Reloading advice

[Fox Red]

Load developing for the 6.5 Creedmoor using 143gr ELD-X and RS62. Still only had around 70 shots through from new.

Initially using Starline brass with LRP's I had a half decent group at 42gr and then again at 44gr, which is as high as I want to go.

Decided to stick with 44gr and play with OAL. Initial OAL was 2.800". Bullets appear to be touching the lands at 2.920" so quite a jump.

Today I noticed a slight extractor swipe at 2.825" but reasonably good consistency with no sticky bolt lift or primer catering.

Cases then got gradually more sooty as the OAL increased. I encountered a leaky primer and sooty brass at 2.840" Recoil felt slightly harsher, but could be psychological.

I'm going to back off perhaps 0.1 - 0.2 gr. Hopefully I'll stay on the same accuracy node.

I just found it odd that pressure seemed to increase with a longer OAL, despite being way off the lands. I'd expected it to be the other way - compressing the powder more with a shorter OAL and creating more pressure.

Any general comments welcome.

Thanks in advance.

 

[palmer_mike]

When you say cases got more sooty, do you mean the necks? Can be a sign of low pressure failing to obturate the case properly

 

[Ade8mm]

What does the group look like at 2.800" ? I take it you are not happy with it, hence moving the bullet out? Also is this the first firing of the brass in your rifle?

 

[Fox Red]

When you say cases got more sooty, do you mean the necks? Can be a sign of low pressure failing to obturate the case properly

Neck and about half way down the case. Too much powder, perhaps? Quickload suggested I'd get a 100% burn.

 

[Fox Red]

What does the group look like at 2.800" ? I take it you are not happy with it, hence moving the bullet out? Also is this the first firing of the brass in your rifle?

It was around 0.7" at 100 yards. This is the third firing. Measured the brass before reloading and it was still under the book trim length.

 

[palmer_mike]

Are you aware that you’re over the max recommended load according to RS

 

[Fox Red]

Are you aware that you’re over the max recommended load according to RS

Yes, I worked up carefully. Didn't notice any pressure until I changed the OAL.

 

[Ade8mm]

Fair enough. Sub moa you should be happy with that. I was working up a load earlier this week (58g Hornady v max in .243) soon as got to 1/2 moa I stopped . " Good enuff" methinks. Pulled the other rounds and put powder back in the powder can. Unless you are v long range shooting / bench rest ( I take it you are not into those disciplines else you probably wouldn't have posted the question?) quit when you are ahead and still inside the safe zone

 

[25 Sharps]

Load developing for the 6.5 Creedmoor using 143gr ELD-X and RS62. Still only had around 70 shots through from new.

Initially using Starline brass with LRP's I had a half decent group at 42gr and then again at 44gr, which is as high as I want to go.

Decided to stick with 44gr and play with OAL. Initial OAL was 2.800". Bullets appear to be touching the lands at 2.920" so quite a jump.

Today I noticed a slight extractor swipe at 2.825" but reasonably good consistency with no sticky bolt lift or primer catering.

Cases then got gradually more sooty as the OAL increased. I encountered a leaky primer and sooty brass at 2.840" Recoil felt slightly harsher, but could be psychological.

I'm going to back off perhaps 0.1 - 0.2 gr. Hopefully I'll stay on the same accuracy node.

I just found it odd that pressure seemed to increase with a longer OAL, despite being way off the lands. I'd expected it to be the other way - compressing the powder more with a shorter OAL and creating more pressure.

Any general comments welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Pretty sure @Laurie has posted something on the longer COAL using pressure before, something to do with the bullet hitting the lands quicker causing peak pressure sooner.

 

[Fox Red]

Fair enough. Sub moa you should be happy with that. I was working up a load earlier this week (58g Hornady v max in .243) soon as got to 1/2 moa I stopped . " Good enuff" methinks. Pulled the other rounds and put powder back in the powder can. Unless you are v long range shooting / bench rest ( I take it you are not into those disciplines else you probably wouldn't have posted the question?) quit when you are ahead and still inside the safe zone

Yeah half MOA is good enough for me. May back off slightly as mentioned unless the general consensus is it's nothing to worry about.

 

[Fox Red]

Pretty sure @Laurie has posted something on the longer COAL using pressure before, something to do with the bullet hitting the lands quicker causing peak pressure sooner.

Thanks Scott. Doesn't sound like I need to be overly concerned about extractor swipes. Brass hasn't been raised at all.

 

[25 Sharps]

Yes, I worked up carefully. Didn't notice any pressure until I changed the OAL.

You’re over max and getting pressure signs you need to back off more than .1 or .2 gr you are skirting overpressure and over working your brass and rifle you should investigate the 42 node more I would suggest.

 

[25 Sharps]

Thanks Scott. Doesn't sound like I need to be overly concerned about extractor swipes. Brass hasn't been raised at all.

If they are swipes the brass has been raised and then swiped off as the brass grips the chamber too much to move when the bolt rotated to extract the case

 

[25 Sharps]

Neck and about half way down the case. Too much powder, perhaps? Quickload suggested I'd get a 100% burn.

 

[jb1]

Its a bit risky loading close to max this time of year. It could put you in a sticky bolt situation when it gets warmer.