Suggest a starting point for my new rifle

[emp1953]

I just picked up a new Weatherby Vanguard synthetic 24" 1:8 twist in 6.5 creedmoor. I got this rifle to specifically shoot copper bullets. And since I have 200 130gr shock hammers and several pounds of H4350 That's what I'm limiting myself to. Nosler suggests 41gr H4350 with their 130gr Accubond giving 2750fps out of a 24" barrel. In your opinion, Can I safely start at that load with these hammer bullets that I have.. From what I've read I should get an increase in velocity over the cup & core bullets. Most of my current rifles shooting Noslers like the seating at .020 off the lands. Is that true with the hammers or do they get seated differently? Thanks for any info.

 

[just_jon]

When I don't have a starting point, I look to published data for the next lightest cup and core bullet. In this case, Nosler data cites 41 and 40.5 grains as the starting load for the 120 and 123/125 grain bullets, respectively. I think 41 is a safe place to start. As for seating depth, I have 1/2 moa loads seated from .010" to over .300" off the lands. I generally load to the max length allowed by the magazine.

There is a ton of information on the HammerTime forum about the owners process for load development. I've attached a link below. Lots of other good data there, such as the benefits of crimping.

Loading Process For Hammer Bullets

Steve Davis Administrator (Originally posted 2/29/2020) @ingwe asked me if I would start a thread detailing how we do load development, so here goes. With a rifle that is new to us the 1st thing we do is clean it until there is no copper from other bullets in the barrel. I recommend this...

hammerbullets.com

 

[Luckyshot7]

Before doing any loads with a new barrel, it is best to do a quick powder ladder in full or half-grain increments. Find your pressure ceiling in <10 shots and go from there

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

Go to Hammers load data.
You will find what you need.

 

[Quintus]

^^^^^This^^^^^