DEFCON Dale
New Member
Greyfox sounds like a 6.5x284 expert. Would you be willing to share any H4831SC load data with a less experienced precision reloader?
6.5x284 Norma neck tension
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Greyfox sounds like a 6.5x284 expert. Would you be willing to share any H4831SC load data with a less experienced precision reloader?
Greyfox sounds like a 6.5x284 expert. Would you be willing to share any H4831SC load data with a less experienced precision reloader?
Greyfox sounds like a 6.5x284 expert. Would you be willing to share any H4831SC load data with a less experienced precision reloader?
Not so sure about being an expert, but I'm more then happy to share my load data. While H4831sc may not produce as high a velocity as Retumbo or R26, it is probably the most accurate, easiest to develop a load, and consistent powders I've used in my 6.5x284's. I use Lapua brass FL sized with Redding S dyes, with a .292" bushing. My rifles are 1:8TW; free-bores run in the .165"-.190" range, bullet seating depths .020"-.075" depending on the particular rifle. I would start at 51.5gr and work up. Shown: My load and 4 shots a bit over an inch at 500 yards with a 24" barrel, factory Savage LRH.
Hope this helps!
The br guys swear by 4831sc and 142 smks. Usually around 52ish. My 1-8 twist 6.5-284s love 147 elds with 52.2 r22. 4831sc is still the go to though for competitors
ramrod79
Well-Known Member
I think Grey Fox nailed it with his data on his latest post but when I get home I'll also look in my book for you.
My data pretty much mirrored his data except the Retumbo loads his had better accuracy with slightly more velocity that I could not achieve so I stuck with 4831sc as I had better luck with that load combo.
My 6.5 was really accurate I ended up re-barreling to a 6.5 Sherman for more horse power.
4831sc is the way to go, i second the 51.5 start. you will find a node 53/54 grains. I am betting you will wind up in the 2950 or range with the rest of us.
DEFCON Dale
New Member
Thanks for the info guys. After reading some of Greyfox's other posts, I decided to try to work up some loads with Retumbo (since I use it in my 338LM loads, I have lots of it on hand). Amazing!!! My rifle settled in at 58.0gn @ 3005fps with single digit ES. I overlooked this powder because I believed it would be too slow for a complete burn in a 26" barrel. Boy was I wrong! It shoots .4MOA and I haven't even started playing with seating depth yet. My load is as folows:
Lapua brass
58.0gn Retumbo (powder weight verified on Sartorius lab scale to +/- .010gn)
GM210M
Berger 140gn Elite Hunter
.292 neck bushing
CBTO 2.526 (-.018 from the lands)
This load shoots good enough to get me through my upcoming Wyoming mule deer hunt. When I get back I'll play with the seating depth some more to see if I can pick up any more accuracy and I'll work up some loads with H4831SC to see if I can tighten the groups up anymore.
For what it's worth, I've been beating my head against the concrete shooting bench for 2 weeks, trying to get consistent loads using H1000, to no avail. H1000 works great in my 300WM pushing 210gn Bergers but I absolutely could not get it to shoot in my 6.5x284.
Stannis Baratheon
New Member
Came here for info on neck tension, but figured that I would share some info as well. My 6.5-284 is a Savage 111 action with a 28" Criterion 1:8 bull contour. I just started load development on my 2nd barrel (both barrels are identical) and this one is going to shoot nothing but 150gr + projectiles (150SMK, 153 A-tip, 156 Berger).
In my first barrel, I ran the ole trusty 4831sc/140VLD combo with Lapua brass. 52.0gr would get me right at 2900 fps, which is where that barrel shot the best (2880-2900). Tried to go faster, but ran into pressure signs before I could find another accuracy node.
2nd barrel, identical specs, I am starting with RL26 and the 150SMK. There is an accuracy and speed node right at 2900 again and I am working my way up to the next node, which I expect to be around 3025 fps +/-. I tested some of these in my first barrel right before I retired it and they shot well with no pressure signs to speak of. I am jumping the 150SMK .010" (CBTO = 2.480")
I have always FL resized with a standard RCBS FL die with the expander ball (bumping shoulder back .002"). Like the OP, I am interested in switching to a bushing die to control the neck tension. I am not sure if this is going to be a worthwhile effort, or not, but I am going to find out!
Thanks to Greyfox and all of the others for sharing their knowledge!
In my first barrel, I ran the ole trusty 4831sc/140VLD combo with Lapua brass. 52.0gr would get me right at 2900 fps, which is where that barrel shot the best (2880-2900). Tried to go faster, but ran into pressure signs before I could find another accuracy node.
2nd barrel, identical specs, I am starting with RL26 and the 150SMK. There is an accuracy and speed node right at 2900 again and I am working my way up to the next node, which I expect to be around 3025 fps +/-. I tested some of these in my first barrel right before I retired it and they shot well with no pressure signs to speak of. I am jumping the 150SMK .010" (CBTO = 2.480")
I have always FL resized with a standard RCBS FL die with the expander ball (bumping shoulder back .002"). Like the OP, I am interested in switching to a bushing die to control the neck tension. I am not sure if this is going to be a worthwhile effort, or not, but I am going to find out!
Thanks to Greyfox and all of the others for sharing their knowledge!
Last edited:
scottishkat
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2014
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When I bought the bushings for my 6.5 I bought .291, .292 and .293 never found a use for the .293. The .291 is useful for rem brass with thinner necks. FWIW I use the .292 with Lapua as well Grefox knows the gig with the 6.5x284. You've gotta love that 140 AMAX no idea why they discontinued a bullet that shot so well in so many firearms.
Good luck and shoot straight y'all
Good luck and shoot straight y'all
