Ok, all the hype is real regarding the differences between factory ammo and hand loaded ammo. I just got back from the range where I shot my first hand loaded 6.5 PRC ammo. My Sako S20 has always been a good shooter but with 156gr Berger Elite Hunter and H1000 its insanely accurate. The velocity was quite slow compared to the 143gr ELDX but better groups.
This seems too slow to me. The ELD-X were in the 2800’s which is probably where I need to be. Should I try other powders or drop down to the 140gr bullet?
This is probably way more than any of you guys care about but I was so excited and needed to share with folks who might understand. Thanks Jim for the reloading videos and the enthusiasm to make me want to try it.
Great job on the load!!! I have found over the years that a slightly lower load tends to shoot better. That being said, there are nodes that can produce the same accuracy with a faster muzzle velocity. For example I have a load that shoots 1/2 MOA groups at 2625 fps in a 308, but also will shoot 5/8 MOA groups at 2980 fps by using a different slightly faster burning powder. I usually load for the slower group (less powder, less recoil, etc) unless I’m taking it hunting where I “need” the extra velocity.
Welcome to the handloading club! I’m only a couple of years in, but it is a lot of fun. I agree with @PBricker, you can find faster loads that still shoot well in your gun. I also have a 308 hunting load at 2900 shooting sub-moa.
Im just starting out and want to load the same round. Im going to follow the load development Ultimate Reloader has worked up with N565 powder and see what grain count shoots best in my rifle.
Thanks for the information and experience guys. Also, I really enjoyed seeing @ALMO reloading bench. We should start a topic on reloading benches. It would be great to know what folks like about where they reload and what they’d like to improve.
Well, threw your load results in a calculator, and for the 156 / 2670 versus the 143 / 2820 they are about even in velocity and energy at 500 - 600 - 700 yards. All things being equal, the heavier bullet will probably start to take over the race as you go farther out. Just compared energy and fps at those distances. Personally, I would take the more accurate load, especially if it is repeating group to group and hitting in the same place day after day. If you havent done it yet, shooting them at distance to at least 300 will also help you figure out how well the load is performing; 100 yards has its limitations with group sizes to tell you the whole story. Good luck
Congrats on the nice load up. I agree with John V. The 2670 FPs/156 isn’t all that much difference considering its a heavier bullet. Shoot 20-30 rounds at 300 yds with each load and see which shoots better. Happy shooting!
