Loads for 6.5 SAUM 4S

[5RWill]

Idk when i'll do it less i can find a spare optic we're about to send the V6 off, thing has been all over the place since november.

While i don't disagree and might consider it, that group would be better with someone who shoots more often than i do. I have no doubt in that regard. Yesterday i shot like absolute shit for lack of a better word. Haven't shot since early January and was jerky as hell, couldn't calm down fighting that anticipation before the break. Took me three hours to print a 3/4-1/2 MOA group even with my match gun yesterday.

The other side of it is that for it's intended purpose and what dad will do with it (600yds and in on whitetail) it's performing beyond the task. He mentioned something about getting a new scope for his SAUM and retiring the Zeiss to the .260 we have. I hope he does i'd like to see a VX6HD in person and think the 4-24x52 would be perfect for him on that rifle.

I might chunk my conquest on it though over the holiday and reapproach seating depth. I'm going to be following the temp closely as i hear various opinions on the temperature sensitivity on RL26.

 

[cottonant]

Defiance Deviant
Bartein Heavy Varmint 8.5 twist 26" long
GAP 4S Turn Neck .2962 Reamer
60.5 grains H1000 powder
CCI LRM primer
Norma 7RSAUM brass sized down with necks turned
Hornady 147 ELD M Lot # 2170670
2.207 Base to Ogive which is -0.20 off of lands
3,091 feet per second via Magnetospeed chrono
One hole groups in the .1's to .3s
Harvested a hog at 703 yards during the guns first hunt (2017-2018 season), a doe at 618 yards later in the same season, and my nephew harvested a doe at 939 yards with it later in the same season.

 

[Fallman]

Don’t know. Bought it used. It was made new 3 months ago though. By SAC. .081 I’ll bet - it was jammed in the lands at 2.890.

That would make the pressure thingy a thingy.

Finally got around to doing some actual load development for dad's gun. We switched from the Elite Hunters to 143gr ELD-X. I ran them 10 thou off the lands from 58.5-60gr of RL26. 58.5gr and 59gr groups were okay, probably could've been a lot better but it's hard for me to jump right back into shooting and calm down and do well. Velocities out of the 23" tube were as follows.
58.5gr - 3007fps average SD - 17.9
59.0gr - 3011fps average SD - 15.5
59.5gr - 3029fps average SD - 4.2
60.0gr - 3059fps average SD - 4.2

60gr produced some ejector marks though so did 61gr of h1000 and did 58.5. Primers seem fine, bolt lift was fine. I've got some of the latest brass as backup as these 60pcs i have are 50pcs of the second gen and 10 of the first IIRC. They're holding up thus far though without issue. I've got everything written down to see how the velocity changes next winter. Hopefully not too much as i was shooting for 3050. Gun has 120rds on it though so i'm expecting it to speed up at some point.

Group was looking more promising but i'm not the best shot to begin with especially after a months absence and it being a magnum, so i'll happily take it.

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I am waiting on delivery of my 6.5 4s from GAP in a couple of weeks. I used RL26 extensively when reloading my 270WSM. Was wondering how your load development is going. the group looks good and 3059 looks good as well. Fallman

 

[5RWill]

I am waiting on delivery of my 6.5 4s from GAP in a couple of weeks. I used RL26 extensively when reloading my 270WSM. Was wondering how your load development is going. the group looks good and 3059 looks good as well. Fallman

I’m just now getting to loading again. Been in grad school all year and starting dental school in August so I’ve been pretty busy and absent from the reloading bench.

I’m going to load 50 this week and see how they do in 90+F hoping i don’t see any pressure signs because that is the velocity I’m looking for.

 

[The King]

i too am going to log more this week. going to seating depth ladder a bit more, as my groups are now .5 or so.

i’m amazed to see people at 60 grains. my gun is floating primers at 59.4 brass is ruined.

 

[5RWill]

i too am going to log more this week. going to seating depth ladder a bit more, as my groups are now .5 or so.

i’m amazed to see people at 60 grains. my gun is floating primers at 59.4 brass is ruined.

