6.5 creedmore load development

[Stew0576]

These were shot at 300 yards, using a ruger american predator, 32 degrees, almost no wind, the first target was hornady American gunner 140 grain hpbt, the other 4 were as follows, 140 grain hornady sst #26302, cci lrp, oal 2.69
Powder: H4350
Target 1: 40.9
Target 2: 41.1
Target 3: 41.3
Target 4: 41.5

Thoughts?

Load data record

 

[Stew0576]

Thinking testing from 40.5 to 41.0 at .1 grain increases?

 

[Lilsnoop]

I like your target #2 for sure. I think that's where I'd work at .1 grain increase/decrease and chrono the results.

 

[Stew0576]

chrono the results.

Unfortunately I don't have a chrono yet, it's on my wish list but.........

 

[jmr40]

I'd try seating them closer to the lands. I load mine as long as possible that will fit in the magazine and still chamber. The OAL is wherever that ends up being. I don't try for a predetermined length. I have both a Ruger Predator and a Bergara in 6.5 CM and the same loads work with both rifles.

I don't load that exact bullet, but have loaded 139 gr Scenar's, 143 gr ELDX's and 140 gr Barnes Match Burners at 2.79". I get the accuracy I need with all of those with 41.5gr H4350. I recently bought a box of factory 147 gr ELDM's and they measure 2.81". I've not gotten to the range with those yet.

I like to start with the bullet loaded as long as possible. That way if I need to experiment with OAL I can only go one way instead of trying both longer and shorter OAL. And I've found most rifles/bullets shoot better if they start closer. Not always, but it is a good place to start.

I'd try loads at 40.5, 41, and 41.5. In my experience there isn't enough difference in either accuracy or speed to matter with smaller increments.

 

[Stew0576]

I've always loaded at the recommended length for rifle, been researching it allot lately, might give that a try, looking to pull the tightest group I'm capable of

 

[CptnAwesome]

Second target from the left looks good to me. Left to right variations may (or may not) be chalked up to slight variations in grip/hold on the rifle. But for a hunting bullet at 300yds,,, I'd excited about that one.

 

[Stew0576]

What should my expectations be with this rifle?

 

[Stew0576]

Also wonder if warm barrel could be showing in the results, checked between groups, it got warm but not hot

 

[Charlie98]

Although I know H4350 is the darling of the 6.5 crowd, it wouldn't hurt to try a different powder or two... IMR4350, IMR4451 (which is what I use...) and RL17 are the other favorites, or you can swap in another bullet like the 142grn SMK (which, again, is what I use.)

 

[<*(((><]

Targets 3, 4, 5 looks to show closer vertical dispersion, I would be fine tuning in those charges, but I'm not a seasoned load reader like some on here that I'm sure will come and comment.

 

[Stew0576]

Although I know H4350 is the darling of the 6.5 crowd, it wouldn't hurt to try a different powder or two...

I tried RL15 but didn't like the results, might pick up some other powders to play with.

 

[Charlie98]

The RL series is known to be a bit temperature sensitive... but there are people who use it. Never been a big Hercules rifle powder guy... always IMR.

I know Hornady makes some pretty good bullets, but before I would sink a lot of time splitting grains, I would just pick up a box of SMK's and give them a test drive. I shoot them and the Nosler CC's in .308 a lot... even though they are very similar bullets, the nod on accuracy always goes to the SMK.

 

[Stew0576]

I would just pick up a box of SMK's

Might try that, a bit pricy

 

[JFrank]

@Stew0576
Google the (Secret Carolina load)
You’ll find Eight pages on Accurate Shooter forum

 

[Stew0576]

Google the (Secret Carolina load)
You’ll find Eight pages on Accurate Shooter forum

Nice I will have to check my stock and give it a try

 

[Captcurt]

I usually shoot a lighter bullet but I did ring out the 143 gr. ELD-X. My Bergara likes R-17 with it. Tooka couple of deer with it last year and it worked well. Shoots sub-MOA.

 

[Charlie98]

looking to pull the tightest group I'm capable of

Might try that, a bit pricy

'ne'er the twain shall meet'? You get what you pay for; not being trite, it is what it is.

 

[scissorhands]

These are at 100 yards, but pretty much the same load, just seating depth differences (5 shot groups)

 

[stillquietvoice]

These are at 100 yards, but pretty much the same load, just seating depth differences (5 shot groups)View attachment 891575

Nice shooting. That top right group is probably the best from what I see at .005 off the lands next is top left at .015, I assume that the top row is 40.9 gr h 4350.

 

[scissorhands]

you are correct stillquietvoice