So I am just getting into reloading. I ordered a mix of Jim’s intermediate and base level recommended kits. I was having hell finding powder, and primers for my 6.5 prc in stock. I have some issues shipping things in due to our address in the country not showing up for anyone to ship to, and we usually use a PO Box so I’m pretty sure no one will be shipping powder or primers there. In the meantime I thought maybe a powder I could substitute for the 6.5PRC might be close to a 300WSM so I purchased some Superformance, and some Winchester StaBALL (which states 6.5 prc on the label) but I’m not seeing any load data in the Hornady book. I am planning on using the 143 grain eldx bullets. Will I have a major issue using these powders, or can I potentially tone down the loads a little bit and work up. I am shooting a Steel Barrell 24" Springfield Waypoint 2020 if that tidbit of info helps. Also I don’t have a chronograph just yet, but I am considering getting on as I go on this reloading adventure. Also large rifle primers are impossible to find around here. I found some federal 215’s that are magnum and picked up a bunch. I hope I didn’t just throw away money because the manual calls for 210 primers.
There are a few different staball powders. If you have staball hd there is load data for it on hodgonreloading.com. I didn’t see any on there for superformance.
As far as primers go you will be just fine shooting the 215 magnums. Me and a good buddy reload all our ammo that calls for large rifle primers with the magnums. You may just want stay under book max and keep an eye out for pressure signs.
Thanks a bunch! I had read some forums where someone was using the cci 250 magnum primers so I hoped the federal 215 would work as I found plenty in stock and loaded up. I decided to make a trip tomorrow for some H1000
powder as well. Going to get some dies, and use the Superformance on my 30/06.
I’ve tried various powders for my 6.5 PRC and many work well, but I’ve had very good success with the Winchester Staball. Here is my load development for it.
Berger Ball: Berger Elite Hunter 140 gr. (.606) 58.8 Gr. of StaBall, Lapua Brass, Federal 210GM (though I’ve tried the CCI and had good luck), Case Trim 2.020, COAL 2.935 (Max Length 2.955) Ogive 2.36 (estimated velocity = 2860 fps)
Also, I saw some of the other guys mentioned going to Hodgdon’s website. They will provided very good data for you!
Yeah I’ve been looking at their website after I posted this wondering if there was anything on it. As I mentioned to the other dude I’m just going to use that superformance for my 30/06.
Are you using Staball 6.5 or Staball HD?
Sorry I missed this earlier. It’s the Staball HD. I was skeptical of it since it was Winchester, but it’s a good bit cheaper and as it turns out, I think Hodgdon actually makes it for them.
Anyway, I’ve hd very good luck with this and am pleased over all.
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Hey Austin I have the same 2020 waypoint in 6.5 PRC. This is the load I worked up for it. 143 ELD-X , Hornady brass, primer fed no.210 large rifle,59.8 grns Staball HD ,Col. 2.950", avg. MV 2960 fps ,SD always single digit, ES always under 20. Consistently sub moa in my rifle. Hope this helps you some. Photo is from the Hodgon '24 reloading manual
Thanks a bunch, I still have yet to even set up my work bench and even so much as deprime cases. I have a bunch of Hornady brass both the precision hunter, and some of the nickel plated outfitter. All from factory loads. Still waiting for some components to arrive.
The Vihtavuori powders are great too. I’ve been using N560 and N565 in 7 SAUM with great results. Good velocity, accuracy and SDs.
Yeah, I just completed a workup with N560 in a 280AI and it performs superbly. My first experience with VV powders. Prior loads with H Extreme series.
If you know how to use GRT you can run a parametric powder search based on the criteria you specify to get an idea of what will work for your rifle. (ie it simulates loads for every powder you specify and returns the ones matching your case fill/velocity/burnout specs).
Just got out with 6.5 PRC for the first time today.
Those are 156 Berger Elite Hunters loaded up with 58 grains of Win Staball HD. COAL of 3.030. Pretty happy with the results especially since those were shots 12-20 out of a brand new rifle.
I’ve had similar results with 7PRC and Berger 184 hybrid target and Staball HD.
So update, I was able to get ahold of some H1000, and some Federal 215 primers. I have several rounds loaded to try out with the 143gr eldx, and some with the 130gr CX bullets. I reduced the max load numbers by .5 grains due to my only being able to get the magnum primers for the time being, but I’m going to be doing this without a chronograph for now till I can afford to get one. Currently I have 5 rounds of each load, and I have a spread of 1-2 grain intervals for both bullets. Fingers crossed it goes well. Thanks Jim if you ever get to read this, you have been super instrumental in me taking this leap into reloading. So far it’s been quite an interesting adventure.