153 TMK Load Data

[Coati]

USB-powered chamber cooler fan between shots/strings, or USB-powered square fan pointed at the suppressor to blow away the mirage and speed cooling of the can.

Suppressor cover also works for a few 10 round strings, but then there's a heck of a hot potato to deal with when casing the rifle at the end of the range session.

I second the usb powered chamber fans. It made a noticeable difference in how long I had to wait in between shot strings. A cheap rechargeable backpacking mattress fan off Amazon and a piece of tubing is all it takes.

 

[JDMBEND]

Anyone trying the 153’s in a 6.5 CM?

 

[david2duck]

Thanks for the replies guys. I know about fans and such. I was wondering if there is a technique that can help shoot better through the mirage. Appreciate the responses.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Anyone trying the 153’s in a 6.5 CM?

I haven’t tried it because I have enough 140 and 142-grain bullets to last a long time, but I am very intrigued by it.

 

[JDMBEND]

I haven’t tried it because I have enough 140 and 142-grain bullets to last a long time, but I am very intrigued by it.

After following the 6mm TMK thread I was intrigued enough to 500. Really want to find one load that works for both 6.5 cm’s I have. Need to use h4350 and peterson brass, just because I have that’s what I have on hand. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[43.6N]

After following the 6mm TMK thread I was intrigued enough to 500. Really want to find one load that works for both 6.5 cm’s I have. Need to use h4350 and peterson brass, just because I have that’s what I have on hand. Any suggestions are appreciated.

I’ve been very happy in my 6.5cm with the 153.5 Berger.
I would imagine the load data Berger sent me would be a decent place to start for your creed and the new 153TMK.

 

[Kjc103]

I’m the weird guy with a 6.5x55.

48 grains of Norma MRP (RL22) gets me 2,580 average out of my 18” tikka. No pressure signs, I think I could get it close to 2700 but there’s no good reason to. This will take me well beyond where I would be shooting game with this rifle.

I’m going to build a 6.5x55 on an old cz550 I picked up cheap.

Just for the nostalgia……this bullet would be a great pairing for that project. Does it shoot well? What’s the twist rate?

 

[Robobiss]

I’m going to build a 6.5x55 on an old cz550 I picked up cheap.

Just for the nostalgia……this bullet would be a great pairing for that project. Does it shoot well? What’s the twist rate?

This is a 1:8 factory tikka barrel that I had chopped and threaded. It shoots acceptably but I haven’t done a ton of work with it. All I’ve done thus far is basically look for what velocity I’m going to shoot them at.

I think you would be better suited with a 1-7.5 if you’re ordering a barrel.

 

[Treelineasassin]

I’ve been very happy in my 6.5cm with the 153.5 Berger.
I would imagine the load data Berger sent me would be a decent place to start for your creed and the new 153TMK.
View attachment 1048576

That 2.800 oal is robbing a ton of capacity as well. The 153s touch lands in a saami chamber around 2.940 coal. In one my 26in 7.5tw match barrels I load 40.2gr at 2690mv jumping around 60k as I can't fit in a mag anymore with 30k jump since the throat has worn fair bit.

 

[david2duck]

All loaded up for spring bear. Leave in two weeks for a 6 day hunt. Sticking with 58gr of N565. Hopefully have some on game performance updates here soon.

 

[DroptineNW]

All loaded up for spring bear. Leave in two weeks for a 6 day hunt. Sticking with 58gr of N565. Hopefully have some on game performance updates here soon.
View attachment 1052524

Running a similar setup here. Goodluck and post them results

 

[dreamingWest]

Today. 75* F. Humid, calm.
20" Tikka 6.5 PRC w/ Airlock ZG 6.5
New ADG brass, CCI 250.
Looking for pressure with H1000.
55.0 - 59.5 grains
2,590 fps - 2,760 fps.
Loaded to 2.970".

I never had a pressure sign. Although I'd be hesitant to stuff more powder in there. I was hoping for faster. I suppose it's good enough if it groups. This was an old bottle of H1000 I just had a little bit left. Maybe I'll try N565.

I bought a box of Winchester 142 Accubond Long-range. I was curious because it was a little cheaper than the Federal Tipped Fusion that I like. It shot really well (as all factory loads have in this rifle). It average 2,890 fps with low ES and SD. I did get a couple with heavy bolt lift.

 

[dreamingWest]

Had a little 4831sc. I found pressure real quick with it.

20" Tikka 6.5 PRC (85* F, sunny)
H4831sc, 153 TMK, CCI 250, ADG brass (2.960 OAL).
55 - 2652 fps
57 - 2738, clear pressure signs. Tighter bolt lift, shiny ejector mark.

I've got enough H1000 to load an 8 shot group. I'll see how it groups in the low 2700s (previous post).

Since I've got to order powder, I think I'll give N565 a try.

 

[NoDak2016]

I loaded a set of the 153’s with 58.5 grains N565 and I’m only getting 2500 fps. Any recommendations on what other powder to use to get better velocities

 

[43.6N]

I loaded a set of the 153’s with 58.5 grains N565 and I’m only getting 2500 fps. Any recommendations on what other powder to use to get better velocities

Welcome to Rokslide.
What cartridge? I’m assuming 6.5PRC with that powder charge?
What barrel length?
And what chrono?

 

[NoDak2016]

Welcome to Rokslide.
What cartridge? I’m assuming 6.5PRC with that powder charge?
What barrel length?
And what chrono?

Yes, 6.5 prc
22’’ barrel
Using the athalon range craft

 

[43.6N]

Yes, 6.5 prc
22’’ barrel
Using the athalon range craft

Something’s not right.
A 153gr bullet with 58.5gr N565 should be 2800-2850 out of a 22” barrel.
I’m at 2830 out of a 20” barrel, with 57.5gr.

Do you have a way to confirm velocity at distance? Or use a friends chronograph?

Is your powder super old or get exposed to a ton of humidity?

Long story short, that’s the top velocity powder for 6.5prc. H1000 is close behind it.
Seeing 2500fps leads me to think there is something major not being accounted for, and would lead me to double check everything.

 

[Robobiss]

Yes, 6.5 prc
22’’ barrel
Using the athalon range craft

Like others have said, something is definitely wrong.

I am getting 100 more FPS out of a barrel that is 4” shorter with 10 grains less powder from a smaller cartridge (6.5x55)

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

Thanks for the replies guys. I know about fans and such. I was wondering if there is a technique that can help shoot better through the mirage. Appreciate the responses.

All you can do is wait or cool the barrel. If there is a breeze you can kinda time your trigger pulls between gusts when mirage is minimized, but that takes more patience than I could stand. I got a LS Wild cover and have never looked back. I was able to shoot 10 shot strings with my 6.5 WSM at almost 3200 MV without any mirage.