6.5 PRC Discussion

[doppler]

I've reloaded for probably 10 - 6.5 prc factory rifles, Bergara and Christenson Arms. I've had the best luck with RL26. I've tried H1000, Retumbo and RL26. Bullets were mainly 140 vld's and one with 135 a-tips. I have found the 140's vld's shoot best at a COL of 2.975" at 0.025-.030" off lands with powder charges at 56.0-56.5. I've been able to shoot 0.5 moa or better with factory rifles. Chronographed speeds ranging from 2940-3050 FPS, depending on the rifle. I saw pressure signs early on with H 1000. Retumbo didn't seem to group as well. Information I received from Berger technical support after calling them with load data questions and pressure issues was that some of the factory rifles, especially CA, were chambered to tight causing pressure issues even at the lowest charge. I've even noticed chambering an empty brand new ADG brass casing, which is the only brass I've reloaded, to be very stiff. According to Berger this is some of the problems with pressure signs.

 

[Flyingdaddy]

With 140 Berger hybrid target bullets, and br2 primer, I get a sweet spot around 54,3 gr of 4831sc. 2980 FPS

 

[WYO300RUM]

6.5 PRC C.A. Ridgeline.
24 in. barrel. 156 Berger. 55.0 grs. RL26. ADG/GunWerks brass. Fed 210M. Ave. fps 2926. SD 3 ES 6 .484 5 shot grp. Outside diam. No pressure signs.
Above 55.0 got worse. 55.5 grs.
Was 2956 ave. SD 7 ES 18
Lower ES and SD with Fed 210M compared to CCI BR2.

 

[Unoboats]

Load them longer if he can and switch back to LRP not magnums.

I second LEVI8599 on the LRP; here is a load that is mid range and accurate in my Proof 1:7.5 twist, get good velocities and tight groups out to 400 yds
58 grns of H1000
ADG Brass
FED 210 M primers
131 Hammer Hunters
OTB = 2.2405"
OAL = 2.926"

start low (55 grn. ) and go up in .05 increments to my load and see if it works.

 

[Unoboats]

Shooting 124 Grain HH in mine with RL26 and it is a smoker. I am aslo shooting a stock CA Ridgeline, ADG Brass and FED 210M

Allen, what is your load data, if you don't mind sharing, I have a great load for the 131 HH if you are interested.

 

[WYO300RUM]

I may have missed this but have you tried any of the Hornady once fired brass from the factory ammo you shot. I've had great luck with 131 Hammer Hunters and 140 VLD Hunters behind RL26. Both shooting 1/2 MOA.

131 Hammers don't like my 1 in 8 twist. 124 did and 121 Absolutes with RL 23.

 

[JAYgs8163]

131 Hammers don't like my 1 in 8 twist. 124 did and 121 Absolutes with RL 23.

Yeah they won't work in a 8 twist. My bad for not mentioning.

 

[WYO300RUM]

No worries

 

[Levi8599]

starting to think one of his main issues is that Nosler brass. Couple threads down guy had pressure issues with it.

I did try some 143s in hornady brass and went from 56-58 h1000 and was around 2860 @ 58gr. Seemed a bit slow but it was also a 22" barrel.

 

[Gator 06]

Nosler brass is not for me. But my 6.5 prc barrel didn't speed up till around 150 shots . But I couldn't get speed I wanted,except from retumbo or r26. But with those I'm around 2950. 1/2 moa

 

[gsp2west]

I have a 6.5 PRC and load Hammer Hunter Bullets. Order them on-line and you will have them within a week. I use RL26 and seating depth doesn't seem to matter. Easy to develop a load. I get between 1/4 and 1/2 moa loading 137gr HH @ 3210 and I could load faster. The 124 HH is my favorite, 1/4 moa @ 3300 and again I could load faster. The best I could get with Nosler and Berger was .75 on a good day...

 

[JTB]

Agree with some of the above post. If you can find some RL26 work up a load using the 156 EOL. Recommend not using mag primers with this combo to achieve higher velocity prior to pressuring-out. This combo has been a consistently reliable recipe for success in our 6.5 PRCs

 

[Hard rock]

Agree with some of the above post. If you can find some RL26 work up a load using the 156 EOL. Recommend not using mag primers with this combo to achieve higher velocity prior to pressuring-out. This combo has been a consistently reliable recipe for success in our 6.5 PRCs

Dont over look vitivouri n165 and n560 3300 fps with n165 58.3 grs 124 gr hammers 3452 fps 123 gr absolute hammers 63.5 grs n165 I'll be pushing for 3500 fps with n560 26 in 8 twist

 

[vancewalker007]

I AGREE with you. The CA's are unbelievably tight. I measured a fired round at the base of the brass, it measured .5315. I also ran this brass through the reloading die, it measured .5315.........(too tight - new Redding dies on order)
Since this is not my rifle (friend's rifle), I'm not ready to have it reworked just yet. But I agree, it needs some honing

One of the issues I've ran into with my 6.5 PRC is the brass not resizing above the web properly. This seems to happen to cases once they have been fired a number of times and not every case. Warn him if he runs one into the gun and the bolt wants to close tight toss that round to the side. Otherwise you can realize some serious primer popping pressure.

If that rifle has less than 200 rounds through it then you have a ways to go before the barrel will really settle in velocity wise. My 26in Proof didn't settle in until about 254 rounds. I gained about 50 fps but your results will vary.