150 gr, Sierra/6.5x284

[oldno7]

I'm starting here:
55.5 gr. 3020fps
This group was my starting point--.040 off lans
Now I'll do the Berger test and see if I can shrink it.

According to my calculations, this bullet is 2.2MOA flatter at 1000yds,
than the Berger 140gr VLD; 23" @ 1000+/- if my math is right.

 

[oldno7]

Re did my math--looks more like a 1.2 MOA difference@ 1000yds

What do you see Greyfox?

 

[Greyfox]

Oldno7,
I ran some models of the Berger based on some of the preliminary data that has been reported. The JLK is my go-to Hunting load for several years. Both shown with 200 yard zero, 4500 Elevation, 45F

—142 JLK @2985FPS, BC.323

1000 yards 21.0 MOA, 4.3MOA 10MPH, 1077FPE, 1848 FPS

—155 Berger,@2920FPS, BC .345

1000 Yards 21.3MOA, 4MOA, 10MPH, 1191FPE, 1860FPS

 

[jasonco]

First set with Reloader 26
Savage 116 24" barrel
magnetto spd


54gr.-2916fps.
54.5-2941
55-2972
55.5-3008
56-3049--bolt starting to lift hard and slight ejector marks

Now I have a base to go off, and the process begins.

Impressive numbers, from a 24" barrel. I'm gonna have to try some RL26 in my 26".

 

[oldno7]

Yes, I like RL26, used it for 140's as well.
I'm getting good speeds, as posted, with the 150's and nice ES.
Was too windy this past weekend to work on the length.

 

[Greyfox]

I'm very intrigued with the velocities that shooters are getting with R26, offering viable alternative to Retumbo. Only, I hesitate to go through the development process wit R26 because of my own experience with poor temp stability with the Reloader series powders. Since the introduction of the "Extreme" upgrade with the Hodgdon line, my experience with Retumbo's(as well as Hogdons other Extreme powders) temperature stability over the past several years has proven to be superb from freezing to warm temperatures in actual conditions. The reports that I have read thus far on the temperature stability of currently offered R26 have been mixed.

 

[oldno7]

Greyfox
I agree with your statement that if you can only achieve 2900 out of these new 150gr. category bullets, the change would be over rated and maybe not worth the time and barrel wear to develop a new load.
At 3000fps., I think it is a large gain and very worthwhile.
Now, if only I can get them to group, speed means nothing without accuracy.
If I had to change powder and reduce speed to gain accuracy, this is no longer a viable project for me.

My hoped for speed when I started was 2950, with RL26 that was exceeded without pressure.

 

[Longtooth32]

So, what are you running with these longer bullets COAL?

3.2" + ?

 

[codyadams]

My cousin just got a 6.5x284. I'll tag in.

 

[oldno7]

Longtooth--as I mentioned, I have yet to finalize a bullet seating depth.
But final length is of no concern to me.
I'm left handed and have been shooting #1's for 40 years, so single feed is a habit, not a hindrance.
Whatever length groups the best, I'll use, with no regard for magazine length.

 

[Clucknmoan]

I'm very intrigued with the velocities that shooters are getting with R26, offering viable alternative to Retumbo. Only, I hesitate to go through the development process wit R26 because of my own experience with poor temp stability with the Reloader series powders. Since the introduction of the "Extreme" upgrade with the Hodgdon line, my experience with Retumbo's(as well as Hogdons other Extreme powders) temperature stability over the past several years has proven to be superb from freezing to warm temperatures in actual conditions. The reports that I have read thus far on the temperature stability of currently offered R26 have been mixed.

I was hesitant but gave RL26 a try in my new Brux instead of Retumbo. I don't have my notes right in front of me, but I'm pretty sure that 80° this summer gave me 3015 and 30° the other day gave me right at 3000. I didn't shoot a decent amount over the chrony at 30° to get the best data, but enough to where I'm confident it's pretty close to that, maybe just a touch lower.

I'm will keep looking at temp stability at colder levels this winter, but so far it seems pretty stable for me.

 

[DocDoc]

I have heard that RL-26 is pretty stable up to 80 degrees and not so much as you go above that. The really stable RL powders are RL-16 and 23.

 

[Wedgy]

My experience has shown both RL26 & RL33 to shoot up significantly after ~83F rendering it not useable here out west where it gets hot in the summer(too much pressure and velocity increase). If you can stay under that then it is a great powder, with great stability under that 83F mark, with low ES, and giving incredible speed. If you are having high ES try going to magnum primers as this powder has seemed to like them.

 

[oldno7]

Got back out this afternoon, temp was 35deg.
I believe I found out what length bullet this gun likes, ended up being .050 off lans.
Lots of spread in groups until that area.
Will load some at that length and go shoot more tomorrow, to confirm todays findings.
Pretty happy if this holds in a factory barrel.