Need a little help with a starting load for 6.5/7 PRC.

[260shooter]

All parts are at the gunsmiths, waiting for the magic to happen. Looking for ideas for a starting load for a 6.5/7 PRC and a 147- ELD-M. I have H-1000 and Retumbo on hand. Using ADG brass.

 

[itsthemann]

Have you got around to shooting and developing loads for it? I think one of these is in my near future. Who did you use for the reamer and dies?

 

[260shooter]

Sorry, I had forgotten about this thread. The rifle is finished. I used a Forester 7 PRC FL bushing die. I ordered a Wilsom 7 PRC inline seating die then contacted Wilson to see if they could make a 6.5 seater stem for the 7MM die. They said they couldn't, so I seated a couple of rounds and had no runout issues. I used 147 ELD's and H1000. Highest velocity achieved (with a 22" barrel) was 3150 fps with 69.2 gr H1000 which shot a .949 5 shot group with 4 into .351 and SD of 11.2. Final load is 68.2 H1000 OAL of 3.327". Velocity for 3 shots was 3099.9 ES of 1.7 and SD of .7 into .267. Loaded 50 rounds and am waiting for a buddy to get some fields cleared so we can shoot 500 to 800 yards. The barrel has 166 rounds on it, I have babied it and would like to get 800 rounds from it. I have some 156 Bergers I would like to play with. Maybe find a load in 20 rounds.
Jay Cutwright has the reamer and built my rifle. He does excellent work.
If anyone would be interested in putting a few rifle pics in this thread I could text you the pics. My Puter Fu is weak.

 

[260shooter]

Forgot to mention I necked the cartridge down in 2 steps. Started with a .304 then down to .293.

 

[itsthemann]

Awesome, thanks for the info.

 

[std7mag]

While he has his own reamer dimensions, (6.5 PRCW) Alex Wheeler is a good source for information for this round.

Though not much I believe with a short barrel.
Most of the people giving feedback are mostly using 26"+.

 

[kaseyfied]

Seems like you should be getting more fps.. as most 7prcs are seeing almost those numbers with 180s in a 24inch barrel.. but I just read the babied part lol.. 160 matrix bullets would peak my interest..

Side note, does Alex wheeler have a reamer for a 6.5/7prc setup? Or is he doing the 7/6.5prc thing

Kasey

 

[std7mag]

Seems like you should be getting more fps.. as most 7prcs are seeing almost those numbers with 180s in a 24inch barrel.. but I just read the babied part lol.. 160 matrix bullets would peak my interest..

Side note, does Alex wheeler have a reamer for a 6.5/7prc setup? Or is he doing the 7/6.5prc thing

Kasey

I think it's the 7-6.5PRCW.
W being Wheeler spec reamer.
You would have to contact him for the specific reamer specs.