6.5x284 loads

gunsmith89

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2020
Messages
64
Location
Minnesota
What are everyone recipes they have found on their rifles. Starting to build a 26" 1-8 twist that I will primarily be using for hunting. I think I would like to work up a load with 140gr bergers that will mainly be used on deer and maybe in a rare case elk.
 
I'm running a puppy load in mine @ 2940 FPS. It shoots great out to 400 yards with 52.3 grains of H4831sc and a 130 Accubond. I don't need to push it, so I don't but I'd like to run it up to pressure one of these days and see how fast I can go!
 
I'm working on 6.5-284 loads as well, and will be following this post.

Seems like h4831 is a favorite for many, and there is quite a bit of info for loads using this powder.

I have a decent start with Retumbo, but haven't found quite the right load..

I'm hoping someone might chime in with some insight on RL26... I have some that I have not yet been able to load up. Would love to hear some
recommendations!
 
I found this from an earlier post from me on this site:
Running the 147gn ELD-M's through 28" Lothar Walther barrel, .010" off LaG, ahead of 56.5gn of Retumbo, Norma brass and BR2's. Getting average of 3017fps with ES of 14 / SD of 7. Accuracy is running in the .3-.4's.

In Mar 2018 I tried the 147gn ELD-M, RL-26, Norma brass, BR2's, oal: 2.6000"
54.0gn 2956/3012/3005 (avg. 2991fps, ES:26/SD:30.5, accuracy: .540") cleaned barrel before this load.
54.5gn 3059/3054/3041 (3051/18/9.29/.924")
55.0gn 3086/3083/3078 (3082/8/4.04/.6915")
55.5gn 3107/3104/3103 (3104/4/2.08/.425")

This was my initial run with RL-26 and I was thoroughly pleased. I tried it again, about a week later, same load info as above, same weather conditions pretty much and I experienced sticky bolt and it just seemed to be producing more pressure.
I was out of RL-26 at this junction and pretty much decided to stay with Retumbo for this cartridge. Not sure what happened, whether it was the powder or the barrel. I may try it again, not sure. RL-26 and Retumbo really make the 6.5-284 Norma with 140+gn bullets shine!
 
140 VLDs with 56 grains RL26 at 2974 fps in 24" bbl.....two 3 shot 100 yard groups attached. No pressure at this velocity but it was so accurate, I quit at 56 grains.
637F90C2-014A-490F-B1D6-E2F9712DCB31.jpegAC374772-960E-4329-91F6-CD4C13B97628.jpeg
 
Retumbo has worked well for me using the 143 eldx, compressed loads. RL26 has done very well too.
 
I am still shooting the rest of my 160 grain Matrix. I am currently using 53 grains of H1000 and .085" jump at 2860 FPS. I will soon start working up loads with the 156 Berger and since I can't find any H1000, I might try some N565.
Here is A 4 shot group and the exit on an elk taken at 408 yards.
 

Attachments

  • 8C538269-8C70-4AD5-9317-F4D1FD8C7B67.jpeg
    8C538269-8C70-4AD5-9317-F4D1FD8C7B67.jpeg
    243.4 KB · Views: 213
  • 42DAA7B6-6DC8-40A5-B57B-7514E7108E61.jpeg
    42DAA7B6-6DC8-40A5-B57B-7514E7108E61.jpeg
    3.1 MB · Views: 167
Last edited:
I am still shooting the rest of my 160 grain Matrix. I am currently using 53 grains of H1000 and .085" jump at 2860 FPS. I will soon start working up loads with the 156 Berger and since I can't find any H1000, I might try some N565.
Here is A 4 shot group and the exit on an elk taken at 408 yards.

Impressive, what freebore are you running on the setup? N565 should be a great choice. I will be working up a 156 berger load with rl26 shortly.
 
With help from Greyfox I worked up a load in my 6.5-284 Norma with Rel 26 and the Sierra 130 grain Gamechanger using Lapua brass and sparked by Fed 210 GM primers. Starting at 54 grains I worked my way up in .3gr increments to 57.6 and still didn't see any pressure signs. This is in a Schultz and Larsen rifle with a 26" barrel with bullets 0.030" off the lands.

Rel 26 loads,

Ave ES SD
56.5 gr 2968 11 5.6
56.8 gr 2988 4.45 1.89
57 gr 3016 33 16.6
57.3 gr 3036 4.5 2.58
57.6 gr 3046 18.9 10.07

Due to an upcoming hunting trip I settled on the 56.8 gr load which produced sub .25 MOA groups at 100m and .44 MOA at 400m. I believe there is another higher node heading closer to the 3100 fps mark.

The deer in my avatar was shot with the 56.8 gr load at 300m with a neck shot.

20190204_104100.jpg20190221_123203.jpg
 
Warning! This thread is more than 5 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.
Top