6.5-284 reloading Dilemma Regarding H4350 Max Loads

[LongestShot]

Attempting to establish some basic numbers for a ladder test for my 6.5-284 Norma using H4350 and Hammer 125HHT's. Using load data from the lyman book puts the max at approximately 47.6, using 125 gr. bullet. I reviewed data posted here with people using 140 grain bullets and 47-48 grains of H4350 powder. Hammer load data states a max load of 40.6 using a 131 grain bullet and another post lists a max load of 53.4 using the 125gr HHT. The 40.6 load using a 131 grain bullet seems far to low to be a Max. load, while the 53.4 load using a 125 grain bullet sounds to be beyond max. What's your position?

 

[C.O. Shooter]

For comparison, with a 130 CEB - MTH, I hit pressure signs at 51 grains - H4350 (3118 fps).

Perform your own pressure test for best results.

 

[LongestShot]

For comparison, with a 130 CEB - MTH, I hit pressure signs at 51 grains - H4350 (3118 fps).

Perform your own pressure test for best results.

Which supports my understanding and math that posting 40.6 grains of H4350 as a max load is approximately 9-10 grains low.

 

[C.O. Shooter]

I discontinued testing those in my rifle, but my best accuracy at 600 yards was with 49 grains.

 

[hokiehunter]

Definitely sounds low, could just be a typo. I'd give them a call.

 

[Greyfox]

For comparison, with a 130 CEB - MTH, I hit pressure signs at 51 grains - H4350 (3118 fps).

Perform your own pressure test for best results.

I agree with this..Given the chamber meets 6.5x284 Norma specification. Start checking for chamber pressure using 130 class bullets as you approach 50gr of H4350.

Because of historical variations from the wildcat days of the 6.5x284 and the chambering variations, published/reloading manual loads tend to be conservative for the 6.5x284.

 

[highfinblue]

My first long range rifle was a Savage chambered in 6.5-284 Norma, and someone either here or another forum suggested Retumbo with 140 grain bullets. Some said it couldn't be done, but I tried it and ended up just under 3000 fps and super accurate with Berger bullets. Made my first long range kill on a whitetail at just a smidge over 700 yards, one shot. Just something to try if the 4350 doesn't work out. Sorry about the lack of specifics, that was a while back and I sold the rifle and now shoot a 28 Nosler for my long range hunting.

 

[Dr. Richard Gray]

Attempting to establish some basic numbers for a ladder test for my 6.5-284 Norma using H4350 and Hammer 125HHT's. Using load data from the lyman book puts the max at approximately 47.6, using 125 gr. bullet. I reviewed data posted here with people using 140 grain bullets and 47-48 grains of H4350 powder. Hammer load data states a max load of 40.6 using a 131 grain bullet and another post lists a max load of 53.4 using the 125gr HHT. The 40.6 load using a 131 grain bullet seems far to low to be a Max. load, while the 53.4 load using a 125 grain bullet sounds to be beyond max. What's your position?

Nosler Load Data is showing 50 gr max. , 48 and 46 min. for 125-128 gr.

I like Nosler's Load Data because they will compare several brands of powder for the caliber you select. Check out their site here https://www.nosler.com/65-284-norma

 

[Wy Will]

Most book data for my 6.5-284 Norma is wrong. The 6.5-284 was originally a short action. Once it started being chambered in a long action, it could take more powder and performed better. Most all book data is for the short action to be on the safe side. I have the long action variant and use H1000 with 156 Bergers. I am certainly over the book max and not even close to pressure. I'd keep working your load til you find pressure.

I am use the 125 HHT for a 6.5 PRC. I'm using RL23 with them. Average of 3063 fps and got a 0.4 moa group at 400 yards on the 19th firing of the rifle. Certainly good for such little tinkering and poor shooting conditions. Trying to put one in an elk in a few weeks

 

[Jamie]

A lot has to do with C.O.A.L. A lot of books show the 2.8" length for this round in original short action form but modern users load for a long action and are around 3.1-3.2". That is a lot more case capacity.

 

[RussellJ]

Attempting to establish some basic numbers for a ladder test for my 6.5-284 Norma using H4350 and Hammer 125HHT's. Using load data from the lyman book puts the max at approximately 47.6, using 125 gr. bullet. I reviewed data posted here with people using 140 grain bullets and 47-48 grains of H4350 powder. Hammer load data states a max load of 40.6 using a 131 grain bullet and another post lists a max load of 53.4 using the 125gr HHT. The 40.6 load using a 131 grain bullet seems far to low to be a Max. load, while the 53.4 load using a 125 grain bullet sounds to be beyond max. What's your position?

+1 on Jamie's reply.
I believe some manuals are giving load data for the 6.5-284 Winchester and other manuals are giving data for 6.5-284 Norma.

 

[MontanaJack]

My first long range rifle was a Savage chambered in 6.5-284 Norma, and someone either here or another forum suggested Retumbo with 140 grain bullets. Some said it couldn't be done, but I tried it and ended up just under 3000 fps and super accurate with Berger bullets. Made my first long range kill on a whitetail at just a smidge over 700 yards, one shot. Just something to try if the 4350 doesn't work out. Sorry about the lack of specifics, that was a while back and I sold the rifle and now shoot a 28 Nosler for my long range hunting.

Retumbo is available again! Too popular I guess. Promoted for big magnums, but several 6.5-284 rifles like it, as long as shells are seated within 0.010-0.020 off lands of barrel. Had to go to Berger 156 gr Elite Hunter in the Christensen rifle to minimize jump to find accurate load (used Reloader 26 in that one). Couldn't approach lands with 140 gr VLD and accuracy wasn't there. Christensen must overbore like Weatherby!

 

[eric nelson]

Typo of by 10

 

[Ronald W Schaefer]

Man, were y'all finding that RL-26?