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?
best powder for 6.5 PRC ?
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dennisinaz
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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
BrentM
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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.
400 yards, both targets. The target circles are 3" diameter.
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.
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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.
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
BrentM
Well-Known Member
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.
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.
vancewalker007
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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.
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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dm406
Well-Known Member
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
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.
BrentM
Well-Known Member
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.
subslinger
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Have you had any better luck finding a load ? I also have a Mesa and am having trouble finding a load.
I am at 52.5 grains of reloader 23 in my 6.5x284 Norma and making velocity of 29 80 ft./s