What primers? I just saw mention on the FB group of people torching pockets with magnum primers at 3-4 firings which is exactly how my 50pcs of Gen 2 feel right now after 3-4 firings. I give it two more before i switch to the latest batch of 100pcs we got. I went to winchester large rifle this time, might do CCI 200s as well.

 

[The King]

CCI BR-2. so a standard rifle primer. i will say my gun doesn’t anything primers at 57.8 and i only lost 40 fps

 

[Fallman]

5RWILL - how is the load develpment going? What Primers did you use? I used RL26 with my 270WSM with excellent results. Worked up the load in 80 degree weather and hunt in Colorado. Documents say you lose about .5 ft per second per degree of temp decline. If it happened the the 25ft per second of velocity was completely un-noticed

 

[5RWill]

5RWILL - how is the load develpment going? What Primers did you use? I used RL26 with my 270WSM with excellent results. Worked up the load in 80 degree weather and hunt in Colorado. Documents say you lose about .5 ft per second per degree of temp decline. If it happened the the 25ft per second of velocity was completely un-noticed

Loaded 50rds last night. I’ve been using magnum primers but my pockets are on their way out for this set of 50. I switched to standard last night. Hopefully I’ll get to fire them today.

 

[schmi015]

Had some of the original 6.5 saum ammo I bought from copper creek ammo (50rnd box) still around with 130vld's and remington brass with a coal of 2.86in. I took one apart after my last range trip. 62.7 grains of what i'm guessing is H1000 or retumbo was giving me 3270fps out of a 23 inch bartlein.

 

[5RWill]

To update with RL26 it's still looking fine.

 

[jonthomps]

Berger 140H
Hornady Gen3 brass
60gr H1000
215 FGMM primer
Touching the lands
.081 freebore
3140fps from a 26" Bartlein 1-8"
SD: 7
Shoot's in the .3's out to 650y if I do my part.

 

[SPAK]

Anyone know where I can get some gen 3 hornady 6.5 saum brass?

 

[jonthomps]

Anyone know where I can get some gen 3 hornady 6.5 saum brass?

I emailed Ken at GAP a couple days ago and he said the next shipment was expected in Oct.

 

[SPAK]

Thanks for the info.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

Anyone tried the Barnes 127grain LRX for hunting? I’m thinking of giving that a go this fall for mule deer and cow elk.

 

[acourvil]

I shoot them in my 260 and they work great. They are the most accurate copper hunting bullet I have found. For close shots, the higher speed of the SAUM might result in more pencil-through shots if you don't hit a bone, but I don't know for sure. And you are likely to run that risk with any of the copper hunting loads. The LRX does have a slightly lower opening velocity than the TTSX as well as a better BC.

 

[Rootshot]

I shoot them in my 260 and they work great. They are the most accurate copper hunting bullet I have found. For close shots, the higher speed of the SAUM might result in more pencil-through shots if you don't hit a bone, but I don't know for sure. And you are likely to run that risk with any of the copper hunting loads. The LRX does have a slightly lower opening velocity than the TTSX as well as a better BC.

I shoot the 127 LRX out of my 6.5 SAUM. I have zero complaints about this bullet. It kills efficiently and is reasonably accurate. Out of reformed Remington Brass, I am getting 3145 fps using 61.0gr H1000 with my Xtreme hunter. For folks hunting in states that restrict lead bullets (California), this is the way to go.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

Root, thanks! I’m trying the 127 LRX over 62.0 H-1000 with fireformed Rem brass. Should fly pretty well, can probably go up from there. Only problem is I can’t go over 2.86 COAL or I’m in the lands...

 

[Rootshot]

@XTREM HTR16 - Let me me know where you max out. I felt that 3145 fps was "good enough" without killing my brass but I'm curious how far you can push it.

 

[375fan]

I emailed Ken at GAP a couple days ago and he said the next shipment was expected in Oct.

That's a bummer as i need some. How does the Copper Creek brass compare?

 

[jonthomps]

That's a bummer as i need some. How does the Copper Creek brass compare?

