I am currently shooting the 147 eldm out of my new 6.5-284 norma. I have a 26 inch barrel. So far, my best load has been 55.4 grains of retumbo at .015 off the lands. I do not know my muzzle velocity. I just picked up some reloder 26. Can someone help me out with how much speed I will gain if I switch to RL26? I am using federal 210m primers and lapua brass. Thanks!
6.5-284 load development (changing powder)
- Thread starter Backcountry_IDN
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BrentM
Well-Known Member
I would be surprised if you see much of a gain. You just use less 26 then retumbo but the volume in the case can make retumbo show a lower sd and es. Only way to know is test. In my rifles they wound up shooting the same velocity with a slight gain with 26.
Personally for a long range rifle good velocity with low sd is what you want to achieve. Not necessarily the highest velocity.
Having recently completed a new 6.5x284 build, I decided to do some testing with R26. Most of my prior loadwork using VLD style bullets in the 140-143gr weight range has been with H4831sc(targets), Retumbo(Hunting). While I have tried other powders in this burn range, and they can work, my best accuracy and ES was achieved with these temperature stable powders which have proven to give very consistent performance over several years with my 6.5x284 rifles. I did little a work over the summer months with R26 but found that my velocities were inconsistent at +80F with +30FPS variations. With other reports claiming similar temperature variations at warm temperatures, I figured that I'd try it again in the cooler months, more in line with my hunting temperatures. Recent testing of R26 at temperatures in the 30-50F range proved to be more consistent. Velocity was the same, but ES was equal or better then Retumbo in most cases with my new barrel.. At these temperatures, 54.8gr of a R26 would produce velocities in the 3050FPS range with Berger 140 HVLD's, same as 58gr of Retumbo. While near max, no pressure signs were seen at these charge weights. While I probably could do more fine tuning, Retumbo produced better and more consistent accuracy, but the ES of R26 was a bit better. Since I prefer to run my velocity in the 2975-3000FPS range, backing off 1gr of powder of each delivers this velocity range with the same accuracy/ES results.
KyCarl
Well-Known Member
We have been trying N 560 in my 6.5 X 284 and it seems to be what I'm looking for?
I think with a little fine tuning it will be right there! 140 JMK VLD's in
a 28" 8 twist barrel with a Area 419 break.
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GetReel
Well-Known Member
I found a velocity node in my Cooper Jackson LR, 26" barrel. I loaded in the middle of that node for a seating depth test and found .025" jump to work well.
The original velocity test was shot without my suppressor, the seating depth test was shot with suppressor so I'm guessing my velocity is approximately 30 +/- fps faster
The original velocity test was shot without my suppressor, the seating depth test was shot with suppressor so I'm guessing my velocity is approximately 30 +/- fps faster
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Yotekiller
Well-Known Member
I use H4831sc very accurate and temperature stable.
What bullet and how fast?
Yotekiller
Well-Known Member
140 berger vld at 2927 fps
wildhawk
Member
How much jump did you have on that load?
Backcountry_IDN
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately it wasnt what I wanted but when it shoots, it shoot. 2800fps
What is your overall length? Are you crunching powder having to shove the bullet that far down into the case?
Another thought I have is if you truly want more speed, why not try a 130 grain bullet? I would recommend the 135 Berger, but it is tough to find. Even if it is a match bullet you could try it out and see what speed you get. Just a thought.
129 Accubond LR is a good option also.
