Range Report OCW Results: 6.5 Creedmoor, Beger 140 VLD Hunting Bullet

[OneShotJim]

Just got some outstanding results for my recent OCW (Optimal Charge Weight) load development test of the Berger 140 VLD Hunting bullet for my 6.5 Creedmoor. Started @ 36.5, stopped @ 42.2grains. All were loaded into the lands ~0.003. The targets and analyses are below.





While all the groups are outstanding, it appears to me I should focus on these two ranges: 41.4-41.6 and 41.8- 42.2. Those are the charge ranges with the closest average points of impact. My plan is to test 41.3 -42.2 in 0.1 grain increments to cover impact point and group size sensitivity for both those ranges.

So I have a couple of questions. Am I overthinking this? Should I just go with 41.5? or 42.0? (42.0 has been my go to load for the Hornady 140AMAX). Is my approach appropriate? Any alternative suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[kalindark]

Honestly Jim, I would go with the 41.4 gr. I assume h4350 for a powder.
Chrono the load try 50 out at some different distances and take a whitetail this fall.

I have 42.5 gr of 4831sc behind my 140 berger hunters and coal of 2.825". they shoot consistently around .3s
That's good enough for me as I stand in a tree 30 feet off the ground this fall.

Good luck.

 

[Seandradamus]

I would test the 41.5 and 42 if 41.5 is giving you the velocity you require it looks to be a forgiving load + or - 1 grain still looks like .5 moa or less , whats not to like.

 

[OneShotJim]

Thanks for the input guys. Yes, the powder is H4350. My initial tendency was to go with ~41.5 since the 41.4 and 41.6 groups were both less than 0.25 MOA. My hesitancy on the 41.8 to 42.2 range (just go with 42.0) is that the groups opened up a bit (for 41.8 and 42.2), but still less than 0.5 MOA.

Any additional thoughts on the best approach to test, vs. the 0.1 grain increments between 41.3 and 42.2 grains that I mentioned in my original post? I do plan to chrono all shots/charge weights during the next test. Just wondering if there might be a better/more efficient way to do it. Thanks again.

 

[dworrel]

I think the node at 41.5 grains is pretty common. I think there is a second note at 42.5 to 43.0 grains. My 6.5 Creedmoor shoots pretty consistently with 42.5 grains. Shot 2 inch groups at 500 yards.


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[Killswitch Engage]

42.9 with 140 hybrids jammed .010 is so fricking accurate i can't even believe it at times. ymmv.

 

[Steel head]

It kinda interesting comparing powder charges between 6.5 CM and 260 rem for low and high nodes.

Nice shooting OP.

 

[Hondo64d]

The nodes are generally pretty close between the two aren't they?

John

 

[swampthang]

let me suggest 42.7 gr of h-4350, fed 210m, 140 vld seated .010 off your lands- mine shoots .109 5 shots @100 and sub 5 in at 1000yds.
middle of the pressure range so not hard on your barrell. this is my 1000yd i.b.s. load and believe me IT DOES QUIET WELL !!
kilandark can testify , he has seen numerous targets from another forum we are a member.

 

[Aimsmall55]

I first found my load at 2.140 to ogive , 42.4 h4350 , 140 vld , fgm210m. It was a .1 to low .2 load and was 2820 fps. Gun is GAP CRUSADER WITH A 27" Bartlein 1:8.5 twist.
4 shots at 108 yards


But after a while (1200 rounds) I had to up the charge to 42.6 to 42.7 to keep the same speed. And in the winter , when temp drops below about 34 degrees , the velocity drops off BIG TIME. So I loaded a bunch up at 43.1 h4350 and at 30 degrees, I'm getting the same speed as a 42.6 load at 75 degrees.

I haven't changed my seating depth AT ALL. My GAP loves jumping them.
Here's a few pics of how accurate it is with the 140 vld.

4 shots at 890 yards with 42.4 H4350






My personal best. 10 shots at 520 yards


So, just be prepared for a good bit of drop off on your speed when it starts getting really cold. I got it at 1.3 fps per degree average. That's not with a 10 degree change but rather when the powder hits that " tipping point " ( around 30 to 35 degrees) and starts really slowing down. It REALLY matters if you are going to be taking shots over 350 yards at critters. It REALLY MATTERS PAST 500