6.5x284 - Load

[C-Crist276]

So I have worked up a load for my 6.5x284. I'm utilizing 45 gr of RL22 pushing a 124 hammer hunter out of Lapua Brass.

My question for the group. This load is accurate, but is only flying at around 2710 FPS. I would like to get the 6.5x284 at 3000 FPS or faster but maintain accuracy. My desire is to reduce the bullet drop at 400 yards. Presently its at around 26" I would like to be sub 20" at 400 yards.

Anyone have any suggestions or revised loads.

I'm running it out of a Cooper 92 with 25" barrel 1:8 twist.

 

[JoeMan04]

I could never get the speed (~2950) that I wanted until I switched to RL 23. Pretty popular round here so guessing a lot of folks with tons of experience will respond and give their experiences/thoughts. I'm running the 23 w/140 VLD Hunter.

 

[Wedgy]

My first suggestion would be to ask Steve at Hammer Bullets. Did you run a pressure ladder, see any signs of pressure, fill the case, etc. ? You should easily be able to hit 3,000 fps with the 124 HH. All of my 6.5x284's are at or near 3K with a 140. What powders do you have ?

 

[C-Crist276]

My first suggestion would be to ask Steve at Hammer Bullets. Did you run a pressure ladder, see any signs of pressure, fill the case, etc. ? You should easily be able to hit 3,000 fps with the 124 HH. All of my 6.5x284's are at or near 3K with a 140. What powders do you have ?

I have a plethora of powders (IMR 4350, 4831SC, 4831, HybridV, Superformance, 4064, H1000, RL 22, RL 17, RL16, to name a few on hand)...

 

[SammySTW]

According to the Nosler book, for 6.5-284 norma with 123-125 gr bullets, the starting load with RL 22 is 50.5 gr and max load is 54.5 gr, and it says 3122 fps at the max load. I would keep working up and watch for your pressure signs

 

[Wedgy]

I have a plethora of powders (IMR 4350, 4831SC, 4831, HybridV, Superformance, 4064, H1000, RL 22, RL 17, RL16, to name a few on hand)...

You need to answer the questions to get more info;
"Did you run a pressure ladder, see any signs of pressure, fill the case, etc. ?"

 

[C-Crist276]

You need to answer the questions to get more info;
"Did you run a pressure ladder, see any signs of pressure, fill the case, etc. ?"

No pressure Ladder. No signs of pressure on the cases.

 

[Dmagna]

You should be at about 3100 with a 124. I run 2950-3000 with a 143 eldx.

 

[dougduey]

You should be able to hit 3200 fps with the 124 Hammer. I did with H4831. I know Steve at Hammer Bullets worked up a load to approximately 3240 fps with HV100

 

[HAMPS]

140's at 2950-3000 using H4831SC.

 

[twister]

I am using 4831sc for the 140 EOL and the 124 hammer. I think, i would have to check but i believe its a mag primer with the 124 hammer. The Mag primer is a go to for the hammers.

 

[dougduey]

I am using 4831sc for the 140 EOL and the 124 hammer. I think, i would have to check but i believe its a mag primer with the 124 hammer. The Mag primer is a go to for the hammers.

Steve suggests a magnum primer, but I've used the 210M in the past without any issue or loss of velocity or accuracy

 

[Russell Sonner]

This might work with your Hammer if the bearing surface is similar.
RL 26, 120 Hornady GMX, Barrel length 22"

 

[BoomFlop]

Steve usually suggests using Nosler data for like weight bullets. If that is the case, you are not even at Nosler's starting load of 50.5 grains.

I'm guessing you are referencing Barnes data. However, the Hammer has less friction and doesn't need to be treated like a copper bullet. This is why Steve recommends using Nosler, as they tend to be a little optimistic in there velocity, which will match the velocity of the Hammer.

However, I'd call Steve as others have mentioned to confirm.

Good luck
Steve