6.5SS and the 129 Absolute Hammer

[lancetkenyon]

Getting prepped to start testing the new 6.5mm 129 Absolute Hammer in my 6.5SS. I will be shooting on Saturday, so won't have speed and pressure results until then. But, I will give some specs and info while I get stuff ready.

Load info:
Twice fired ADG 6.5SS brass, neck tension .003, brass weight 217.6gr +/-.5gr
Fed GM215M
H4350 (per Steve and my conversation)
6.5mm 129 Absolute Hammer (128.6-128.7gr actual across 30 weighed)

129 AH length:
OAL 1.4695" to 1.470" (across 30 measured)
BTO .720"-.7205" (across 30 measured)

I loaded to 2.999" COAL, and 2.242" CBTO

My lazy 17yo GSP was asleep in front of my safe, so I didn't get the rifle out to find lands, but with the design, don't think I would find it anyway.
Here is the 129 AH (L) next to my 131 HH round (R) w. .050" jump. The 131 is at 2.288" CBTO.

And next to a 150 SMK @ .022" jump and 156 EOL @ .011" jump

Not knowing where to start with a fast powder, I filled a case up to the top of shoulder and weighed the charge.

Dropped way down in charge and started loading at 53.0gr.

 

[GLTaylor]

Excellent start and beautiful photos. Let us know results!
G

 

[lancetkenyon]

Bullet seems seated really well to maintain 3.0" COAL

 

[dok7mm]

Tag

 

[lancetkenyon]

At 62.5gr, I can hear just a hint of powder rattle. At 63.0, must be 100% case fill. I don't hear any rattle.
If you look at the primers, you can see sharpie marks. This is how I know what charge weight each one is. I dropped a box with a ladder test ready to go one time, and it taught me this lesson. You can see the corresponding marks on my load book.

 

[snox801]

Man those look great

 

[GLTaylor]

Don't forget all the other pertinent data when you post results: barrel brand, twist, length, COAL, ambient temp, plus any remarks on pressure signs, grouping, anomolies, etc..

 

[lancetkenyon]

I will be testing these in the following rifle to start.

6.5SS
Lone Peak Fuzion TI SA
26" 1:7.5" Proof Sendero Light w. TBAC CB brake
Thunderbeast Ultra 9 (or Ultra 7)
Manners PRS2
R700 SA alloy BDL w. Wyatt's extended box
Timney Calvin Elite @ 8oz
Seekins 34mm low rings
S&B PMII 5-20×50US H2CMR
Vortex low pro level

Depending on how good these shoot, I will probably test them in my 20" 1:7.5" 6.5SS too.

 

[sierracharlie338]

At 62.5gr, I can hear just a hint of powder rattle. At 63.0, must be 100% case fill. I don't hear any rattle.
If you look at the primers, you can see sharpie marks. This is how I know what charge weight each one is. I dropped a box with a ladder test ready to go one time, and it taught me this lesson. You can see the corresponding marks on my load book.
View attachment 235678
View attachment 235681
View attachment 235677

I'm too dumb to do that with different symbols. I just write the powder charge on the case. Been down the dropping a ladder test with no markings. Boy was I fumed.

 

[GLTaylor]

Any neck tension or crimp?
G

 

[Peddler 76]

is the young lady using her left eye to shoot or is it just the angle of the pic?

 

[lancetkenyon]

is the young lady using her left eye to shoot or is it just the angle of the pic?

Just the angle. She was on a pronghorn, deciding if she was going to shoot him or not.....she passed.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Any neck tension or crimp?
G

I use a .291 bushing in my FL die, and then run them through a .262 expanding mandrel. .002" neck tension.
Brass is all within .002" on OAL, (these are 1.953"-1.955", max case length is 1.960") and annealed every time.

No crimp.

 

[jpfrog]

@lancetkenyon the timing of this is perfect! I dropped my parts off at the smith last week for a switch barrel build, one of the barrels is a 24" Carbon6 7.5 twist that will be chambered for 6.5SS. I have the same ADG brass and H4350, same primers...just deciding on a bullet and was thinking of the HH or the Absolute, but I don't really know the difference (I need to read more). I have a bit of time before my build will be ready though, so I'll be looking forward to your results!