6.5 Creedmoor - Reloading Advice

[Leeman]

I'd second the recommendation of N160 or N555, despite the latter being the 5 series it has similar energy content to the 1 series powders in the same burning rate range so should be kinder to the barrel that N550 or N560 which can be very erosive, especially if you run high pressures. N160 is quite bulky, I haven't seen the kernel size of N555 but when I did a search on google I got directed to a Vit page which listed it quite small, similar to N550 so it should pack well in the case.

I would only use small primer brass if the firing pin is a good fit to the bolt face, I've read Bergara's can be on the sloppy side which can cause cratering and blanking, not something you really want to deal with. Large primer brass is more forgiving in this area although it won't hold up as well to stout loads, but Lapua is the brand to buy. There would not be that much difference between large and small primer velocity, there are many more factors that would affect velocity than the size of the primer, make of primer being one example.

The only other thing to watch is the throat length vs magazine length unless you're happy to load singly. Many of the heavier bullets in 6.5mm especially the Hornady are very long and can intrude into the case limiting powder capacity which with a 22" barrel you would want to maximise.

As to dies I use/d a combination of Whidden, Redding and Forster, Wilson are also very good but not sure if they do 6.5 Creedmoor.

[tacfoley]

I'd second the recommendation of N160 or N555, despite the latter being the 5 series it has similar energy content to the 1 series powders in the same burning rate range so should be kinder to the barrel that N550 or N560 which can be very erosive, especially if you run high pressures. N160 is quite bulky, I haven't seen the kernel size of N555 but when I did a search on google I got directed to a Vit page which listed it quite small, similar to N550 so it should pack well in the case.

I would only use small primer brass if the firing pin is a good fit to the bolt face, I've read Bergara's can be on the sloppy side which can cause cratering and blanking, not something you really want to deal with. Large primer brass is more forgiving in this area although it won't hold up as well to stout loads, but Lapua is the brand to buy. There would not be that much difference between large and small primer velocity, there are many more factors that would affect velocity than the size of the primer, make of primer being one example.

The only other thing to watch is the throat length vs magazine length unless you're happy to load singly. Many of the heavier bullets in 6.5mm especially the Hornady are very long and can intrude into the case limiting powder capacity which with a 22" barrel you would want to maximise.

As to dies I use/d a combination of Whidden, Redding and Forster, Wilson are also very good but not sure if they do 6.5 Creedmoor.

Good and useful post, sir!!

[Elliott]

Thanks for the advice so far.

Just ordered the Lee Ultimate 4 Die Set from CDSG. Waiting on the DM80 mod from Dave Mercer before I shoot the rifle. Might have to try some of those 140gr S&B rounds to zero and break in the barrel.

I'll have a look at the Vhit N555 and RS62 powders, I think. Shame you can't buy the Vhit in 1lb tubs over here!

[subdvr]

I had great success with RS62, not as fast as RS60 but much kinder on the barrel life. Only ever used it with 140g heads though, but was able to sort a good and decent 1/2 MOA load for distance. Worth a try.

[Basharbob]

Hornady 140 gr InterLock® SP over rs62 with cheap GGG lrp brass. Cheap effective accurate bang floppers.

[Army-medic]

I use:

Lapua small primer brass
Lapua 139gr 6.5mm Scenar bullets
RS62 powder
CCI small rifle primers

Redding competition and Type S Bushing dies.