6.5 Creedmoor - Reloading Advice

[Elliott]

Would be grateful if some of the more experienced shooters using this cartridge could provide some advice to get me started. Rifle is Bergara HMR with 22" barrel.

I'm hoping to use on Roe and Red deer, then long range gongs / targets. I'm leaning towards the ELD-X and ELD-M line ups, but would be happy to hear about any other good bullets out there.

Specifically, being new to the cartridge, I'm looking to hear recommendations on:

- Powder
- Brass (large or small primers?)
- Dies
- Primers

From the reading I've done so far, there's a suggestion that I can get a higher MV with large rifle primers. May need with the 22" barrel.

I don't want any silly barrel burner powders as it's a brand new rifle and I'd like it to last. Read some good things on RS62 and RS70. Vhit N560 and N550.

[mag44uk]

Cant speak specifically about the creedmoor but I do load for 260rem.
I would stick to the N150/N160 powders as the 5 series powders are higher energy I believe.
Not tried any of the elx type bullets due to the cost of them.
I am a fan of 123gn and 139gn lapua scenars.
Both shoot well to 1k plus.
And they are relatively cheap in 1k boxes and always available.

[223AI]

Brass - I would go Lapua which is SRP and small flash hole, it is stronger, will last longer and will get you all the velocity you need

Powder - for absolute velocity RS60 is hard to beat but it’s a barrel burner. you mention n550 & N560, you will need double best for highest velocity out of a shortish barrel but have you considered N555 which Vihtavuori developed specifically Prs calibres like creedmoor https://www.vihtavuori.com/powder/n5...energy-powder/

Dies- whatever you prefer, I use the Lee deluxe set but will get a micrometer seater at some point. Just be aware if you go small flash hole then you will Need a suitable sized decamping pin (redding I think ) or turn the decapper on other dies as I did with the lee.

Bullets; can of worms, accubond long range 129 are showing a little over 1/4 mod accuracy in my Howa, not tried on deer yet. But as I said elsewhere you being you the eld-x is your place to start

[223AI]

Cant speak specifically about the creedmoor but I do load for 260rem.
I would stick to the N150/N160 powders as the 5 series powders are higher energy I believe.
Not tried any of the elx type bullets due to the cost of them.
I am a fan of 123gn and 139gn lapua scenars.
Both shoot well to 1k plus.
And they are relatively cheap in 1k boxes and always available.

No good for deer though.....

[big rich]

Watching this thread with interest....

Rich

[big rich]

I'm currently gathering up brass for reloading for the creedmoor.
With Seller and Belliot 140gr sp knocking out 3/4 INCH groups (£19 a box)with a rifle not even broken in yet im wondering is it worth my while...
Rich

[223AI]

I'm currently gathering up brass for reloading for the creedmoor.
With Seller and Belliot 140gr sp knocking out 3/4 INCH groups (£19 a box)with a rifle not even broken in yet im wondering is it worth my while...
Rich

Ha I'm using the same as haven't had a chance to do much load testing, that said I have a load for 129 gr ABLRs that is showing pomise. How are you finding the S&B for damage though, I am getting quite a lot (search Elliot's thread on SD for photos) but the second box seems a bit harder.

I will still probably load as I don't like to be reliant on shops being open and having stock for ammo but it is nice to have a factory option at sensible money if I am pushed for time. Have ordered a box of each of the other expanding loads that they do inc lead free to try, would be nice if they had a 90/95 gr varmint load!