Copper Creek makes and sells 6.5 SAUM brass from Norma cases - which are good cases. They sell loaded 6.5 ammo in your choice of Norma or Hornady cases. I contacted ADG earlier this week and they stated they will begin making SAUM brass early 2019. I'd love for Alpha or Peterson to pick up the 6.5 SAUM!

 

[XTREM HTR16]

Has anyone killed deer or elk with the 140 hybrid out of your 6.5 SAUM? If so, how effective was the bullet?

 

[jonthomps]

Has anyone killed deer or elk with the 140 hybrid out of your 6.5 SAUM? If so, how effective was the bullet?

I've killed a few deer with them. Great results - all one-shot kills. On the 6.5 Facebook page Brian Sikes shot a caribou with a 140h a year or two ago. Lots of people use them on game.

 

[jonthomps]

1 1/4" 3-shot group just right of center plus 1 in the neck for good measure! 635 yards. See load details above - #163. I held .4 mils of wind and should've only held .2 but the elevation was dead on.

 

[mpwolf]

Have a new 6.5 4S. 0.296 neck, 0.081 freebore, 22" 1-8.8 brux. Starting with Rem .300 cases. Plan on starting at 54g R26, and 58g h1000, with 140 amax seated 0.015 off to sart.

 

[mpwolf]

Only had time to run the H1000 ladder. 61.5 gr only got me 2800. To be fair, my H1000 is 10yrs old, but I was surprised at how slow the load was! Will try some R26 next.

 

[Elnicko]

Just got a call from GAP saying my SUAM is finished. Anyone know where to start with cutting edge 130grs and RL26? Will be using Hornady brass. Thanks!

 

[Bandit31]

Just got a call from GAP saying my SUAM is finished. Anyone know where to start with cutting edge 130grs and RL26? Will be using Hornady brass. Thanks!

Start at 58gr of Rl26. I started seeing pressure in the upper 60's.

 

[Elnicko]

^ thanks, I’ll start there.

 

[rope]

I have a buddy that uses 140 hybrids, has had success on moose, bear and caribou. I think it is the 5th season, he has used them all along.

 

[Bandit31]

The 127gr Barnes LRX and Rl26 look real promising for those interested in an alternative to H1000 or Retumbo.

 

[30cal user]

Only had time to run the H1000 ladder. 61.5 gr only got me 2800. To be fair, my H1000 is 10yrs old, but I was surprised at how slow the load was! Will try some R26 next.

Will see major increase after 100 or so shots

 

[pinhead]

6.5 SAUM
Desert Tech 26” Hawk Hill barrel
Berger 130 gr VLDH
60.5 gr H1000
WLRM primer
Hornady 6.5 GAP 4S brass
3180 FPS with one hole groups
No signs of pressure

Also tried out some Hornady 140 SST I had lying around. These speeds were measured at around 45 degree ambient temperature.
59.0 gr H1000 At 3050 was a one hole group.
60.5 gr H1000 and was pushing the 140 at 3120 FPS with a slight sign of pressure.

Also tried some RE-26 in the Desert Tech 26" barrel with the Hornady 140 SST.
60.0 gr RE-26 pushed the 140 at 3220 FPS. Signs of pressure with some ejector marks.
60.5 gr RE-26 pushes the 140 at 3250 FPS. More pressure.
61.0 gr RE-26 pushes the 140 at 3280 FPS but popped a primer and was the upper limit.

I also have a GAP barreled Tikka with a Bartlein 3B 20” barrel that rocks this caliber. It’s a real handy hunter.
7mm SAUM brass necked and turned
Berger 130 VLDH 62.0 gr RE-26 at 3150 FPS with the 20” barrel.
Barnes 127 LRX 62.0 gr RE-26 at 3090 FPS with the 20” barrel.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

@pinhead , I’d love to see pics of that GAP Tikka 6.5 SAUM! How long of a COAL does the factory magazine allow?

