6.5-284 loads

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macguru
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6.5-284 loads

#1 Postby macguru » Sat Jun 13, 2015 6:26 pm

I have had my savage 260AI re-chambered as a 6.5-284 norma....

Yes I know the barrel life is short but that does not worry me, its an experiment. I have been told with my 140VLDs just in the lands to start at 47gr 2209 and work up...
but if anyone would like to share their loads/velocities with me i would be grateful :)

Andrew
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AlanF
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Re: 6.5-284 loads

#2 Postby AlanF » Sat Jun 13, 2015 8:43 pm

Andrew,

There is a huge amount of info published for the 6.5-284 e.g. http://accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/65x284/
FWIW I used one for about 6 years when starting out in F-Open, and rarely used 2209, preferring 2213SC, then later N165. But 2209 was widely used in the US and here. And I preferred SMK142s to Berger VLDs, although I have brought out one of my best old barrels (a Broughton) recently, and it really likes the Berger 140 Hybrids. I found the SMKs went best just touching, and used anywhere from about 51 to 52.5gn of 2213C, or about 54gn of N165.

Alan

macguru
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Re: 6.5-284 loads

#3 Postby macguru » Wed Jun 24, 2015 7:28 pm

I am using Lapua Brass ...

I am getting primer pockets starting to loosen after 2 firings with loads between 46-46.7 gr 2209

I have already thrown one case away because the case head has expanded too much .....

accuracy is good but this is going to be a short exercise if the brass only lasts a few firings .....
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AlanF
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Re: 6.5-284 loads

#4 Postby AlanF » Wed Jun 24, 2015 8:42 pm

What is the Lot number of the brass Andrew? And do you know what velocity you're getting?

macguru
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Re: 6.5-284 loads

#5 Postby macguru » Wed Jun 24, 2015 10:08 pm

Alan, this brass is Lot # 4PH6030

I estimate from the ballistics that the velocity is in the mid 2900s XXX correction 3000 fps

The barrel is a broughton 5C 1 in 8
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AlanF
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Re: 6.5-284 loads

#6 Postby AlanF » Wed Jun 24, 2015 10:53 pm

Andrew,

The Lot number is on top of the lid, P followed by 8 numbers e.g. my new brass is all P00701403.

The reason I suspect either a bad batch of brass, or (less likely) velocity being higher than you think is that I used a 6.5-284 for about 13,500 rounds with 140-142gn projectiles at velocities between about 2900 and 3030 fps, and only ever had rare instances of loose primers. Sticky bolt lift and work hardened necks were the main reasons for discarding brass.

I'm reasonably happy with the current Lapua brass. e.g. yesterday I did some velocity testing with a new 7mm Shehane Bartlein to see what range of velocities to load for ladder testing. The projectiles were 180 hybrids jammed, in my experience the hardest on the case heads. I re-used two cases alternately with 9 shots each, rising from about 2700fps up to about 2970fps. At the end of the process both cases had primer pockets that I would not hesitate to use again, and again. I know that 2209 is very highly regarded for low velocity spread, but can't help feeling that you pay for it big time with case life. BTW I fired 3 shots at 60gn of N165 with velocities of 2952, 2958 and 2953fps - far too small a sample size, but its got me hoping for a nice node in that velocity range.

So if your brass is the same Lot as mine (P00701403), then I can only think its unlikely to be your problem. Maybe you have a fast batch of 2209, a throat that's too short, a tight barrel etc. Sounds like you are only estimating velocity? Might be better to put it over a chrono.

Good luck with it. I'm a 7mm fan now, but was "married" to the 6.5-284 for quite a while, and its a great all-rounder. You'll be encouraged to learn that my best barrel was a Broughton 5C 1 in 8 :D . In fact I shouldn't say "was". I dusted the cobwebs off it for a local pennant shoot recently and it produced a couple of 60s!

