15 FPS. This has been typical for RL26 in everything I have tried it in...7 mag, 7 saum, 6.5-284, 6.5-06 AI, 6.5 saum very stable across a huge temp swings. But I don’t run compressed loads or mag primers, maybe that helps.

 

[8nbait]

5 shots with 147

This was 1 shot per day for three days to check cold bore accuracy.

 

[IHFarmer07]

COAL with 140 vld is 2.990, .020 jump
147 is 2.945, .060 jump
The 147 shot good anywhere from .020 to .060 that’s why I went with the .130 on the new rifle. It will have a Wyatt’s box and BDL so I will be able to run the 140’s at .010-.020 and fit in the box.

ES and SD with H1000 and RL 26 was under 20 ES and around 8 SD if I remember.

I developed the RL26 load last winter in 5-10 degree temps. This summer I left the rifle and some ammo in truck all day with highs around 95-100 and only gained about 15 FPS. This has been typical for RL26 in everything I have tried it in...7 mag, 7 saum, 6.5-284, 6.5-06 AI, 6.5 saum very stable across a huge temp swings. But I don’t run compressed loads or mag primers, maybe that helps.

Are you single feeding the 147’s?
What is the max COAL in the seekins?


If seekins made the havak with a 26” barrel in the 6.5prc and a different color stock, although not a deal breaker on the stock.....I would buy one in a instant!!!!!
The 6.5prc is a magnum cartridge, magnum cartridges do better in longer barrels.

 

[8nbait]

The mag is 3.1” so they feed from the mag. But my new rifle will be 2.95” Wyatt’s box that’s why I went with the .130 FB so they will feed from that mag box.

I went with 24” on the new barrel also. Just works better for my use and I get plenty of speed for hunting applications.

My seekins is at the smith right now getting cerakote on the metal and the stock.
It will be graphite black metal, coyote tan on the stock with black webbing.

 

[IHFarmer07]

The mag is 3.1” so they feed from the mag. But my new rifle will be 2.95” Wyatt’s box that’s why I went with the .130 FB so they will feed from that mag box.

I went with 24” on the new barrel also. Just works better for my use and I get plenty of speed for hunting applications.

My seekins is at the smith right now getting cerakote on the metal and the stock.
It will be graphite black metal, coyote tan on the stock with black webbing.

So the havak has a medium like action and mag?!?! Might have to go that route anyway.

 

[8nbait]

The mag that comes with it is 3.1” 3 round only.
It also comes with a spacer and two screws to add to the BM so it will accept an accurate mag.

 

[IHFarmer07]

The mag that comes with it is 3.1” 3 round only.
It also comes with a spacer and two screws to add to the BM so it will accept an accurate mag.

hmmm interesting.....well you only need 1 to do the job most times!!
Ok cool, thanks for clarifying the havak.

 

[OneShot63]

Has anyone loaded the 140 ELD-M ?
What was your OAL ?
What was your COAL ?
With .188 FB ....
Thanks for your responses....

 

[Shadow knows]

Anyone running 24” with RL26? 147’s?

 

[8nbait]

I use 56.2 rl26 with the 147’s, 210 primers in Hornady brass at 2980 FPS. 24” seekins Havak.
Shoots bugholes

 

[Shadow knows]

I use 56.2 rl26 with the 147’s, 210 primers in Hornady brass at 2980 FPS. 24” seekins Havak.
Shoots bugholes

Thanks

 

[8nbait]

I just put that rifle up for sale in the classifieds.

 

[Boone45]

I haven't shot any H1000 in mine, only RL26 and Retumbo. I wound up with a good load using Retumbo, about a grain under what Hornady gives as max with the 140 ELDM. It shoots very well. My barrel is a Kreiger 8T finished at 28" and wearing an Area 419 brake. I can spot my own hits it is so tame and takes exactly 7 mils dial up for 1,000 yards (100 yard zero).

Speeds?

 

[shoot4fun]

Speeds?

I haven't got a number for velocity. I took a WAG when get dope out to 1,000 yards and it worked out very well.
I was working off velocity constraints of one particular place I shoot so trying to hold close to 3,000 FPS. According to my dial ups it looks like I hit around 3,020 FPS or so.

 

[Hiwayman92]

Anyone running 24” with RL26? 147’s?

My Havak has a nice node from 54.8 up to 55.4 that runs 2930, 2937, and 2934 fps in ADG brass with a CCI250. I ran some testing up around 3k but groups opened up.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

Anyone tried RL23 with a 139 or 140?

 

[daylate]

Anyone tried RL23 with a 139 or 140?

No. But it was suggested to me by someone very knowledable who runs a 6.5x55 B J AI said not temp sensitive and runs cooler and less powder...but I haven't tried it yet.....

 

[bodywerks]

View attachment 6975548
5 shots with 147

View attachment 6975552

This was 1 shot per day for three days to check cold bore accuracy.

I really, really like this idea! I never did it because a trip to the range meant an hour drive for me. Not anymore! Now that I'm out in the country this is a 15 minute ordeal.
Crazy how much more accurate/tight your group was on the one shot per day method. I guess this is why bench resters have a different load developed for the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth round sometimes.

 

[db2000]

Here's my load data in another thread.

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

 

[Ajrich]

27" 7.5 twist K&P Barrel 156 Berger 55.5 RL26 .033 off hornady brass 210m 3030fps produces excellent groups for me.

 

[Archer 6]

Does anyone have any other good bullet recipes other than 147gr ELDMs/Berger 140 VLDs for a 24" barrel and H1000?

 

[Remybarrelburner]

RPR 6.5 prc
147eldM
Hornady brass
Cci250
59gn magpro
2930fps
Sd 4
Shoots lights out don’t have any pictures of groups at the moment. With h1000 so hard to find I tried magpro. It’s working great not as fast as h1000 but groups just as good and easier to work with I have found. Zero pressure signs and I loaded some around 3010 but groups seemed to open up pretty good around 2980fps

 

[bullfisher]

I can't seem to stuff enough R26 in this case to show pressure signs. 156grn, Coal over 3". Found a good one at 56.8, around 30 thou off.

 

[Inline6power]

56.4 of rl26 with berg 156 at 8 tho off lands with a coal of 2.977 cci BR2 primers with adg and Hornady brass out of a 26” bartlien tube gives me a super low sd and 3050 FPS and is a 1/4 moa gun all day long. Ga precision built and is a hammer.

 

[foul bore]

H1000 is not readily available for me has anyone used 8133 or H 4831sc with 147 gr ELDM

 

[Remybarrelburner]

H1000 is not readily available for me has anyone used 8133 or H 4831sc with 147 gr ELDM

Try magpro

 

[akxx]

56.4 of rl26 with berg 156 at 8 tho off lands with a coal of 2.977 cci BR2 primers with adg and Hornady brass out of a 26” bartlien tube gives me a super low sd and 3050 FPS and is a 1/4 moa gun all day long. Ga precision built and is a hammer.

@Inline6power Are you not getting split necks at those velocities from Hornady brass?

After 3-4 firings at those speeds using H1000 I am getting split necks.