Another Question about new lot of Benchmark

[Lee Q. Loader]

I posted a little while ago about the extreme differences in my 2 lots of benchmark. I commented that the new lot resulted in a loss in velocity from 2520 to 2405 FPS with a 120 grain bullet and 26.6 grains of Benchmark in 6.5 Grendel.
I'm reconsidering this after a very poor outing to my 1000 yard "range". It appears that the loss in velocity is negatively affecting my ability to hit a 12" gong at that range.

I'm going to try to get closer to the velocity of 2520 with this lot of powder. What will be my first sign of overpressure as I carefully and slowly work up to, and possibly a bit over the max load of 27.1 grains?
My rifle is an AR-15 with a Palmetto state 20" upper.
I'm open to any suggestions on how to safely go about this endeavor. Also open to any who are of the opinion that I just shouldn't do it, or that maybe I just need to practice more at the range.

 

[TEXASJD]

Ejecter marks on case head normally first sign in AR, depending on if your running adjustable gas block

 

[AJC1]

Ejector marks, catering of a primer, would be good signs. Extraction isn't exactly a feel in semi auto but I use in all manually operated firearm. Blanked pireced or falling out primers is a stop sign.

 

[FROGO207]

What they said^^^^. I have ventuted a few tenths of a grain above book max in one manual as long as other manuals have book max at a higher value. You should be able to match your previous speed without pressure signs with all other parameters remaining the same. Please report back. Others might end up with your same lot and see your results.

 

[TEXASJD]

I have seen this issue with different lots of Varget I have, sometimes it requires more powder to get the same pressure.

 

[Stevenvalleyky]

I posted a little while ago about the extreme differences in my 2 lots of benchmark. I commented that the new lot resulted in a loss in velocity from 2520 to 2405 FPS with a 120 grain bullet and 26.6 grains of Benchmark in 6.5 Grendel.
I'm reconsidering this after a very poor outing to my 1000 yard "range". It appears that the loss in velocity is negatively affecting my ability to hit a 12" gong at that range.

I'm going to try to get closer to the velocity of 2520 with this lot of powder. What will be my first sign of overpressure as I carefully and slowly work up to, and possibly a bit over the max load of 27.1 grains?
My rifle is an AR-15 with a Palmetto state 20" upper.
I'm open to any suggestions on how to safely go about this endeavor. Also open to any who are of the opinion that I just shouldn't do it, or that maybe I just need to practice more at the range.

I think I remember your previous thread. Could you please post the lot number on the benchmark with the lower velocity?

 

[Blue68f100]

Watch your brass ejection direction too. If it's going forward the bolt has too much speed and brass is bouncing off the bumper.

 

[Lee Q. Loader]

Thanks everyone. I hope I can get out with the new loads soon. I'll report the results when I can get out . We had a couple of snow storms, not too big so I hope it will melt and warm up a little so I can go out again.

 

[Lee Q. Loader]

I think I remember your previous thread. Could you please post the lot number on the benchmark with the lower velocity?

 

[ballman6711]

It certainly is recent.

Hodgdon's number 8101123 = 8lbs October 11 2023.

Don't know if the recent manufacture makes a difference.

chris

 

[Lee Q. Loader]

This post contains load data that is safe in my rifle, please don't use this data and work up your own loads safely.

I went out today with the new Benchmark lot loads in 6.5 Grendel with a 120 ELD Match. As I previously mentioned I wanted to get back to the velocity I got with my old lot of Benchmark.
I ended up going over Hornady's max of 27.1 grains and found a good load at 27.3 grains that got me 2500 FPS and really nice 5 shot group of .65".
My goal velocity was 2520, and I hit that with 27.5 grains and no ejector marks on the brass, but the load of 27.3 shot a better group so that's the one I'm going with.
Thanks everyone for helping me successfully and safely reach my goal!!!