Here are the results from my first handloads in 6.5 PRC.
I chose the 143-grain ELD-X for now because of its forgiving jump performance and the fact that my Sako S20 shoots it well.
I found a lot of favorable information on the H1000/6.5 PRC combination, so I started with the Lyman manual’s maximum load recommendation of 57.0 grains and worked down to 56.1 grains as my starting point. I loaded five-round batches at 56.1, 56.4, 56.7, and 57.0 grains to evaluate velocity and pressure signs. (This was just to check for pressure, NOT a ladder test).
The results were: • 56.1 gr: 2,785 fps average • 56.4 gr: 2,810 fps average • 56.7 gr: 2,841 fps average • 57.0 gr: 2,862 fps average
My question is about velocity. I’m getting around 2,915 fps with factory Hornady Precision Hunter, so I was hoping to get similar or better velocity with H1000. That being said, I dont NEED another 50fpm for my uses. Im happy with 2860. However, I wasn’t seeing any obvious pressure signs at 57.0 grains, although there may have been the slightest indication of a stiff bolt lift.
Would you continue working up beyond 57.0 grains, or would you try a different powder? If you’d recommend switching powders, which ones would you consider for the 143 ELD-X in the 6.5 PRC?
I’m relatively new to reloading but I have found that I get more pressure signs the more I shoot the load in a session. I did .5gr below max load on my 30.06 and it was fine at first but the warmer the barrel got, the harder the bolt lift was. So if it is hard on the first few shots, I’d back off a little bit.
Interesting data, I have been experimenting with H1000, RL-22 and StaBall HD. I have been struggling with a Tikka T3x in 6.5 PRC and getting anything to shoot better than 1.0 MOA, even with the 143 ELD-x. What rifle are you shooting? Generally as long as I am getting decent velocities my primary goal is MOA or better. The T3x is supposed to be a laser but so far I am not getting that level of performance.
Hornady list 59 grains as the max so pushing up a little more probably wouldn’t hurt.
H1000 has a great reputation as an accurate powder. It’s not best for velocity however. Especially if you’re dealing with a shorter type Barrel
With that being said, I’m all for getting the testing done as quickly as possible. If it’s shooting good groups but a slower velocity than you’re getting with Factory ammo, and you really don’t need that extra velocity, then why proceed further and waste further components?
Im using a Sako S20 with a 24" barrel and a scythe TI. All testing was done with a bipod and rear bag at 100yrds using a Athlon Rangecraft for the data. I wasn’t really going for accuracy but I was practicing normal technique. I did four 5-shot groups.
So when does vertical Vertical SD really become the most important thing in group size? How warm did the barrel get, were you consistent on barrel temp? I’d do no more than 5 shots in a shot string and cool the barrel.
Continuing that i’d load up 10-20 of group 3 and 4 and test. Shoot 4 at a time monitor barrel temp and use a barrel cooler this will get you a bunch more data than 5 can. THis was the best irange investment ive mae to date. 2 guys next to me were using It. Its a power house cools barrels in minutes. Just need to heat form the long tip that comes with It very light heat gun and bend you cant imagine how It helps in load dev testing. the curve turned up to show what I did but It is turned to enable you to stick It into the chamber. will go deep and seal well. It has 3 speed settings setting 2 will blow your face off. Its a high powered keyboard and computer air cleaner re-purposed
I’m new to this but the second I learned to manage barrel temp from a pro sitting next to me my sd’s dropped to below 5 w/ avg vel 2772 for the winning load with a vertical spread of 1.31" groups sub .5" with a 308 SMK 175 Lapua Brass Varget 44.2g CCI br-2 primers
Granted my loading process is OCD as H&^$
I sorted bullets and brass for size shoulder.
my primers were seated within .5 thou in depth of .004 with a PCPS Wolfgang
FL size with LE Wilson die and bushing, mandreled to .306 with a carbide mandrel and
seated to ± .5 thou with with an LE Wilson micrometer seater on a K&M arbor press with a pressure pack. each, Sorted pressure ± 2lbs
So It was very tight. Velocity was perfect shows my poor shooting left to right but up and down was spot on left right could have been a little wind but id err on the side of me.
I think i found one of my problems. The Lyman Reloading manual appears to be incorrect and way off from other sources. They printed the max load for H1000 and the 143gr ELD-X as 57.0. When I checked other books and sources im seeing max loads between 59.3 and 60.0. I think Lyman is misprinted.
Keep in mind: barrel length in the load manuals, and expect something like 30 fps per inch slower for less than a 24" barrel.
I’d look at two other powders - Start with N565, then H4831SC
