Savage 6.5x284 seems slow

[cravinqaz]

I just bought a Savage Model 116 FCSS Weather Warrior Bolt Action Rifle 6.5-284 Norma 24" Stainless Barrel 4 Rounds AccuTrigger Black AccuStock Stainless Finish 19457.I loaded lapua brass using 50.2gr H4831SC, CCI magnum primers, berger 140gr target bullets and 3 shots average only 2700fps shooting over Chrony. I expected close to 3000. Should I be getting this speed or am I somehow missing something?
Thanks,
Rob.

 

[benchracer]

I just bought a Savage Model 116 FCSS Weather Warrior Bolt Action Rifle 6.5-284 Norma 24" Stainless Barrel 4 Rounds AccuTrigger Black AccuStock Stainless Finish 19457.I loaded lapua brass using 50.2gr H4831SC, CCI magnum primers, berger 140gr target bullets and 3 shots average only 2700fps shooting over Chrony. I expected close to 3000. Should I be getting this speed or am I somehow missing something?
Thanks,
Rob.

With H4831SC, your max should be around 52 or 53 grains. Even that is not likely to get you to 3000fps, especially from a 24" barrel. If your best accuracy comes in at near max loads, you might get 2900fps or so out of it. From what I have seen of others' results, you might get 50fps more with Retumbo.

My 6.5-284 accuracy load came in at 52.5 grains of H4831, but I was getting ejector marks on the Lapua brass, which tells me the load is too hot. I haven't chronoed the load, but there was very little difference in performance between it and my 6.5x55 load using 48.2 grains of H4831 @ 600 yards. Both were fired from 26" barrels.

Keep in mind that most shooters reporting 3000+fps from the 6.5-284 are doing that from 30+" match barrels.

 

[BrentM]

I have the same basic rifles as you do. SS varmint contour in 24" fluted. 2700 is slow and about right for the amount of powder you are using. However, max powder charge is also dependent upon your seating depth. I maxed out a 54 grains of 4831 @ .075 off the lands and was at 2900. I could easily get 2850 in the 52-53 grain range. H1000 or retumbo will get you much better speed. I run Retumbo at 56.5 and 57 in my 2 rifles and get 2950-2960 and 2970-2980. Both shoot .30 MOA or less. The faster of the 2 has shot several groups now in the .20 range. I can get over 3000 but my brass goes bye bye in about 6 reloads and it is not worth the abuse, therefore I just slow is down a bit.

I have a 27" Snyder barrel coming and expect to be in the 3050 fps range when all said and done. We'll see.

 

[stomp442]

I have found H4831 to be slow for me too. I now run Retumbo in mine. 56.5gr is giving me 2950 and great accuracy in my 26" barrel.

 

[cravinqaz]

Thanks for the feedback!!
My seating depth is .260 so there is still room for more powder. I will have to get me some Retumbo.
I have a Vortex 6-24 that on back order so right now im just seeing what kind of speeds I can get out of it.

 

[BrentM]

.260? Do you mean .026?

Try 52-53 4831 and also if you can find h1000 give it a try. My buddy shoots a 260 Remington and we can get 2800 out of it with a 26" barrel and 4831. You should be able to match or beat that easily with a 24".

 

[cravinqaz]

no the bullet is shoved .260 deep into the neck.

 

[BrentM]

no the bullet is shoved .260 deep into the neck.

Seating depth is generally accepted as the depth from the lands of the rifling grove to the ogive of the bullet. You are saying the bullet is seated into the neck .260" deep from the base of the base of the bullet. You should have a lot of room for more powder for sure. Good luck

 

[cravinqaz]

I got some retumbo and with 56.5 gr I got 2875 and 2887 with 2 shots through the chrony in my 24" barrel. I appreciate all the feedback and suggestions.
Thanks,
Rob.

 

[BrentM]

About right. I am 57 and shot 630 yards tonight. Had 3 that measured 1" and a flyer that put the group at 3".

 

[BrentM]

I thought I really had something going on. Ha ha

 

[cravinqaz]

That's Awesome!! I am still waiting for the scope so I havn't had a chance to see how accurate it is yet.