6.5-284 load development (changing powder)

[Backcountry_IDN]

So I built this rifle, I'll give specs in a minute. I had a little bit of trouble figuring it out. Still not there. Barrel did not like my powder selection I'm guessing.

Also you can see in the photos that what I'm guessing is, nosler loaded these factory rounds a tad hot. Not sure if it was a bad batch or what. I've contacted them to see what they think could've happened. Unfortunately it blew shrapnel down my barrel and had some in my magazine.
I bought a box of trophy grade ammo for a barrel break in before doing my ladder test.

Specs

RIFLE
Tikka t3x action
Xcaliber 1:7 6groove 26in #4
Factory stock
Vx5hd
Nightforce 20moa rail
Warne rings

LOAD
6.5-284
Col: 2.96
143eldx
RL 19
Lapua brass
Fed 210

Started at 48 gr and worked up by .5 all the way to 50gr.

No pressure signs on any of sorts.

Middle target is 48 gr.
Bottom left 48.5
Top left 49 (shooter error, shot high off the bags)
Bottom left 49.5
Top left 50

Thinking of going with a slower burning powder due to a 26in barrel. Maybe imr 4831 or Rl22

Let me know any suggestions or comments feel free.

 

[Greyfox]

Try Retumbo, seated .020"-.040" off the lands. Below:

Savage LRH, 24", 1:8 twist. 200 Yards

 

[Backcountry_IDN]

Try Retumbo, seated .020"-.040" off the lands. Below:



Looks like a great load! Definitely will!

 

[duckhunter175]

I had good luck with RL19 and my 6.5x284- 140 Amax and 50.5gr- My alternate choice for powder would be H4831sc.

 

[Backcountry_IDN]

I had good luck with RL19 and my 6.5x284- 140 Amax and 50.5gr- My alternate choice for powder would be H4831sc.

Thanks! Might try 49gr again with a better rest. After break in my shoulder was hurting a bit lol so I could of been flinching. My .300 kicks less.

What speeds you getting?

 

[Timnterra]

I like slower powders for overbore cartridges like the 6.5-284. I'd start with h4831 and try h1000 as well as reloader 26 both of which seem to give good results no matter what cartridge I've used them in.

 

[Backcountry_IDN]

Awesome thank you! Probably will try h1000 in my .300 wm

I like slower powders for overbore cartridges like the 6.5-284. I'd start with h4831 and try h1000 as well as reloader 26 both of which seem to give good results no matter what cartridge I've used them in.

 

[FURMAN]

Even if you found an accurate load with RL19 it is temp sensitive. Are you planning on longe range hunting? It is not a powder I would trust. I would take Greyfox's advice. 56.0-57.0 gr retumbo with a 140 class bullet in the 6.5x284 will no doubt give an accurate load.

 

[jpfrog]

I took @Greyfox advice on Retumbo and it worked out well for me. 56gr gave me 2860fps and .2xx" groups with the 147 ELD-M, and 58gr gave me 3040fps and .3xx" groups. Slightly heavier bullet than your ELD-X, but not by much. I'm running a 26" Varmint 1:7.5" twist Criterion. I may go back and revisit that 56gr load, as my barrel was still fairly new and may have gained some speed since then.

 

[Backcountry_IDN]

Yes sir. Will be for deer and smaller out to 6-700. Didn't realize it was temp sensitive. Thank you.

Even if you found an accurate load with RL19 it is temp sensitive. Are you planning on longe range hunting? It is not a powder I would trust. I would take Greyfox's advice. 56.0-57.0 gr retumbo with a 140 class bullet in the 6.5x284 will no doubt give an accurate load.

 

[Backcountry_IDN]

I took @Greyfox advice on Retumbo and it worked out well for me. 56gr gave me 2860fps and .2xx" groups with the 147 ELD-M, and 58gr gave me 3040fps and .3xx" groups. Slightly heavier bullet than your ELD-X, but not by much. I'm running a 26" Varmint 1:7.5" twist Criterion.

Awesome! Thats great to hear! Looks like I'll go get a 1lb tomorrow to check it out.

 

[stx]

Thanks! Might try 49gr again with a better rest. After break in my shoulder was hurting a bit lol so I could of been flinching. My .300 kicks less.

What speeds you getting?

Might try a muzzle brake ......I've got bad shoulders(4 surgeries including replacement) and I have breaks on everything, even my 6.5 CM!

 

[jpfrog]

Also, since we're talking about a 1:7" twist that you are using, you may give @RockyMtnMT over at Hammer Bullets a PM. He makes a 137gr Hammer Hunter that should do well in your barrel. It will have a better BC than the ELD.

 

[26Reload]

"After break in my shoulder was hurting a bit lol so I could of been flinching. My .300 kicks less."

Are you kidding........your shoulder hurts.....really....
Better start over with a .22 and work up to the 65....
Mine goes off and I forget that I pulled the trigger......and the whole rigging only weighs 7.8#.....

I can't say where you are unless you know your speed...in my experience so far my barrel likes faster bullets....it did as a 260 and shows it again with it being rebored to 65284...