6.5-284 load development (changing powder)

Man thats too. That definitely couldve been worse for sure. I had an almost accident last week. Similar thing. Loaded an extra 8 grains. Then I thought to myself thinking I read it wrong. Dumped it out and yep.
 
Few weeks ago I tried rl26 in my 65284...51 wouldn't make 2800fps...i found a semi node around 53.5 but was still only 2850fps....
Next node that showed huge promise with no pressure signs was at 55.8....then my next and final test was to be 56......well a major screw up loaded my powder to 60.1....needless to say it didn't go over well....still hit the paper..about 3250fps or faster...but rifle suffered a need for bolt face replacement to sako style....
55.8gr or rl26 was 3070fps average(five shots) and .6" squared...24.5" shilen barrel...
Was happy with that....now try to get it back in order again....sucks...
My time so far with my 6.5x284 Norma is, that it's finicky AF. It's not big a deal at the moment, even though I built a rifle that is MEH. My stable of 6.5 Creedmoors are creeping up on it in velocities with the same bullets anyway...it is is what it is?!
 
I spent the morning at Phx Rod and gun club. I shot a few rounds through my 6.5-284.

56 grains of MagPro was 3001 fps Avg. 1" groups at 200 yards is crazy bad wind.
55.7 Retumbo 2930
56-3 Retumbo 2963
All the above with 143 ELD-X.
ambient temp was probably 85-90.
Fired two more Retumbo loads with more powder but the stupid LabRadar did not pick them up. That thing is very finicky and buggy.

I will load some more Retumbo loads and see as well as some R26. I cannot find R23.
 
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I don't own a 6.5x284 but my two hunting partners just settled on the same load for our WY hunt - the 130 grain Accubond over 54.2 grains RL23. Nosler brass. 3075 fps out of 24" barrel. Seems like RL23 is hard to find - the local Cabelas had one can at $33....
 
I found 9 lbs at the Sportsman's whorehouse in Lakeside. I only ended up with one but I'll try it. If 3075 is all they can get with 130s then it isn't the right powder. I can get 3250 ish with 130 Normas out of my last two barrels. Just isn't the best hunting bullet.

I am happy with 2975-3050 with the 140-143s. Otherwise I just use my 260 AI as it is more in line with the velocity you referenced.
 
my Cooper model 22 shoots 1/4 groups or smaller with a few different 140-143 loads but cannot get over 2700 fps with any powder with out showing pressure signs. yesterday tried 47.3 of Rl22 Fed 210m ,140 Nosler Bt average was 2685 fps with a group of .155 and primer were showing a little flattening with Horn. brass,I guess I just have a slow barrell 24" would love to see 2800-2900
 
my Cooper model 22 shoots 1/4 groups or smaller with a few different 140-143 loads but cannot get over 2700 fps with any powder with out showing pressure signs. yesterday tried 47.3 of Rl22 Fed 210m ,140 Nosler Bt average was 2685 fps with a group of .155 and primer were showing a little flattening with Horn. brass,I guess I just have a slow barrell 24" would love to see 2800-2900
What powders have you tried?
 
my Cooper model 22 shoots 1/4 groups or smaller with a few different 140-143 loads but cannot get over 2700 fps with any powder with out showing pressure signs. yesterday tried 47.3 of Rl22 Fed 210m ,140 Nosler Bt average was 2685 fps with a group of .155 and primer were showing a little flattening with Horn. brass,I guess I just have a slow barrell 24" would love to see 2800-2900

RL17-19-22,Retumbo

It's surprising that your velocity is so low, particularly with Retumbo. How many grains of Retumbo did you loads? A 24-26" barrel should generate at least 2950FPS using 56-57gr. without pressure given a proper chamber for the Norma spec. What is your seating depth(base to ogive)? COAL should be approximately 3" using 140 VLD's or 143 ELD's.
 
I can easily get 3000 with 140s and R17, Retumbo and Mag Pro. How can you be 300 fps behind? You sure your chronograph is right??

You should be able to load about 48-49 grains of R17, 55-57 grains of Retumbo or Mag Pro. Maybe you have a very tight barrel.
 
I am going to look at my info when I get back and try Retumbo again but if I remember correctly 53 grains and the bolt was very tight will be back in about 3 weeks and work on it again from the start.going on road trip to see famiy and shoot in the cowboy fast draw world championships in Fallon,Nv and hopefully by then this wind we have been having here will die out but it is SD
 
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