 

[pinhead]

Sure - I am using the Barnes LRX and Berger 130 Hunting. Hard to beat the 130 gr at 3150 from a 20" barrel. Lightweight, minimal recoil.
With the Berger 130 VLDH, the OAL is 2.869 and I am getting close to the edge of the factory CTR magazine.
With the Barnes 127 LRX, the OAL is 2.809, and I have plenty of room, though this is in an Accurate Mag 300 WSM magazine.

At some point I think I would like to put it into a Manners stock to get back to a traditional hunting setup.

 

[300 grainpill]

Anyone else running a 20” barrel 6.5 saum??? Gathering parts for a new build and torn between a 20” 6.5 saum (don’t just want a huge fireball out the barrel)or go 6.5Creedmoor... have saum dies and plenty of h1000 but building the wife a Creedmoor so I will have to acquire dies anyway...I’m a newb btw... so input is much appreciated

 

[317millhand]

My 24" proof CF barrel must be crazy slow. I'm showing pressure at 2990 fps with a 140 eld and 60 grains of h1000

 

[5RWill]

My 24" proof CF barrel must be crazy slow. I'm showing pressure at 2990 fps with a 140 eld and 60 grains of h1000

That's pretty much where we were. 60gr was max and we were getting 2935 though i haven't tested it since we got more rounds down the barrel. RL26 solved everything though vihtavuori has a new powder out that is supposedly good for the SAUM as well.

 

[300 grainpill]

That's pretty much where we were. 60gr was max and we were getting 2935 though i haven't tested it since we got more rounds down the barrel. RL26 solved everything though vihtavuori has a new powder out that is supposedly good for the SAUM as well.

Im getting 3165-3170 ish jiving with ballistic calculators in 26” bartlien with 61g h1000 and 140 vlds.... zero pressure signs but

 

[300 grainpill]

Im getting 3165-3170 ish jiving with ballistic calculators in 26” bartlien with 61g h1000 and 140 vlds.... zero pressure signs but

Wondering how she’d perform in a 30”

 

[300 grainpill]

Wondering how she’d perform in a 30”

20” dang it

 

[SwampDog13]

Has anyone started working with the 156 EOLs yet?

 

[rope]

It’s been a while since I checked in on this thread. All is well, I am still running the original GAP modified Rem 300 SAUM brass (50) still have (200) virgin pieces. I am running both 139 Scenars and 127 LRX both @ 61.5 of H1000 the Scenars @3160 and the LRX @ 3222. With my GAP m70 24” Bartlein.

I am considering having GAP build another 6.5 SAUM mountain rifle. After August’s sheep hunt I will know what I am doing with that. Currently a Loan Peak Ti with Proof @20” has my attention. Need to figure out a good lightweight stock.

 

[Rootshot]

+1 on the 127 LRX bullets. Everything I've shot just drops on the spot. Both reformed Norma 300 and Remington 7mm brass is looking good after numerous reloads.

I haven't tried any 156gr bullets primarily because I don't believe the 1 in 8.7 twist rate of my GAP Xtreme Hunter will stabilize them.

 

[SwampDog13]

As soon as I can get my hands on a couple boxes of the new Bergers I plan on giving them a go. This 1:8" barrel should just be hitting its stride by then, current round count is 100.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

+1 on the 127 LRX bullets. Everything I've shot just drops on the spot. Both reformed Norma 300 and Remington 7mm brass is looking good after numerous reloads.

I haven't tried any 156gr bullets primarily because I don't believe the 1 in 8.7 twist rate of my GAP Xtreme Hunter will stabilize them.

Somebody’s Extreme Hunter is gonna fling some 156’s for T&E, I guarantee you that!

 

[SwampDog13]

First little bit of testing done today, I failed a little too conservative but I can live with that. It'll be Monday before I can get back out and push a little farther. The barrel only has 111 rounds through it including these 11 in the pressure test, I wouldn't be surprised if it still speeds up a little more on it's own.

 

[375fan]

Swampdog13, what is your barrel length?

 

[SwampDog13]

24" proof sendero.

Really interested to hear what others are finding with this bullet. I was able to push up to ~3130fps but was seeing some health ejector marks so I think I'll wind up settling down in the 3050fps range. I'm really considering trying the VV powders next.