6.5 Sherman LA loading

Good thing is I have plenty of Retumbo on hand. I too like the Hodgdon extreme powders so I think I will at least try it. I also like Retumbo. It is what I use I'm a 338 Lapua and it works very well there.
I have some RL26 also but not much. It has been hard to come by here so if I can I will save it for the 7RM.
I do think seating depth is playing some part in it but as stated I just think the RL 23 is to fast.
 
N570 shot good in mine with 140 bergers at 3339 fps. The matrix 150 worked good also but don't remember how fast I pushed them.
 
I've seen some of Korhil's groups @ 600 with Retumbo. Super groups, I'm jealous. My 140 Berger node with Retumbo topped out at 3,135 fps and my 150 matrix w/N-570 load is firm now at 3150 fps. Strange getting the 150 faster than my 140, but both loads are very accurate, 1/4 moa at 400 today. Jumping the 140 @ .035" and the 150 @ .085". Going to confirm @ 6-800 as soon as conditions warrant. Today was 10th firing on 280 Norma brass, so my loads are not excessive, pressure-wise.

Good hunting to all, this fall.
 
E8088A0B-C54C-41AD-9CB2-7F0CA132B6E9.jpeg
I tested my load out at 1000 just last week. Plugged in my velocity and shot three shots. Was super pleased. It was a little high on my target so it requires .25moa down and then shot three more. You can see in the picture that both three shot groups were right around 3". The wind was about 10 mph from the 3 oclock. I had gone right almost 4 MOA. I couldn't be happier.

And I'm pretty sure I can't keep them that small everytime haha. But 5" at 1000 will make me happy!
 
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That's real nice grouping looks like a winner to me

I'm trying out 160s today running a mild 61gr of N570 just to get seating depth. Then I will work on charge I'm hoping that I can push 62-63grs with no issues and get 3100-3150 with these if they shoot well I'll anneal them and try them out on late season Elk in January. I'm hoping that my 140s will find my antelope in 2 weeks though.
 
Well good results no chrono this was seating depth test load was mild shooter though. The first was 10 off #2 was 20 off didn't like that then the last was 30 off and that's the one I think I will work from
The last group showed same POI as my 140 load that in currently using too.
 
Well good results no chrono this was seating depth test load was mild shooter though. The first was 10 off #2 was 20 off didn't like that then the last was 30 off and that's the one I think I will work from
The last group showed same POI as my 140 load that in currently using too.
It was 185yards
 
I got back out today and tried two more ladders.

RL 23 with 142 SMK 56.5 and 57 were both 1 ragged hole groups at 200. I am going to load from 56 to 57.2 in .3 grain increments and retry at 400. My barrel really seems to like the 142's.

Second ladder was Retumbo with 150 SMK 61 and 61.5 were both well under quarter moa at 200. I am going to break these down into smaller increments and retry them at 400 also. Looks like Retumbo may be the ticket for the 150's.

Everything shot today was easily moa. I am really enjoying this caliber.
 
View attachment 106148 I tested my load out at 1000 just last week. Plugged in my velocity and shot three shots. Was super pleased. It was a little high on my target so it requires .25moa down and then shot three more. You can see in the picture that both three shot groups were right around 3". The wind was about 10 mph from the 3 oclock. I had gone right almost 4 MOA. I couldn't be happier.

And I'm pretty sure I can't keep them that small everytime haha. But 5" at 1000 will make me happy!

I would be elated with that 6 shot group even if you did not adjust.
 
All I kept thinking was..."what would the group have been had I not adjusted?!" But I was pleased with it to say the least but I'm on the betting end of it not happening again like that haha.
 
Well was out this morn to do testing.
61gr was 3011
61.5 was 3030
62 was 3057 slight extractor mark
63 stiff bolt lift
63.5 and 64 no shoot
The 61 shows so much promise I'll load up some of these and some 61.5 and run out a bunch to see what's best. But I'm happy with 3000+ with 160.
The 61.5and 62 were almost same hole 61 was slightly below them and 63 was 1.5 inch low and left.
 
My 160 loads just did not pan out at a distance. They would shoot great out to 200 but I could not get es/ds down to be accurate at a distance. That said 160s are a no go in my outfit. Was thinking the 147eld match. If I try another bullet.
 
I have some 142 SMK'S loaded up to hopefully try this weekend. They shot really well out to 400. I will be trying them at a 1000 this time.
 
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