Thread: 6.5prc

Got mine out for a ladder test today, only looking at speeds and pressure today, no groups shot.

First up was 147 ELD-M and AR 2217 in Norma brass.

58.5 2704 2661
58 2629 2624
57.5 2619 2661
57 2578 2624
56.5 2554 2554
56 2539 2478
55 2510

No pressure at 58.5 but I think it'll be close, might be able to get up to 59.5 or 60 but I don't think it's worth it at the moment.

Next up was 147 ELD-M again but with Superformance, Norma brass again.

52 2515
53 2710
54 2721
55 2766 2777
55.5 2812, heavy bolt lift only shot 1.
56 did not shoot

I was surprised at how quick the speed picked up with this one. Still pretty slow considering but I'm only up to 49 shots down the tube so hopefully will speed up in time. Next I'll see what the groups look like at 55 grains of Superformance and play with seating depth accordingly.

This Norma brass is super soft, I sized them for a firm fit and just chambering them scuffs the case head.

Finalised my load development with my Christensen Arms Mesa Titanium today.
Landed on 56grn of AR2213sc with a ELD-M 147gr loaded to just below magazine length. ADG Brass. 22" Barrel.
2946FPS Average. No pressure signs. Groups around 0.4-0.6" @ 100m.
This load is 1.5gr above the Hornady data (for H4831 - same powder) maximum so use with caution. I reached pressure signs (ejector mark and stiffening bolt lift) around 58grn.
I toyed with the idea of buying some AR2225 or AR2217 but decided to stick with this powder and happy with the velocities and accuracy attained.

That's bloody good @Makros I'm going to send some 147s down range loaded with 2225 in the next few days, hopefully get close to what you're seeing with 2213sc.

Great info fellas , I’ve some retumbo here to try but haven’t yet as getting low on primers .

Originally Posted by 300Shortmag

Great info fellas , I’ve some retumbo here to try but haven’t yet as getting low on primers .

I did wonder about starting my own thread but then thought it was a good idea to keep all or a good chunk of the 6.5 PRC experience in one place. Once I've got this load sorted I'll be done shooting paper for a long time until I too can get more primers.

I managed to get 35 rounds down my 22" tikka on its first outing. It was sitting around 2750fps with good groups using Norma 143gr Bondstrike. Once I get through the factory ammo I'll get some loads done with either 143eldx, 147eldm and 156eol.

That Norma seems to shoot very well in most peoples rifles but very slow fps

Had a go with 143eldx in the 22" t3x prc. All test loads from 58gr to 59.5gr grouped ok but with variable velocities.
60gr of 2217 @ 2924fps es 5 sd 2
The rifle is still fairly new with 54 down the tube

Originally Posted by DBD

Had a go with 143eldx in the 22" t3x prc. All test loads from 58gr to 59.5gr grouped ok but with variable velocities.
60gr of 2217 @ 2924fps es 5 sd 2
The rifle is still fairly new with 54 down the tube
Attachment 216607

Looking bloody good mate, that's a kick ass load right there

Originally Posted by Rated M for Magnum

That's bloody good @Makros I'm going to send some 147s down range loaded with 2225 in the next few days, hopefully get close to what you're seeing with 2213sc.

How did you go with the 2225 compared to 2217? ADI data suggests it will offer a little more speed than 2217

Originally Posted by 6.5 CRD

How did you go with the 2225 compared to 2217? ADI data suggests it will offer a little more speed than 2217

147 ELD-M and 2225

56.5 2569
57 2583
57.5 2588
58 2599
58.5 2640
59 2677 2710
59.5 2672 2710
60 2732 2743
60.5 2732

I think it'll end up about the same depending on how my brass is after the over pressures from lubricant residue. I have given the rifle a deep clean and will get out and try again with both I think. The reason I'm leaning towards the overpressure coming from the lubricant is that I could see the smears on the side of the cases where I had applied the lube and it wasn't on every round and wasn't consistent with increasing charge weights. I will purchase an endoscope next week so I can check for carbon rings anyway, they sure are cheap enough.

On the plus side, I should have the barrel broken in in no time at all

Mystery solved, gave my cases a bloody good clean this time round with some isopropyl alcohol and shot 60.5 grains of 2225 with the 147 ELD-M for speeds of 2726, 2726, 2710 and 2726. 3 duplicates! Only that one at 2710 to stretch out the es.

No pressure signs today so could probably go further, already over published max but I've noticed the published max loads for this cartridge are around 5000psi below it's rated pressure max.

Must be 70 down the tube now.

I've got some 143 ELD-X coming so will get around to trying them at some point but for now I've got a good load sorted, next I need to get an animal on the deck.

Got out and shot the 143 ELD-X today with 2217 and I think I'm where I want to be.

Just a ladder test

56 2594
57 2656
58 2699
59 2704
59.5 2754
60 2777
60.5 2789
61 2830
61.5 2873
62 2904

Will load some at seating depths from 2.970 to 2.940 in 0.010 steps at 62 grains.

Originally Posted by Rated M for Magnum

Got out and shot the 143 ELD-X today with 2217 and I think I'm where I want to be.

Just a ladder test

56 2594
57 2656
58 2699
59 2704
59.5 2754
60 2777
60.5 2789
61 2830
61.5 2873
62 2904

Will load some at seating depths from 2.970 to 2.940 in 0.010 steps at 62 grains.

What length barrel do you have? One of my loads is with 2217 and the 140eld m and my velocities are significantly different for similar powder charges in the 57 to 58 grain bracket.

20 inches, I'm up to about 90 rounds so should speed up a bit soon I'm told

That's in Norma brass, what speeds are you seeing?