Alan

macguru
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Re: 6.5-284 loads

#7 Postby macguru » Wed Jun 24, 2015 11:23 pm

Sorry, its Lot # P00740701

I suppose I could try some slower powder, too, however i have a lot of 2209 ....
If anyone has issues with this brass batch please let me know
The first time I tested the rifle it shot 118/120. There was a drop off during the first stage and 2 consecutive 5s but that was me not sure if it was wind or something else ...
Its not a new barrel but my 260 rechambered with an inch cut off and seems be a very good barrel plenty of life left for this test anyways....
••••••••••••••••
After thinking a bit more I think I will unload the new brass i have not yet fired and try a slower powder, either 2213sc or 2217. I may start at 50gr 2213and work up from there.... It seems a shame to stretch more the same way ... the ballistics are good. Maybe even 54gr 2217 ??
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BATattack
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Re: 6.5-284 loads

#8 Postby BATattack » Thu Jun 25, 2015 10:55 am

geez Alan you better be real careful being up around that 2953-2958fps range! 2 more fps on a warm day or fowled barrel or a suspect testing chronograph and you'd be over the ME limit and out of the game!

AlanF
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Re: 6.5-284 loads

#9 Postby AlanF » Thu Jun 25, 2015 11:02 am

BATattack wrote:geez Alan you better be real careful being up around that 2953-2958fps range! 2 more fps on a warm day or fowled barrel or a suspect testing chronograph and you'd be over the ME limit and out of the game!

Adam, I just can't help myself being a risk taker :lol: .

But you're right, ideally there will be a node about 2940 to 2950. Being a "night before reloader", I can adjust charges for the following day's temperature forecast. With your 7 RSAUM, you're able to do exactly the same, but without the brass life concerns.

BATattack
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Re: 6.5-284 loads

#10 Postby BATattack » Thu Jun 25, 2015 7:24 pm

loading the night before and being able to sleep the night before might be two different issues! haha

MaxBC
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Re: 6.5-284 loads

#11 Postby MaxBC » Thu Jun 25, 2015 10:46 pm

2213sc worked a charm for me,I was at 51.8 for 3007fps with 140vld's ,it was throated long so as always,
Start low and work up.

macguru
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Re: 6.5-284 loads

#12 Postby macguru » Thu Jun 25, 2015 11:29 pm

Yes, i bought some 2213 today and will start around 49gr and work up. I am a bit concerned that this Savage LRP Target Action is not as rigid as , say a Barnard, and although accurate is working the brass a bit more. I am going to get Matt to look at the bolt head (I have a spare) as the face is a bit worn, also I have a spare bolt thats chrome moly and seems to have sharper edges to the lugs (less wear) . The broughton barrel is very accurate ..
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Tim L
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Re: 6.5-284 loads

#13 Postby Tim L » Fri Jun 26, 2015 6:29 pm

Hi Mac,

I don't know if it will be of any help but I posted my 6.5x284 ladder results to get a bit of advice on compensation tuning. You gave some advice :D

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6104&p=52776#p52776

macguru
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Re: 6.5-284 loads

#14 Postby macguru » Fri Jun 26, 2015 7:21 pm

Thanks for that, i got good results at 46.5 and 48.5 2209 but its all way too hot for me. If i had to guess i think i am getting 100fps more velocity than you as well..... go figure. I am just working off the ballistics as i dont have a chrono at the moment.

How is your primer pocket life ? Mine would be short if i keep going this way, so i am trialling 2213sc next... Makes me appreciate my SAUM :)
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Tim L
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Re: 6.5-284 loads

#15 Postby Tim L » Fri Jun 26, 2015 8:01 pm

I never ran with the 2209 (I did that ladder test then switched to FTR), but as you see in the pics it was flattening them a bit.

I had good accuracy with both 2213 and 2217 but I couldn't get the velocity in that barrel, if you're running fast with 2209 it may work well for you. I found 2213 seemed to be all over the shop with velocity but still gave some really tight groups.

Fed Gold Medal Match in Lapua brass 48.8 of 2213 was running between 2830 and 2850.


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