Loading for the 6.5x284

Holy crap! Nice! The elite hunters are a little longer than the VLD so seating depth is gonna have to be changed... I assume? I also tried the 4831 but it didn't shoot as well for me. I would like to try the retumbo though, I don't know anything about it so is it temp sensitive?
If I'm not mistaken, the elite hunters have the hybrid ogive making them not as sensitive to seating depth. However, that is also what they said about the nobler ref bullets, but those are extremely sensitive to depth.
 
Ive tried a few powders H4831sc, R26 and R23, 52grs or 53grs of R23 has worked really well with 130/140gr Accubonds for me,



Wow, nice groups! I have heard that powder is a good option as well. However, if it were me I would like to see a little more speed and show the cartridge's full potential.
 
Wow, nice groups! I have heard that powder is a good option as well. However, if it were me I would like to see a little more speed and show the cartridge's full potential.

I ran a string of 15 shots and in one of my 6.5-284s and I'd had pressure signs at 53.6 and I had two nodes 52.1 and 53.1 grs of R23
The accuracy is so consistent at 53gr that I'll take a cut on velocity, Ive used that same two nodes in 3 different 6.5-284 and everyone shoots that accurate,
The velocities I posted are out of a brand new 24" #2 Benchmark barrel so I'm assuming it will pick up a bit of velocity as it breaks in.

A friend of mine also uses R23 but his node was at 53.6 grs and also shooting into one ragged hole.
 
I ran a string of 15 shots and in one of my 6.5-284s and I'd had pressure signs at 53.6 and I had two nodes 52.1 and 53.1 grs of R23
The accuracy is so consistent at 53gr that I'll take a cut on velocity, Ive used that same two nodes in 3 different 6.5-284 and everyone shoots that accurate,
The velocities I posted are out of a brand new 24" #2 Benchmark barrel so I'm assuming it will pick up a bit of velocity as it breaks in.

A friend of mine also uses R23 but his node was at 53.6 grs and also shooting into one ragged hole.
I would take that cut on velocity as well. Congrats on the load workup. What a great cartridge!
 
Wow you guys have had great success with your combinations! I think I will try both of those powders and see what happens as well?
 
I have found my most accurate load 51.5 H4831sc, federal 210m, nosler brass with 140 grain partitions. Avg velocity is 2916 in a 24" barrel.
 
I have found my most accurate load 51.5 H4831sc, federal 210m, nosler brass with 140 grain partitions. Avg velocity is 2916 in a 24" barrel.

Good morning Greyfox! I have a question it may be dumb question but... I have mostly Lapua brass but some Nosler. Can I run the same primer, powder, and bullet charge in the nosler as I do the Lapua?
 
Good morning Greyfox! I have a question it may be dumb question but... I have mostly Lapua brass but some Nosler. Can I run the same primer, powder, and bullet charge in the nosler as I do the Lapua?
You may need to tweak a bit, as the internal dimensions of cases from brand to brand are a little different.
 
From a safety standpoint, could I loade say five rounds in the nosler brass and then go shoot them or should I start with a lower charge and work my way up?
 
From a safety standpoint, could I loade say five rounds in the nosler brass and then go shoot them or should I start with a lower charge and work my way up?
I'd start a little lower and work up. I shoot both Nosler and Lapua brass, and the Nosler is softer brass and will tend to show pressure signs before the Lapua brass.
 
I'd start a little lower and work up. I shoot both Nosler and Lapua brass, and the Nosler is softer brass and will tend to show pressure signs before the Lapua brass.

Ok perfect, that's what I was looking for. Also I shoot the Berger 140 VLD right now but I would like to try the Berger 140 Hunter eilete, would it be safe to try and use the same combination of Lapua brass, primer, powder charge (54.9 grn H1000)and seating depth with this bullet or should I start with a lower power charge and work up as well?
 
Ok perfect, that's what I was looking for. Also I shoot the Berger 140 VLD right now but I would like to try the Berger 140 Hunter eilete, would it be safe to try and use the same combination of Lapua brass, primer, powder charge (54.9 grn H1000)and seating depth with this bullet or should I start with a lower power charge and work up as well?
It's probably going to be very close to the VLD load, but the Elite is a different bullet. It's always better to work up. You most likely can start about 1-1.5 gr below your VLD load and work up past it and see what you get. It's like changing primers or brass or powder lots. The components are a little different, so you can't count on the same results nor can you count on it being a safe load. It's prudent to be cautious and remain safe.
 
Good morning Greyfox! I have a question it may be dumb question but... I have mostly Lapua brass but some Nosler. Can I run the same primer, powder, and bullet charge in the nosler as I do the Lapua?
Nosler uses Norma Brass. Eith the Norms Brass I used the same loads and seating depth and had comparable velocities and accuracy. To play it safe you could reduce the powder charge by a couple of grains and work up.
 
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