Starting loads for 6.5x284 Norma

[firefighter1990]

I think the 6.5-284 has got to be one of the most dicussed rounds on lonngrange and benchrest forums alike. I think thats because those of us that intend to hunt with it lean towards hot-rodding it. Its a VERY consistant round that will always produce results universally from rifle to rifle. Its very true the the best choices are h4350; h4831 long and short cut and the sweet spots for each propellant is very definitive!!

I did get great velocities with retumbo and f215's but only got 1/2-3/4 moa. So instead of trying to re-invent the wheel; i went to 51.7gr of h4831 long cut 140gr vld hybrids and got 1/4 moa and out of my 31" shilen, 2980fps. I played with jump/jam and diff primers and f210m with a .001 jam was my sweet spot. I chose h4831 over h4350 & h4831sc because it has the best fill ratio which (theoretically) makes for the best consistancy from shot to shot. The secret of every 6.5-284 lies in primer choice and bullet jump. But every one ive come across will shoot at least 1/2 moa using the "bread and butter" loads that have been proofed time and time again.

My 2 cents and hope that helps some.

 

[65WSM]

This is a long range forum. Not a benchrest forum. Using World War II technology single base powders for long range is a waste of time. Yes they still work but they do not produce velocity that makes the 6.5-284 useful for long range hunting. If you want to barrel life, use coated bullets and nitrocarburize your barrels. I always do. If you want .260 Remington velocities, buy a rifle chambered for that cartridge. It will lack the energy for long range hunting.

I have tried MagPro, Ramshot Magnum, 4000-MR, IMR-7828SSC, R-17, R-26, R-19, R-22, Winchester XMR,

VihtaVuori N-560 produces the most outstanding velocities with 130 gr Scirocco, Accubond and Berger bullets. Example loads:

130 AB N-560 56.90 3291 7 210M 130 AB N-560 54.6 gr 3196 11 CCI 200 130 Berger N-560 56.40 3182 20 210M

 

[Bang4theBuck]

10-13-15 Update- I full-length sized all of my brass and loaded 51.9 grains and 52 grains of H4831, with Berger 140 grain hunting VLD, and a CCI BR2 primer. I toyed with COALs between 3.090, and 3.150. At 3.150, I produced groups of less that .25 moa. My best measured .119" c-t-c. My velocity is not that high @ 2870 our of the 26" Hart tube, but I simply can't look passsed the accuracy that I got. This should velocity should work for my purposes, and will preserve the life of the barrel too. I am a happy guy!. Thanks for all of the help.