StaBALL 6.5 loads and 2021 Hodgdon Annual

Boreal Bog Walker said:
Good day,
After reading the 2021 Hodgdon and learning the capabilities of StaBALL 6.5 ball powder I am wanting to try it in a few cartridges. Its velocity performance is outstanding. And I mean really outstanding! What I can find on the internet so far confirms that it is accurate as well. Here are some of the cartridges tested velocities.

StaBALL 6.5 Hogdons 2021 Annual

17 Rem 30 gr, 3904 fps, 65 fps fastest
6mm Creed 115 gr, 3026 fps, 82 fps fastest
6.5 Swede 140 gr, 2722 fps, 22 fps fastest
270 Win 140 gr, 3033 fps, 56 fps fastest
7mm08 160 gr, 2871 fps, 127 fps fastest
280 AI 160 gr, 2924 fps, 52 fps fastest
30-06 180 gr, 2857 fps, 13 fps fastest
300 WSM 180 gr, 3019 fps, 56 fps fastest
338 Mag 200 gr, 2951 fps, 28 fps slower
375 H&H 300 gr, 2570 fps, 23 fps fastest

So it seems to be working in a very wide range as the data speaks for itself. I plan to use this powder in my 6.5 Swede and then my 6.5 PRC. Anybody willing to talk about their experience with this newer powder that has very little data yet?
Click to expand...
I started using it last year right after it came available. Really worked well in my 7mm08. And great so far in the 6.5CM. Want to try in 6CM but can't get a gun without paying a small fortune. Just loaded some 6.5CM using130 Barnes TTX for a friend. It shot a single digit SD. And 2700 plus out of a 16 inch barrel on a kimber. He uses a suppressor and wants the short barrel.
 
I like it in my 7-08 as well but I still have some wringing out to do with the loads to prove them. Where I really like it is with my 30-06 and 30-06 AI. It rivals Superformance in velocity and seems to be more accurate. Add in that it's supposed to be temp stable and I think I will stick with it. I use mag primers because it's a ball powder but that is just a habit I got into long ago.
 
My load is the 200 ELDX over 62.5 grains in a suppressed 300 WSM with WLRM primers. .25 MOA and low ES but velocity is way low, right around 2750. I don't mind since it will still take the ELD-X to 600 yards, but prepare to be disappointed velocity wise. Very temp stable, that load has taken caribou at 65 and a Buffalo below zero. No issues at all with POI shifting.
 
SilverbulletMAG said:
I have gone through a few lbs trying to make it work in 7-08 with 150-168 class bullets. Velocity is there, accuracy is not. My rifle at least doesn't like it. Varget is a bit slower, but not enough to care about anymore and the benefits far outweight the slight bump in velocity. It's more temp stable, and muuuuch easier to work with than ball powders. Have about 5lbs left of Staball I'll probably be offloading...
Click to expand...
I found the same thing in my 6.5 CM, H4350 works best for me.
 
I bought a pound when it first came out, still have most of it. Temperature stableish, though i sure wouldn't be anywhere near the top with a load worked up in cool weather, then take it out when it is hot. Pressure seems to spike quick when it shows up, so tread with caution with loads that are close. I picked up a nominal amount of speed compared to H4350 in both the rifles I tried it in, pretty similar to the gain I typically get with RL16. Accuracy was ok, but didn't give me a reason to deal with the hassles of ball powder. My take is it might be great for someone who wants to throw their loads with minimal weighing, but I know some people have had impressive results.
 
Boreal Bog Walker said:
Good day,
After reading the 2021 Hodgdon and learning the capabilities of StaBALL 6.5 ball powder I am wanting to try it in a few cartridges. Its velocity performance is outstanding. And I mean really outstanding! What I can find on the internet so far confirms that it is accurate as well. Here are some of the cartridges tested velocities.

StaBALL 6.5 Hogdons 2021 Annual

17 Rem 30 gr, 3904 fps, 65 fps fastest
6mm Creed 115 gr, 3026 fps, 82 fps fastest
6.5 Swede 140 gr, 2722 fps, 22 fps fastest
270 Win 140 gr, 3033 fps, 56 fps fastest
7mm08 160 gr, 2871 fps, 127 fps fastest
280 AI 160 gr, 2924 fps, 52 fps fastest
30-06 180 gr, 2857 fps, 13 fps fastest
300 WSM 180 gr, 3019 fps, 56 fps fastest
338 Mag 200 gr, 2951 fps, 28 fps slower
375 H&H 300 gr, 2570 fps, 23 fps fastest

So it seems to be working in a very wide range as the data speaks for itself. I plan to use this powder in my 6.5 Swede and then my 6.5 PRC. Anybody willing to talk about their experience with this newer powder that has very little data yet?
Click to expand...
Im wanting to try it in my 6.5 PRC also.
 
Wyosam said:
I bought a pound when it first came out, still have most of it. Temperature stableish, though i sure wouldn't be anywhere near the top with a load worked up in cool weather, then take it out when it is hot. Pressure seems to spike quick when it shows up, so tread with caution with loads that are close. I picked up a nominal amount of speed compared to H4350 in both the rifles I tried it in, pretty similar to the gain I typically get with RL16. Accuracy was ok, but didn't give me a reason to deal with the hassles of ball powder. My take is it might be great for someone who wants to throw their loads with minimal weighing, but I know some people have had impressive results.
Click to expand...
I have one round that it works in and I tried it in a bunch of stuff, I can verify that it does make for a good campfire starter
 

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