Charlie98
Member
I've been loading the 6.5CM for 3 different rifles, for about 3 years. Nothing earth shattering, but accurate enough at 100yds or so. Initially, because I couldn't find any of the 4350's, I started loading with IMR4451. I was not very happy with the results IMR4451 gave me... so I finally worked through that can, and moved on to H4350, which is supposed to be the Final Solution for the 6.5CM.
My brother is very likely going to be picking up a hunting rifle in 6.5CM... his Christmas List is very short this year in the hopes Santa will just pick that item and be done with him... so I will very likely be ramping up my 6.5CM handloading. To that end, I need to lay in a supply of powder appropriate for the 6.5...
I was at my LGS yesterday, just window shopping. They had 8#ers of H4350 and Varget, both pushing $400! But there sat an 8# of 6.5 StaBall... for $300. It was almost too good to be true.
So, after my disappointing experience with one of the 'new and improved' powders, IMR4451, before I drop the coin on something like 6.5 StaBall... and be stuck with 8# of another disappointing powder... I thought I would axe those of you who have used StaBall, and particularly in the 6.5CM your experiences with it, and your impressions...
As a ball powder, does it require a Magnum primer?
How are the velocities in reality, vs what the data predicts?
Any crazy behavior... when it is very hot, or very cold? Heavy vs light bullets?
Does it really give the 4350's a run for their money?
My brother is very likely going to be picking up a hunting rifle in 6.5CM... his Christmas List is very short this year in the hopes Santa will just pick that item and be done with him... so I will very likely be ramping up my 6.5CM handloading. To that end, I need to lay in a supply of powder appropriate for the 6.5...
I was at my LGS yesterday, just window shopping. They had 8#ers of H4350 and Varget, both pushing $400! But there sat an 8# of 6.5 StaBall... for $300. It was almost too good to be true.
So, after my disappointing experience with one of the 'new and improved' powders, IMR4451, before I drop the coin on something like 6.5 StaBall... and be stuck with 8# of another disappointing powder... I thought I would axe those of you who have used StaBall, and particularly in the 6.5CM your experiences with it, and your impressions...
As a ball powder, does it require a Magnum primer?
How are the velocities in reality, vs what the data predicts?
Any crazy behavior... when it is very hot, or very cold? Heavy vs light bullets?
Does it really give the 4350's a run for their money?