6.5x284 Norma

[Lapuatom]

Working on load development with my 28" Batlein 8tw. And 140 class bullets. I realize every barrel/rifle is different but generally, what kind of velocity should I be looking for with this setup? I ran ladders with imr4831(3162fps) and Retumbo (3072). The imr ladder was more consistent and predictable as far as velocity increases. The Retumbo was all over the place. Any helpful input welcomed. Thanks in advance.

 

[2rjshort]

My 6.5-284 has a 24" barrel. It is currently running 58gr of Retumbo under a 140 vld and getting average velocity of 2952 with a very low ES and SD. I've not tried IMR4831 but I did try H1000 and H4831sc. Both powders grouped very well but I couldn't break 2900 fps with them.

 

[Greyfox]

With my 6.5x284 barrels in the 24-26" range, my best nodes(140gr HVLD's) with top accuracy, and low ES have been 51-53gr H4831sc 2900-2950; 57-58gr Retumbo 2975-3025, 54-56gr R26 3025-3075. I'd expect another 20-40 FPS out of a 28" barrel. Retumbo is my go-to, but IME, much past 58gr, Retumbo does not like being near/ compressed, with ES suffering. It's also sensitive to primer change(brand, and magnum vs Std). I use Fed210M and BR2's,

 

[SteveBurton]

My results are similar to GreyFox's and that man is a wealth of knowledge about the 6.5x284. With Berger 140 VLDs, Lapua brass and 210Ms, my accuracy node in a 24" barrel is with 53.0 grains of H4831sc at 2960 fps. This will put 5 shots in one hole at 100 yards. I can get it over 3000 fps but accuracy suffers with both H4831sc and Retumbo.

 

[dougduey]

Do you have any RL23?? With the 140 VLD's I'm right at 3000 fps in a 27" 1:8 Krieger barrel.

 

[26Reload]

Do you have any RL23?? With the 140 VLD's I'm right at 3000 fps in a 27" 1:8 Krieger barrel.

Ssssshhhhhh....RL23 is bad for 65284...

Find that fairy dust...RL26......it's pure magic...in everything........

 

[dougduey]

Ssssshhhhhh....RL23 is bad for 65284...

Find that fairy dust...RL26......it's pure magic...in everything........

The fairy dust is pure magic in the Creed, RL23 just works better in the 6.5 Norma (and in the 280 AI).

 

[26Reload]

The fairy dust is pure magic in the Creed, RL23 just works better in the 6.5 Norma (and in the 280 AI).

Yes it does....both....

 

[Wachsmann]

It looks like you are in the zone for the powders and speed. My suggestion is start working on group size with seating depth and consistent ES/SD numbers. Chasing the top velocity with accuracy can drive you insane. I used to do this with different bullets in mine and ended up shooting the barrel out. It did last for a good while but I still haven't got it replaced yet. The 6.5x284 is great for shooting animals and steel. I would get a good load worked up and start stretching its legs out. For me this was the easiest gun I had to load and shoot out to 1000yards and a little further.

 

[dennisinaz]

Sometimes they just don't care for a particular powder. My last two barrels didn't like Retumbo. I am running R26 right now. I get my best results at 2950ish. I have mostly switched to 143 ELD-X in this barrel. R23, H4831SC and Mag Pro work well too.
1
With 28" barrel you might be in the 3000s and hopefully can find a good node. I have run 8, 8 1/2" and 9 twist barrels. The 9 twist didn't like many of the 140s and was a poor choice of twist rate. Hope this helps.