First OCW results with 6.5 Creedmor, need some advice

[KevinSC]

Hello all,

I started the first load test today with my new rifle, and i worked up the test loads using the OCW method. I have only ever used the ladder method, so this is new to me. As stated above, the rifle is a 6.5 Creedmor and here is my data:

(This load came from Hogdon's website)
142 SMK
New FLS and prepped Hornady brass
Hodgdon Hybrid 100V
CCI #200 primers
COAL 2.780"
39.0 - 41.5g

The results aren't quite as clear as when using the ladder method, and this is just the first of many loads I would like to test. I just want to see if these results are common with this OCW test. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks in advance,

Kevin

 

[trailrider121]

Looks like 40.5 to 41.3 is ocw. All three loads share same POI. I like 40.9 grs, and no vertical. Either way in .4grs and you still shoot 1MOA is doing well. Looks like a great test to me, good job.

 

[McCrazy]

+1 to what Trailrider said.

Looks good.

 

[JGorski]

Id load more of the 40.5grs and do some verifying with 5 shots per target.

 

[KevinSC]

Thanks for the reply. I may load up 5 each from 40.5 to 41.3 and shoot again just to verify. I like this test, although the variance between loads wasn't what I expected.

Kevin

 

[KevinSC]

Id load more of the 40.5grs and do some verifying with 5 shots per target.

I was thinking the same thing. I'm messing around with these smk's and hybrid v because like everyone else, I'm having a hard time getting some H4350. This load may have some promise though.

Kevin

 

[trailrider121]

Kevin,

Try starting with 40.3grs to 41.2grs. Maybe try it in .2 or .3grs increments, to really find that sweet spot. Then fine tune with seating depth; please post your results.

 

[KevinSC]

That sounds like a good plan. I'll try that and post the results for sure.

Kevin

 

[hdbiker1]

I agree with Trail Rider on the smaller increments. Then I'd look for three groups where the center of the groups are very near the same spot. Then make loads in smaller increments until you find the one you're happy with and then fine tune with seating depths. Make sure you shoot your groups in the round robin method and also let the barrel cool between shots.

 

[JGorski]

I was thinking the same thing. I'm messing around with these smk's and hybrid v because like everyone else, I'm having a hard time getting some H4350. This load may have some promise though.

Kevin

Personally Id use RE17, just bought yet another pound just north of here today while at Ciminos gunshop, plenty in stock and would shoot faster than pretty much any powder you could try. Course Ill be using it in my 6 Creedmoor.

 

[KevinSC]

Jgorski,

Do you have a load you can recommend with the Sierra smk 142's and the RE17?

 

[JGorski]

Jgorski,

Do you have a load you can recommend with the Sierra smk 142's and the RE17?

Id probably work up from about 40grs.

 

[KevinSC]

Kevin,

Try starting with 40.3grs to 41.2grs. Maybe try it in .2 or .3grs increments, to really find that sweet spot. Then fine tune with seating depth; please post your results.

I worked up five more sets of three in .3gr increments from 40.2 - 41.4 and shot them today. Here is a pic of the results. I feel like it was a good test, but I did feel like I jerked slightly on the third shot of the 40.8 target. It's pretty funny that the shot ended up dead bullseye too. What do you make of this test? The first two shots of the 40.8 were almost in the same hole.

Kevin

 

[trailrider121]

Kevin,
Question is, what do you think? Wow, I have to say you did a great job on the ocw test. You have a great shooting setup. So I would say the test corroborated your ocw. Remember this is my pick as ocw charge (40.5grs) dead center of node. You can fine tune COL, but since its shooting so well I would test it at least at 300 yards if you can. Once you find what you like, load a bunch and go have man. Great job!

 

[McCrazy]

I would also go with 40.5 grs. Don't think I would even waste time playing with seating depth as you don't have much to gain from it. Load up a bunch of rounds and just start shooting already.

 

[demolitionman]

Cool to see you using 100V! For the life of my, I can't get my 142 SMK's to shoot in my gun. I'm kinda jealous hehehe. I'm kinda finding the 120's and 130's are what I'm stuck with which, isn't a bad thing I reckon. Do you get alot of powder residue on your case necks as compared to varget or h4350? My 100v loads, even hot loads all left tons of case powder residue.

 

[KevinSC]

Kevin,
Question is, what do you think? Wow, I have to say you did a great job on the ocw test. You have a great shooting setup. So I would say the test corroborated your ocw. Remember this is my pick as ocw charge (40.5grs) dead center of node. You can fine tune COL, but since its shooting so well I would test it at least at 300 yards if you can. Once you find what you like, load a bunch and go have man. Great job!

Thanks for the comments, and the replies. I think it's a good test, and the results seem easy to deal with. I'm going to have another go at the 40.8 and the 40.5 with the same COL, but I'm going to stretch it out this time out to 600 yards. I'll post my results with that test also. I'm thinking the 40.5 is going to be the load though with this powder and bullet combo.

Kevin

 

[KevinSC]

I would also go with 40.5 grs. Don't think I would even waste time playing with seating depth as you don't have much to gain from it. Load up a bunch of rounds and just start shooting already.

Haha, 10-4 on that.

 

[KevinSC]

Cool to see you using 100V! For the life of my, I can't get my 142 SMK's to shoot in my gun. I'm kinda jealous hehehe. I'm kinda finding the 120's and 130's are what I'm stuck with which, isn't a bad thing I reckon. Do you get alot of powder residue on your case necks as compared to varget or h4350? My 100v loads, even hot loads all left tons of case powder residue.

Demo,

I guess I got lucky considering this is the first load development I've done with this new rifle. The barrel is a 24" Krieger with an 8.5 twist. To answer your question though, yes I'm getting a bunch of leftover powder residue on my case necks.

Kevin

 

[demolitionman]

Demo,

I guess I got lucky considering this is the first load development I've done with this new rifle. The barrel is a 24" Krieger with an 8.5 twist. To answer your question though, yes I'm getting a bunch of leftover powder residue on my case necks.

Kevin

Ok well I am too. I clean the case necks/shoulder with steel wool as a part of case prep and thats the part I despise most. I just hate hate hate doing it. If I could find a better way for cleaning powder residue on the outside of case necks, I would be extremely stoked. Varget and h4350 clean up quick with steel wool, the 100v takes a bit longer comparatively for me anyhow. By the looks of it, I get the same amount of outside powder residue w/ 100v whether I use a 40gr load or a 42.8 grain load....at first I thought it was caused by my lack of brass expansion. It leaves twice the mess of Varget or h4350 it seems.

 

[McCrazy]

Ok well I am too. I clean the case necks/shoulder with steel wool as a part of case prep and thats the part I despise most. I just hate hate hate doing it. If I could find a better way for cleaning powder residue on the outside of case necks, I would be extremely stoked.

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...-steel-media-testimonials-59.html#post2404997

Stoke away Demo.