First post. 6.5x284 ladder test problem

[AlanSipling]

Hello,
This is my first post here, but I would like to thank everyone for giving me a wealth of information and access to their experience so far. Have used this forum many times as a reference book!!
I have just re barrelled my old Remy 700 with a 6.5x284 30" Krieger tube. I am going thru the 500 yard ladder test and got some unexpected results. Using berger 140 hybrids and H4831sc I worked loads up from (hodgdens manual) 45.0 to 49.5 in 0.3 grain increments. No pressure signs throughout and got an accuracy node at 48.9-49.2-49.5 great but only reached 2722fps to 2744fps. I got a berger manual that gave a max of 51.0 grains, and with many people loading the 6.5x284 well beyond that I did another ladder test from 49.8gr h4831sc to 53.0. The only pressure sign I got was at 53.0gr. There was the very slightest ejector ring. Not a bulge, just a slight shiny half ring. Had another accuracy node at 52.6-52.8-53.0gr, giving a very flat velocity values of 2980, 2982 and 2982 for each increment. The vertical element was only a half inch!! Question is, why did the 3 final loads result in the same velocity. Is it safe to continue at these loads even tho there was no hard bolt openings, no primer signs or anything. The final velocity is more or less what most people find accurate in this caliber. Thanks in advance and well done on an amazing forum!!

 

[ShootnMathews]

The velocities are the same probably because you reached the point of how much powder will burn in the barrel. It's burning enough powder to hit that velocity and blowing some powder out the muzzle. I would load them at 52.8 or 52.7 and keep an eye out for pressure signs for a while.

 

[jneufy]

Are you kneck sizing or full length.

 

[AlanSipling]

Hi,
Shootnmathews, I half guessed this was happening, but didn't know if things were that simple. Internal ballistics are incredibly complex. Have loaded up some more rounds with different seating depth with 52.8grains. Will keep u posted.
Jneufy, New unfired lapua cases, length trimmed, case neck turned, primer pocket uniformed and debured. Full case length sized. 100 cases were weighed and 99 were within 1.3grains.

 

[jneufy]

Ok. Well youve already figured out my suggestion. I was gonna say I ran into the same issue my .338 lapua. I had slight pressure signs but an absolute awsome load so I tweaked the seating depth also my chamber is very tight not allowing me to just kneck size I always have to bump the shoulder just a tad (must have been a new reamer) good luck!

 

[AlanSipling]

Jneufy, I hope the 52.8gr load tests well. There was less than half an inch vertical spread at 500 yards so it shows promise!! Will test the loads on Sunday and keep you posted.
Atb

 

[marioq]

Hey, speaking of info, what primers are used for the 6.5x284??? Just got some brass and never looked into this part... ahhaha my mistake..
Thanks

 

[AlanSipling]

Hi Mario, the 6.5x284 uses large rifle. I am using CCI magnum large rifle in my tests.

 

[AlanSipling]

Hi marioq, the 6.5x284 uses large rifle, I am using CCI magnum in my tests.

 

[marioq]

Thanks!! I have fed mags. That's what I'll use....
Thanks

 

[BrentM]

I use the 215M federals. I tried a 3 round group with 210M's and the spread was horrible for that given combination. I know others use 210's and have excellent results. I think any large rifle primer that gives you good results will work with the proper load set up. My last group with 215's shot .70 at 200 yards which is .35 MOA.

 

[Ryan55555]

I had similar results with my 6.5 x 284 using H4831sc, good accuracy but a little slower velocity that I wanted. With your long barrel and heavy bullet I would suggest a little slower burning powder, I really like H1000 and Retumbo in mine. Good accuracy with better velocity than H4831sc.

 

[Greyfox]

Hello,
This is my first post here, but I would like to thank everyone for giving me a wealth of information and access to their experience so far. Have used this forum many times as a reference book!!
I have just re barrelled my old Remy 700 with a 6.5x284 30" Krieger tube. I am going thru the 500 yard ladder test and got some unexpected results. Using berger 140 hybrids and H4831sc I worked loads up from (hodgdens manual) 45.0 to 49.5 in 0.3 grain increments. No pressure signs throughout and got an accuracy node at 48.9-49.2-49.5 great but only reached 2722fps to 2744fps. I got a berger manual that gave a max of 51.0 grains, and with many people loading the 6.5x284 well beyond that I did another ladder test from 49.8gr h4831sc to 53.0. The only pressure sign I got was at 53.0gr. There was the very slightest ejector ring. Not a bulge, just a slight shiny half ring. Had another accuracy node at 52.6-52.8-53.0gr, giving a very flat velocity values of 2980, 2982 and 2982 for each increment. The vertical element was only a half inch!! Question is, why did the 3 final loads result in the same velocity. Is it safe to continue at these loads even tho there was no hard bolt openings, no primer signs or
anything. The final velocity is more or less what most people find accurate in this caliber. Thanks in advance and well done on an amazing forum!!

Just about every manual I have seen has light loads for the 6.5x284. Its likely due to the wide range of variations in leade dimensions in the rifles. You didn't mention your seating depth. Depending on where it is, you may be able to lower your pressure. My rifle begins to show pressure signs at 53 gr of H4831sc when seated .010" off the lands. At .075" I get the same accuracy with no pressure signs. I'm using the Berger 140 VLD. If you are after higher velocity it is possible thst you can get another 50-100 FPS using Retumbo, 55-59gr. I get 2970 out of my 24" and 26" rifles using 57.5gr. I can get 3020FPS at 59gr, no pressure signs, but accuracy falls off. In my rifles 2950-3000 seems to be the sweet spot for the VLD. I'm also using Lapua brass. I max out at 2940 FPS using my shorter barrels with H4831SC

 

[AlanSipling]

Ryan55555
This is the first test with the new barrel so I tried the H4831sc cos its a standard setter. I am about to do seating depth tests next so will see if I find a great load, if not i will try ur advice on the H1000. I am happy at the velocity I have reached, but its just using more powder than I expected to get there!!
Grey fox,
My pressure test loads were seated 20 thou off the lands. I regarded this as a safe pressure development depth. Next test is on the lands and steps of 30 thou away from it upto 120 thou. Forecast high winds for my next day off(Sunday) but will post my results as soon as I get chance!

I am really enjoying this caliber. My biggest rifle upto now was a 220swift. Shot a fox the other night with the 220 and it felt like I was using an air rifle!!!
Thanks for all the help and interest!!!