Reloading 6.5 mm Creedmoor

[Walkalong]

I have 8208, haven't tried it, would love to see if RL15.5 is what they say it will be.

I have a Wilson threaded bushing style FL sizer for 6 Dasher & 6 Creed, with Wilson micrometer hand seaters for both. I was thinking I would buy a set of RCBS Matchmaster dies in 6.5 Creed, but they are non existent right now. Might just go back with the same Wilson set up. My .308 dies are a Redding bushing style FL sizer and a Forster Micrometer seater, works great. Lots of good options out there. The Whidden seater is similar to the Forster (Some parts will interchange), but the Whidden has a free floating seater stem which is a better option IMHO. I have one of those in .223, with a Redding bushing style FL sizer..

 

[Kaldor]

I have 8208, haven't tried it, would love to see if RL15.5 is what they say it will be.

I have a Wilson threaded bushing style FL sizer for 6 Dasher & 6 Creed, with Wilson micrometer hand seaters for both. I was thinking I would buy a set of RCBS Matchmaster dies in 6.5 Creed, but they are non existent right now. Might just go back with the same Wilson set up. My .308 dies are a Redding bushing style FL sizer and a Forster Micrometer seater, works great. Lots of good options out there. The Whidden seater is similar to the Forster (Some parts will interchange), but the Whidden has a free floating seater stem which is a better option IMHO. I have one of those in .223, with a Redding bushing style FL sizer..

I read this: http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com...loder-ts15-5-powder-outstanding-test-results/
And I figured I might as well try a pound and see how it goes, if it ever becomes available. Looks a little bigger kerneled than Varget though. They said .03-.04 per kernel, whereas Varget and H4350 are about .02-.03 from my experience. I really wish that Hodgdon would do short cut versions of Varget and H4350. I have some 7828 SSC and its fricking fantastic.

 

[webrx]

OP

Just out of curiosity, have you shot any factory loads out of it? If so, what weights, and which shot best?

If not, perhaps pick a few different types of factory loads, see which is most accurate, then buy bullets around that weight (you can also go a little heavier and a little lighter) and test it.

Believe it or not, I was able to shoot some pretty nice groups with Hornady American Gunner, 140 Gr BTHP (box say 2690 fps). I bought a couple boxes of this to break the rifle in (I know not everyone does a break in) and then put a few rounds downrange. I was able to pull out several sub moa groups at 100 yards with this off the shelf not overly expensive factory stuff.

So, when I bought my first 1000 bullets, I bought 140s. The Hornady book says, 41 grains of IMR 4350 will get me 2650+ and h4350 @41 is max and also at 4650. Start low and work up of course as these are max or near max loads.

I know, pic or it did not happen.




Dave

 

[243winxb]

Savage Axis 6.5 cm 9 power scope.

IMR 4451 39.5 gr to 38 gr. Col 2.810 19 shot average. 1.178" @100 yds.

The first shot from clean bbl is always about 1.75" high & 1.5" left. Not counted in group.
FL sized std die, neck turned.

Hornady factory ammo, 140 gr ELD Match # 81500 - 5 shots @ 1.105"

Ok for the average bargin basement hunting gun.
Waiting for a .286" bushing to try the S die.

 

[T_Bone]

I have seen a lot of people use large primers for 6.5 creedmoor. Some or most even using magnum primers. But I also read recently that there is good data for using small primers in 6.5 creedmoor.

1. I was wondering if there is better performance/ignition of powder, or higher velocity between large and small primers?
   
2. Wether it be large or small primer, respectively, is there enough difference between regular primers and magnum primers to justify either way? Or is it more personal preference/availability?

Thanks in advance for your kind, patient and intelligent responses! (assuming they are)

 

[Blue68f100]

Lapula use SR in their brass with a smaller than normal flash hole. They claim it gives better SD, aka more consistency.

 

[Kaldor]

I have seen a lot of people use large primers for 6.5 creedmoor. Some or most even using magnum primers. But I also read recently that there is good data for using small primers in 6.5 creedmoor.

1. I was wondering if there is better performance/ignition of powder, or higher velocity between large and small primers?
   
2. Wether it be large or small primer, respectively, is there enough difference between regular primers and magnum primers to justify either way? Or is it more personal preference/availability?

