Thread: Just completed my first ever reload (6.5mm Creedmoor) Question?

Originally Posted by GWH

I normally start a new load at max mag length or about 10 thou off the lands (if that fits the mag). Often rifles will be more accurate with bullets seated out close to lands. Also the further the bullet is seated out of the case the more case capacity you have for powder.

Basically let the rifle tell you what it likes. So start where I suggest above. Find your most accurate powder charge, then if that isn't already shooting tiny little groups, Then start playing with seating depth.

Load 3 rounds each at different seating depths. Move at least 20 to 40 thou each step do 3 or 4 lots. One of them will shoot better than rest.

Then fine tune

Great thanks for the awesome advice. I was going to seat them at slightly less than max but was worried that the increase in air space could adversely affect the recommended powder load. Based on what you've said, I don't need to worry about that air gap, just find where my lands start and back it off slightly (see if it also fits in the mag?) and see how it shoots. It seems that most hand loads for 6.5 CM are into the early 40g's whereas I've used 38.8g which is 0.4g's off the max from the load manual. Are guys incrementally pushing out past the max to get more range/energy?