Thread: 6.5mm SAUM - Load sorted

Today at the Auckland Deerstalkers branch, on a rather wet day. Spent whole day there and took reloading gear with me.

62.5grs Retumbo, 143gr Hornady ELD-X, 0.20 off the lands.

Just couldn't get H1000 to give me as tight a group as Retumbo, after playing around with loads in 0.3 gr increments and spending a bit of time working on seating depth.

At 62.5grs of Retumbo, with the bullets sitting at 0.35, I had a 3 shot group of just under an inch, so thats when I decided to try 0.20 off the lands, with the above result.


I also did a ladder test with the Barnes 127gr LRX:



If you were analysing this target, to create a load, where would you be loading?


So, I loaded up 3 rounds at 64 grains and fired a 3 shot group. When I superimposed this target over the top of the 143gr ELD-X I first shot at 0.35 off the lands, it looks like I shot the same bullet through two pieces of paper.

I'd say that was pretty consistent!

What distance did you do the ladder at. I like around 300. More the better!

Just at 100, I don't have access to a 300m range. Closest would be the 200m Auckland Deerstalkers range but that range is not open all the time.

You sure you didn't pull the shot for number 2? The reason I say is all the other shots aren't far apart on the horizontal. Allowing for you not to have pulled it I would be looking in that 1, 2 or 3 shot area for loads provided they are a decent FPS (ie not glacial slow)

A chrony is very helpfull when ladder testing.

I've had another couple of people comment that I probably pulled the second shot. Unfortunately, the day was wet and too dull to operate the chrony. Also the range is a bit hopeless for chronographing.

However, I have access to a 200m range now that is great for chronographing. It is my intention to do the ladder testing at this range. It has also been suggested to go up in 0.3grn increments when working with the SAUM case.

I've got no experience loading for Short Action Mag's but I would be looking around that 1-3 for a load. Either way you cut it That very low width spread means you are on to a winning load.

I've got no experience loading for Short Action Mag's but I would be looking around that 1-3 for a load. Either way you cut it That very low width spread means you are on to a winning bullet/rifle