Thanks in advance for your kind, patient and intelligent responses! (assuming they are)

The big advantage Ive found from using small primered cases in my 6 CM is that I can push a little higher in the velocity department before I see pressure signs. I dont feel you need magnum primers, but I do run BR4s which are a match primer. I have shot some 6 CM with large primer cases too, using CCI 200s, and accuracy is fine.

 

[irishlad]

OP

Just out of curiosity, have you shot any factory loads out of it? If so, what weights, and which shot best?

Believe it or not, I was able to shoot some pretty nice groups with Hornady American Gunner, 140 Gr BTHP (box say 2690 fps). I bought a couple boxes of this to break the rifle in (I know not everyone does a break in) and then put a few rounds downrange. I was able to pull out several sub moa groups at 100 yards with this off the shelf not overly expensive factory stuff.

View attachment 998859


Dave

They shoot really well out of my grandson's Bergara. I bought 400 of the BTHPs from Midway awhile back. Still got to load them.

 

[Walkalong]

For those using bushing style sizers, what bushing size(s) are y'all using for 6.5 Creed with Hornady cases?

 

[RMH]

For those using bushing style sizers, what bushing size(s) are y'all using for 6.5 Creed with Hornady cases?

I am just starting to load for 6.5 cm. As a matter of fact, I have my first 25 test loads ready for testing. I used the Redding .288 bushing and the 21st century expander mandrel.

 

[Walkalong]

I have the Sinclair "Turning mandrel" for 6.5 (Came yesterday), but the 21st Century & Sinclair expanders and expander bodies are interchangeable, both quality products. I also have the old style Sinclair expander body with a couple of mandrels for it.

 

[243winxb]

For those using bushing style sizers, what bushing size(s) are y'all using for 6.5 Creed with Hornady cases?

Hornady factory loaded ammo OD .291" Bushings .288" & .289" is what i have.

Have comming a .286" for neck turned brass.

Changed primers from BR2 to Federal 215 Mag. Seemed to get rid of first shot flyier from clean bore. Needs more testing. 4451/39.5/.830" and 39 gr went .998" col changed to 2.820"

Factory did .807"

 

[RMH]

This is my first experience with expander mandrels. It sure felt like I had more consistent neck tension..

 

[Blue68f100]

For those using bushing style sizers, what bushing size(s) are y'all using for 6.5 Creed with Hornady cases?

All my 6.5 CM brass has had the necks turned. I shoot for 0.002", so it depends on where you end up, after turning. If I recall I'm around 0.286.

 

[blue32]

OP, I'm not a CM shooter but don't discount those 129 Interlocks. They can put up surprising groups with the right load.

 

[T_Bone]

OP

Just out of curiosity, have you shot any factory loads out of it? If so, what weights, and which shot best?

Dave

I haven’t been able to shoot it yet!
Been going outta my mind!
I sent it off to get painted, cause you know that’ll make a difference in accuracy, right?
So that takes a while.
My scope rings just got here after a long delay and having been mis-addressed.
I have to go visit relatives that live in a neighboring country called Kalifornistan, so I won’t be able to do anything till I get back.

 

[T_Bone]

OP, I'm not a CM shooter but don't discount those 129 Interlocks. They can put up surprising groups with the right load.

I plan to load em and use em up and collect data for future.
I’ll work up some loads when I get back.

 

[AJC1]

This is my first experience with expander mandrels. It sure felt like I had more consistent neck tension..

I dont know why rifle is not yet offered in a 3 die set like pistol....

 

[lordpaxman]

Believe it or not, I was able to shoot some pretty nice groups with Hornady American Gunner, 140 Gr BTHP (box say 2690 fps).

I don’t have a 6.5CM but shoot with a colleague who does. He had a case of the Hornady American Gunner he was shooting to get the brass to reload. He was extremely pleased with the factory ammo performance and even used it in competition. FWIW. Good luck.

 

[Walkalong]

I went with FL Sizers from Mighty Armory

How much do they size the necks?

 

[horsemen61]

Love loading for my 6.5 Creedmoor!

 

[Walkalong]

The 6.5 Creed dies are here, I have the Sinclair expander, and the SAC .288 bushing is ordered. I have 50 Hornady cases, about 40 cases from other makers, and my brother is saving his brass from the factory ELD match ammo.

Now to find some bullets in stock.

 

[GoldieMI]

How much do they size the necks?

.002 is the sizing I measure for neck tension with the MA dies

 

[horsemen61]

For my creed it likes 130’s and 140’s