Another 6.5 PRC Thread, Looking for Ideas/Info

[Martinpox]

Started working on a load for my wifes, Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Target 6.5 PRC Model 47189. Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24x50 We did shoot a few boxes of the factory 143 ELDs with ok results, but looking to get the ES down and get it a bit tighter. So take it easy on me but we are learning the ropes with reloading. Here is what we have done so far

I have the redding neck sizer die, the RCBS Gold Metal Match Series (Just for the bullet seating) using Hornday factory brass and 147gr ELD match Hornday bullets. Loading with H1000 power at this point, also using CCI magnum #200 primers.

I have been using the Competitors and have noticed the shoulders are moving out about .002-.003" from factory (fire formed), I also believe my lands are about .090" from the bullet if I load to the 2.945" OAL. I'm not afraid to move it out and get it within .002-.005" but to keep it in the mag I started with the 2.945" OAL.

So for the powder charges I only loaded up two rounds at each Grain.

All FPS were measured, 10' From the muzzle.

And at none of these charges did I see any signs of over pressurizing, Primers looked great, action remained loose so no indication that I was getting into the danger zone.

Please scroll through the numbers, the real questions below. The last picture is my sassy cat wife. Need to keep her shooting.

All kidding aside shes a lot better shot that most. Must be her heart rate at 10 or something.

As a note, the Factory 143's

3001
2902

H1000

56.0g
2908
2952

57g
3013
2958

59G
3114
3103

60G
3137
3155

60.5 Average 3167, Extreme Spread 47fps
3149
3176
3179
3158
3182
3188
3141


Honestly I'm not happy with ES on any of these. I know I only shot two rounds at the lower Grains, but I was just trying to get into the right FPS before I loaded up to many.

So what are people seeing? I like the speed of the 60.5, but don't like the ES. Any suggestion on tightening it up. Powder change? Reloading Techniques?

Now I had the wife do the shooting, her groups are pretty tight even with the ES. But I feel to reach out 1000+ she will need the ES in the singles. First is it possible and whats it going to cost me. And I guess do you agree.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Martin/Tawnya

The groups are only about 75 yards so I wasn't super impressed.

 

[L.Sherm]

First thing I would do is atleast weight sort your brass, hornady brass is notorious for big differences there was a thread just a few days ago about this same thing.

 

[GLTaylor]

Even though i didn't see weights in it, i wouldn't use a lead sled. Use front and rear rest and allow the gun to move naturally in recoil. A lead sled can cause erratic groups IMO.

 

[Martinpox]

Even though i didn't see weights in it, i wouldn't use a lead sled. Use front and rear rest and allow the gun to move naturally in recoil. A lead sled can cause erratic groups IMO.

Definitely weighted up. Good information. Ill give it a try with just bags

 

[Martinpox]

First thing I would do is atleast weight sort your brass, hornady brass is notorious for big differences there was a thread just a few days ago about this same thing.

I did some weight checking and I did see some differences, I think a true volume test is the best way to go But I felt I was splitting hairs worrying about volume or weight of brass. I wouldn't think a 47fps ES would be found with brass weight. Again I'm a newbie. So I definitely could be wrong.

 

[GLTaylor]

Changing primers can show improvements/or worse ES. That's a safe first step. Making case weights (internal volume) similar is a second source of lower ES. Finally, some powders demonstrate different ES and more/less consistent burn rates at a given charge. Easiest first step is weight sorting brass and changing primers. H1000 sometimes does better with magnum primers.

 

[motrapper]

Tell her Great shooting.
My wife can make me look bad most times.
I took a Nice Whitetail at 408 yds and the wife took hers at 312 yds Both with browning 6.5 prc's and the 143's