18" 6.5 PRC Real world data and velocity.

[Njadams13]

I am currently working on load dev for a Tikka Veil wideland (cut to 18" and threaded by class 3 machine before he passed). I initially began load work with the 135 A tip as I had a few hundred and H4831SC and that seemed to be the recommended powder for short PRCs. Results have been relatively disappointing so far compared to what I have read.

This rifle has roughly 90 rounds on it, so the barrel may speed up still, I just have not personally seen Tikka barrels speed up much in the past.

All load dev currently has been done with new peterson brass, and federal LRP (non magnum).

53 grains was 2564 average
53.5 was 2581.5
54 was 2601.3
54.5 was 2618.9
55 was 2662.6
55.5 was 2685.6
56 was 2704.2.
56.5 grains was 2760 (5.2 sd 15.7 ES)
57 grains was 2782.1 (18.9 SD 53.1 es)
57.3 was 2782.5 13.4 SD 34.4 spread,
57.6 was 2806.7 (7.8 SD 19.2 spread)
57.6 had some heavy bolt lift on 2 rounds and some ejector mark on 1-2 cases. I did have a small ejector mark on one piece each of 57 and 57.3.

I am currently working some 129 ABLRS with H1000 to see if i can break 2850, but I have not had a chance to shoot them yet. Tomorrow hopefully.

I have been advised to try N565 for some more speed while keeping the temp stability, and several people have advised bumping to the 156 berger to see if i can get it to run 2650-2750.

Looking to see some real world data from folks using the above combinations to see where you ended up. I know Tikka barrels are kind of known for being slow, this one just seems on the extreme. I have considered having UM +P it, but I would almost just as soon have them spin an aftermarket barrel on, or bump up the caliber to achieve more horsepower in the short barrel.

I do not expect to achieve the velocity of a 24-26" barrel at all, but compared to everything I have seen of everyone running the 130 class bullets in an 18" at 2950, and 156s above 2800, I just feel slow.

Any input or critique is welcome.

 

[GIS]

I have an 18" 6.5 PRC barrel from preferred barrel blanks on my tikka.

I'm getting 2815 fps with the 147 gr eld-m. H1000, ADG brass and GM210M primers.

This combo shoots so well I haven't tried any other bullets.

Sent from my SM-S926U using Tapatalk

 

[Shortschaf]

Anyone else with factory tikka 6.5prc velocities?
Of any barrel length?

 

[brockel]

Had an 18” that was 2850fps with h1000 and a 140 Berger vld

 

[GFMThunter]

I have a 6.5 PRC with 22" barrel, shooting 147 eldm at 2850 with 4831sc. I also have a factory barrel cut down to 20" and shoot factory 143 eldx at 2850, precision hunter. not exactly what you are looking for but 2 more examples of data for reference. The 22" 4831sc load is ADG brass, 147 eldm and seems to be pretty hot.

 

[Jr4]

20” preferred, tikka 6.5 prc, 156 Bergers 2840, N565, Lapua brass, 210m

 

[AncientHistory]

I have a 24” Tikka 6.5 PRC. I bought Norma Whitetail 140s for the brass. My Tikka shoots them about 150 fps slower than the velocity on the box.
I started load development with 147 ELDM, H1000, and Federal LR Match primers. It is super accurate and I am at around 2825 fps with 57.5 grains. 57 grains shot the best group (well under 1/2 inch) and was at 2800 fps. That is about 100 fps slower than the box velocity for factory 147 ELDM. I now have 80 rounds down the barrel. I’m hoping it will pick up some speed after I get another 100 rounds through it. It is a tack driver, though. It also shoots the factory Norma 1/2-3/4” consistently. POI barely shifts between those two bullets and over a 3.5 grain difference in H1000 charges.
It seems like your shortened factory barrel speeds are normal for a Tikka.

 

[Pilsner]

I've got an 18" CF barrel from BSA in 6.5 PRC. Just got it installed and test fired so no velocity data yet. Was hoping to use H4831SC, 143/147 ELD-M, hornady brass (I have enough to shoot this barrel out so no need to "upgrade" to other brass), and federal primers. Following to see what kind of numbers that the OP ends up getting.

 

[coast range]

Tikka 20” barrel to the bolt face first 100 through the gun were somewhat unimpressive. 58g of 565 I was getting 2725, 59g I was getting about 2820. That charge ended up being too hot and am backing it off. Hoping to gain a little velocity now, guess we will see

 

[Shortschaf]

Tikka 20” barrel to the bolt face first 100 through the gun were somewhat unimpressive. 58g of 565 I was getting 2725, 59g I was getting about 2820. That charge ended up being too hot and am backing it off. Hoping to gain a little velocity now, guess we will see

Bullet?

 

[Nine Banger]

18" ace barrel.

130 TMK w/ 60gr N565 2848fps
147 ELD w/ 57gr H1000 2780 fps
156 EOL w/ 57.5gr N565 2687fps

I have no factory load data; send me a box and I'll let you know.

 

[sveltri]

With a Berger provided max charge of N565 and the 156 I got a 3 shot average of 2708 in my 20" PH3, that gets me to 1000 yds before velocity drops below 1800 fps.

 

[kickemall]

Factory Tikka T3x, 24" barrel shooting factory loaded 147M at 2805, Norma BondStrikes 140 at 2840, Choice 147M at 2863. Nothing impressive but functional. Only about 40 rounds through it so hopefully will pick up some speed.

 

[Nine Banger]

With a Berger provided max charge of N565 and the 156 I got a 3 shot average of 2708 in my 20" PH3, that gets me to 1000 yds before velocity drops below 1800 fps.

Nice, I'm slipping under 1800 at 750yards w/ 156 EOL w/ 57.5gr N565 2687fps.