best powder for 6.5 PRC ?

Had an interesting thing happen when I hit the 62 grains of H-1000. My sd for one bullet was 1.7 and for a different bullet 6.4. I have never had sd's that low for anything. The 62 grains filled the case right up to the bottom of the case neck. I wonder if that was the key. what say ye?
 
With respect to R26, i am using it in my 6.5-284 and it is definitely NOT the velocity champ. I am getting good accuracy (.5 MOA for 5 shots) but velocity is about 2915. I could get north of 3000 with either R17 or Magpro.
 
My experience with 140 class is Retumbo if barrel is 24" or longer. H-1000 if barrel less than 24. 156gr or more likes Retumbo in 22" or longer barrel. ? if less than 22. H-1000 is a safe choice all around but I see less pressure and higher velocities using Retumbo with 156gr or higher
 
I have tested h1000, retumbo, and rl26. I have n565 coming. A buddy has some 4831 to test. My barrel is 22" so a little faster powder seems to work better. Right now RL26 is the best choice and H1000 is in the running but not as fast. I have used rl26 in many cartridges and it is my favorite in 6.5-284 and 6.5 creedmoor. Retumbo works well in longer barrel applications and this short barrel PRC doesn't like it that much.

Personally I see H1000, 4831, 565/570, and rl26 as winners. I won't mess with temp sensitive powders so I don't know how they do.

Right now my accurate nodes are as follows:
156-55.5 rl 26 @ 2900
135A-58 rl26 @ 3090
143-56.5 rl26 @ 3000.

Yes, some higher charges are producing better results but I am getting a bolt lift click at the top of the stroke that bugs me. None of these produced ejector marks.

400 yards, both targets. The target circles are 3" diameter.

Marked up.jpg
IMG_9687.jpg
 
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I have tested h1000, retumbo, and rl26. I have n565 coming. A buddy has some 4831 to test. My barrel is 22" so a little faster powder seems to work better. Right now RL26 is the best choice and H1000 is in the running but not as fast. I have used rl26 in many cartridges and it is my favorite in 6.5-284 and 6.5 creedmoor. Retumbo works well in longer barrel applications and this short barrel PRC doesn't like it that much.

Personally I see H1000, 4831, 565/570, and rl26 as winners. I won't mess with temp sensitive powders so I don't know how they do.

Right now my accurate nodes are as follows:
156-55.5 rl 26 @ 2900
135A-58 rl26 @ 3090
143-56.5 rl26 @ 3000.

Yes, some higher charges are producing better results but I am getting a bolt lift click at the top of the stroke that bugs me. None of these produced ejector marks.

View attachment 157054 View attachment 157055

Good visual data. One thing that nags at me is several people are getting close to book results with 57-59 gr h-1000. I am at 61.8 - 62 gr to get book velocities. That seems to be a big jump to me. Nice shooting by the way.
 
With respect to R26, i am using it in my 6.5-284 and it is definitely NOT the velocity champ. I am getting good accuracy (.5 MOA for 5 shots) but velocity is about 2915. I could get north of 3000 with either R17 or Magpro.
I am using 52.5 grains of RL 23 in my 65 284 Norma and running about 2975 Are use burger 140 VLD hunting bullets and Lapua brass Cbto 2.414
 
I am not getting book velocity either but I do see pressure signs before I get there. I believe it is all related to 2 very distinct issues: 1. ADG brass vs Hornady. 2. Seating depth.
Seating those bullets to fit aics mags drives them very deep into the case. I may need to bump my shoulder back a little more too but that is my current thinking.
 
Has any of you come up with powder favorites for loading 6.5 PRC using 140gr class bullets?
I've had very good results velocity and accuracy wise with H1000, IMR7977, and RL26. I can easily exceed 3100fps with a 140-143 class bullet with any of these powders in my Proof 1:8 26in barrel with no pressure issues.
 
Has any of you come up with powder favorites for loading 6.5 PRC using 140gr class bullets?
I have tried H1000, RL 26 and RL 22 using 140 vld hunting bullets. None of these group satisfactory. (sub moa} same goes for 143 eldx's I tried 147g eld with H 1000 and Rl 26 and both now give .70" to .35" groups @100yds. These loads are both running 3000fps or less. Above these velocities pressure are not exceptible unless you have a rubber mallet to beat the bolt open. Both of my PRC's are 1:8 twists #1 is a Christensen Mesa the other is a Ridgeline.
 
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using 59.3 Retumbo 143eldx fed 210 horandy brass getting 2945 over lab radar, out of a seekins havak 24" barrel, and sub half minute groups out to 800 yds, which is the farthest I have shot
 
I am not getting book velocity either but I do see pressure signs before I get there. I believe it is all related to 2 very distinct issues: 1. ADG brass vs Hornady. 2. Seating depth.
Seating those bullets to fit aics mags drives them very deep into the case. I may need to bump my shoulder back a little more too but that is my current thinking.
Are you saying the ADG is stronger brass and that you can push it harder? Several guys have indicated they are having a little trouble with velocity versus powder volume or pressure. I am almost relieved. I thought I was inadequate.
 
Are you saying the ADG is stronger brass and that you can push it harder? Several guys have indicated they are having a little trouble with velocity versus powder volume or pressure. I am almost relieved. I thought I was inadequate.
Adg is much heavier/thicker and will last longer but it has a bit less capacity as a result. The bullet being seated so deep takes up valuable real estate.
 
I have tried H1000, RL 26 and RL 22 using 140 vld hunting bullets. None of these group satisfactory. (sub moa} same goes for 143 eldx's I tried 147g eld with H 1000 and Rl 26 and both now give .70" to .35" groups @100yds. These loads are both running 3000fps or less. Above these velocities pressure are not exceptible unless you have a rubber mallet to beat the bolt open. Both of my PRC's are 1:8 twists #1 is a Christensen Mesa the other is a Ridgeline.
I have tried H1000, RL 26 and RL 22 using 140 vld hunting bullets. None of these group satisfactory. (sub moa} same goes for 143 eldx's I tried 147g eld with H 1000 and Rl 26 and both now give .70" to .35" groups @100yds. These loads are both running 3000fps or less. Above these velocities pressure are not exceptible unless you have a rubber mallet to beat the bolt open. Both of my PRC's are 1:8 twists #1 is a Christensen Mesa the other is a Ridgeline.
Have you had any better luck finding a load ? I also have a Mesa and am having trouble finding a load.
 
With respect to R26, i am using it in my 6.5-284 and it is definitely NOT the velocity champ. I am getting good accuracy (.5 MOA for 5 shots) but velocity is about 2915. I could get north of 3000 with either R17 or Magpro.
I am at 52.5 grains of reloader 23 in my 6.5x284 Norma and making velocity of 29 80 ft./s
 
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