Time to find a load for the 6.5 PRC

[A guy named Bob]

I may be going back to r26 after trying n565 with 156s in a +p barrel. I started with standard and yes my speeds dropped with magnum for what ever reason. I usually use magnum in everything because a long time ago I thought it played out more consistent with temp. I probably need to revisit my thought process now since I adapted to different techniques over the years

Its my opinion that the R26 is most likely the most popular powder for the 6.5PRC. Many high profile ammo manufactures use R26 when loading for the 6.5 PRC.
I went with N565 as Im under the impression that it is not temp sensitive. My hunts include huge outside temperature swings. Antilope in Sep@95 degrees them Montana November@ - 25 degrees.

 

[BrentM]

Its my opinion that the R26 is most likely the most popular powder for the 6.5PRC. Many high profile ammo manufactures use R26 when loading for the 6.5 PRC.
I went with N565 as Im under the impression that it is not temp sensitive. My hunts include huge outside temperature swings. Antilope in Sep@95 degrees them Montana November@ - 25 degrees.

People do mention that but I've used 26 for many years and I hunt and shoot all year. I hunt predators all winter and shoot all summer. I have zero issues with 26 if not pushing the ragged edge. More importantly you can profile your load and see how it goes. As long as accuracy remains in tact all you need to do is input fps per degree change and you'll be good to go. I've not had to mess with it personally. I've killed a pile of wolves and yotes from 500-1200 using my data and if that was far it wouldn't be happening. I will say that 565, 560, and h1000 are good tho.

 

[VenatusDominus]

If the magnum primers are all you have, then use what you have with a slightly reduced powder charge. I agree with others that you should not start with 55gr but work up to it watching for pressure signs. With the 6.5 PRC, standard primers will give better ES/SD.

 

[Allen Lone wolf]

If you don't find your niche with that particular combination you might try this one that worked for me . H1000@ 62.0grs with 143gr eldx bullets. average velocity was 3025fps from a savage high country. I also used used a bullet comparator. Started at 58.0grs. and worked my way up. Groups were 2" down to .280. These two 2 shot groups were back to back 100yds.

 

[Shortmag11]

If you don't find your niche with that particular combination you might try this one that worked for me . H1000@ 62.0grs with 143gr eldx bullets. average velocity was 3025fps from a savage high country. I also used used a bullet comparator. Started at 58.0grs. and worked my way up. Groups were 2" down to .280. These two 2 shot groups were back to back 100yds.

Wow...no pressure signs?? That's 3 full grains over book Max!

 

[THUDDOME]

So with rifle season quickly approaching its time to find a good hunting load for the 6.5 PRC starting with 55 grs of RL26 150 LRAB bullets federal 215 primers if any has used this combination please any helpful information you could throw my way would greatly appreciated

What are you hunting? I've been hunting with my PRC for 3 years now, elk and deer. My load is GM210M, 55.5gr H1000 with the Berger 156 EOLs. Great load, super accurate even at long range. The 156 Berger put the 6.5 over the top. I'm hitting a 10" steel plate at 1900 yards within 3-4 shots. I never imagined this cartridge would do that. Lots of fun. Last year saw a big bull dropped with this same load at 800, high shoulder shot and it rolled him up. Also it held it's own in a couple of PRS shoots. Fun cartridge.

 

[THUDDOME]

Wow...no pressure signs?? That's 3 full grains over book Max!

I had pressure (extractor marks) at 57gr with H1000. My buddy is shooting 58gr with no signs but his bolt is hard at 59. Both of us are shooting the 156s.

 

[THUDDOME]

5 shots at 100, I don't want to hear about the flyer and don't act you don't do it...lol

This was with 54.5 - H1000 & 156 Berger EOL

 

[Shortmag11]

5 shots at 100, I don't want to hear about the flyer and don't act you don't do it...lol

This was with 54.5 - H1000 & 156 Berger EOL

Nice! What primer are you using?

 

[Allen Lone wolf]

Wow...no pressure signs?? That's 3 full grains over book Max!

Yeah, I had no problems out of my rifle but we all know guns are like people they each have their own personalities and tastes. Just be cautious and work up gradually. I know you will get there. Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[Mcranch]

5 shots at 100, I don't want to hear about the flyer and don't act you don't do it...lol

This was with 54.5 - H1000 & 156 Berger EOL

Ok, are you both using saami chamber or have y'all went to specialized reamers?

 

[THUDDOME]

Nice! What primer are you using?

GM210 - Federal Large Rifle Gold Medal Match

 

[THUDDOME]

Ok, are you both using saami chamber or have y'all went to specialized reamers?

My rifle is completely Saami, It's a plain jane Browning X-Bolt Long Range Max, right off the shelf. No custom work at all. I was contemplating building a custom rifle and found this X-Bolt for $1200, and went for it. Actually I went to what I know. I grew up with Rem 700s and Browning A-Bolts at the time. We were stacking rounds back then and they still will do it.

Cons of the Browning are - Trigger isn't the best but I can work with it. It's short action so limited OAL.

Pros are - Price, the stock is pretty good and can be adjusted, it's a 1-7 barrel which is threaded so I can add my suppressor if I want.

 

[THUDDOME]

Ok, are you both using saami chamber or have y'all went to specialized reamers?

My friend's rifle which is shooting 58 grains of H1000 is a custom built, it's a Spartan Arms rifle.