Anyone loading for 6.5 PRC? Any tips or recommendations on powder?

[hammo]

Hi All,
I will soon be venturing forth with reloading for a 6.5 PRC, I intend to stick with Viht powder and was looking at N160. Loads available for me with that on the Viht App; but I would be interested to hear anyone elses input on this or any other powders.
I was once warned reloading was like a disease, too late now I realise its true!!

 

[gaza916]

Just worked up my load after shooting in the barrel. RS70 and 147 grain ELDM, federal 215 primers and lapua brass.

53.0 2814.2837. 2841 AV 2830

53.5. 2861.2864.2863 AV 2862.6

54 2889. 2900. 2902 AV 2897

54.5 2908. 2921. 2926 AV 2918.3

55 2952. 2947. 2963 AV 2954

55.5 2996. 2996. 2997 AV 2996.3

57 3013. 3024.

All 20 shots were within a 1x’ group at 100m. I’ve decided on 55.5 grains at 2996FPS. Now need to load some more and tune the seating depth. So far I’m extremely impressed with the calibre.

 

[gaza916]

I’ve also got approx 60 once fired Hornady cases if you need some - actually extremely consistent brass in this calibre. really didn’t need the Lapua brass but I’d already ordered it!

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

RS60
RS70
N560

Running 130-145gr would be my choice

Drop me a line if I can help
We have over 2000x cases in stock in both Hornady and Lapua

 

[finnbear270]

I’ve also got approx 60 once fired Hornady cases if you need some - actually extremely consistent brass in this calibre. really didn’t need the Lapua brass but I’d already ordered it!

Same experience here, looks like they have pulled their socks up a bit.
BUT, I am achieving seriously tight groups with factory ELDX 143 Grain, this is the second rifle I have owned that is almost not worth reloading for, Just taken it's first Roe buck ... shot the rivet out from the shoulder joint @ 200.

 

[zambezi]

seriously tight groups with factory ELDX 143 Grain

Same here. The factory ammo is very consistent. But it is lead core...so I have also started some copper load development.

44g N540 under Barnes 120gr ttsx achieves 3000fps in my rifle. 50gr N160 under Barnes 120gr ttsx achieves 3066fps in my rifle. Neither of these loadings constitute a recommendation, just what I am tinkering with at the moment.

6.5PRC is a very useful chambering. Easy to shoot, fast, flat, accurate, tight groupings.

 

[hammo]

Thanks for replies, some interesting input.
I am going to start off with 143gr ELD-X, over N160.
I have only just put the variation in, so a wait until that comes through.

 

[zambezi]

I am going to start off with 143gr ELD-X, over N160.

I have been trialling Nosler 140gr RDFover N160 for range work . I get 0.25moa. Not sure of MV. 49gr N160 achieves that in my rifle. Once again, not a recommendation...

 

[hammo]

By the way, struggling to find a neck sizing die in 6.5 PRC. Everything seems to be back order only.
I have a standard die set coming, but if anyone can sort me a neck size die that would be great. I have tried my usual Brownells, CDSG.

 

[Eric the Red]

By the way, struggling to find a neck sizing die in 6.5 PRC. Everything seems to be back order only.
I have a standard die set coming, but if anyone can sort me a neck size die that would be great. I have tried my usual Brownells, CDSG.

Try Wildcat

 

[hammo]

Try Wildcat

Nothing in stock.

 

[finnbear270]

Still using 143 grain ELDX bullets this afternoon, but trialled over RS76, 57 grains gives 3050 avg FPS, on up to 51.2 grains @ 3200 FPS with ever so slightly smoothing primer faces, but @ 128 yards three through same hole & two slightly outlying the three

 

[hammo]

Still using 143 grain ELDX bullets this afternoon, but trialled over RS76, 57 grains gives 3050 avg FPS, on up to 51.2 grains @ 3200 FPS with ever so slightly smoothing primer faces, but @ 128 yards three through same hole & two slightly outlying the three

Tidy!

 

[finnbear270]

Blasted Iphones!, Top load was 61.2 Grains

 

[finnbear270]

The aiming point was the centre of the shoot'N'see with the original zero from factory loading, so shift is slightly higher & to the right, so if I were to use this load a very quick click or two to re zero. So it seems with a couple of replies on here we are into the exploratory zone finally.

 

[finnbear270]

Just researching Barnes data & collating charge weights for experiments with 112gn Yew tree & 120gn TTSX's.

 

[finnbear270]

Ready for the next bit of range load development, 5 rounds 140 Grain GMX over 60.6 Grains RS76,------ 5 rounds 120 Grain TTSX over 50Grains N160, ----- 5 rounds 120 Grain TTSX over 53 Grains Reloder 26, 5 rounds 112 Grain Yew Tree over54 Grains Reloder 26. Will post any worthwhile results.

 

[hammo]

Really interested to see how those perform. I have not even considered lead free yet. I thought it best to work up with ELD-X first. Im in the process of joining a club which will allow me to shoot out to longer ranges.
I will have a look at the BC of those lead free options, but if non lead bullets are still banned at MOD and Bisley, I may stick with the ELD-X as would rather use one load for target and hunting.

 

[hammo]

Magnum primers required, or will my CCI Large Rifle ones be OK?
I have opted for Viht N170 powder to start load dev with, as the Viht manual shows loads for a good spread of projectile weights, and it may be ever so slightly kinder on my barrel than faster options.
While looking at lead free 6.5mm projectile offerings currently in stock, Lehigh defence controlled chaos 130gr look like an option. I don't suppose anyone has experience of them??
Interested in any ones experience rather than hearsay please, on any of the above.

 

[Lateral]

I'm using Hornady 143gr ELD-X, RL26, CCI BR2, Lapua brass, SAAMI OAL 2.955".

I'm getting circa 3070fps, very accurate. The primers are perfect, but a very slight witness mark from the ejector, nothing I'm worried about.