6.5 CM 127 gr Barnes LRX - Am I over SAAMI specs?

[Midwest_Bowhunter83]

Alright... Here's what I'm working with.

Christensen Mesa Model 14 - 24" 1:8 twist barrel
Barnes LRX 127 gr
Hornady Brass
Remington 9.5M primers
42.8 grains H4350
Seated .050 off lands
ES 18 fps (recent 10 shot group)
SD 5.4 fps (same 10 shot group)
Avg velocity is 2892 fps

The rifle shoots a 1/3 MOA 4 shot group at 100 yards with this configuration. I am getting a very slight ejector mark on the brass, but no primer cratering and no sticky bolt when ejecting the case. Hodgdon's website has the max load at 42.3 grains with pressures at 60,400. By jumping up a half a grain, am I over the 62k that SAAMI lists as max? Knowing that the Barnes mono bullets require speed to function, I'm trying to keep the speed high out to 500 and 600 yards for antelope and deer. I REALLY do like this configuration, but don't want to break anything.

I appreciate everyone's input.

 

[streamerfish]

whats your OAL?

Your probably a little hot....but probably not catastrophically so.

 

[63-88]

What ambient temperature conditions did you work up the load with? If I were you I would make sure that load isn't popping primers or wrecking your brass when the temps get warm before you load up a couple hundred rounds.

You're probably OK as H4350 is pretty temperature in-sensitive but just something to consider.

I don't know if anyone is going to be able to tell you if you are over 62k PSI, but you are probably close to it. Bolt guns are pretty tough, I don't think you're going to wreck anything at that pressure but your brass might wear out a bit faster than with a lighter load.

 

[Midwest_Bowhunter83]

COAL should be very close to 2.778”. I am 2.195” to the ogive. I try to be right on that number considering that’s my jump into the rifling.

It was about 85 degrees when I first put this load together. This last time I shot, it was in the low 60s with mid 30% humidity.

I wasn’t sure if or how much over spec I’d be over pressure being a half grain over max by Hodgdon’s data.

 

[kota]

What bullet is the hodgdon data with? Barnes lists the max load at 40.4, and I have read the monos create higher pressures than cup/core. I would back off a little bit until the ejector marks disappear. I’m at 41.5 with essentially the same load since that was the balance point between pressure signs and accuracy in my rifle.

 

[Midwest_Bowhunter83]

What bullet is the hodgdon data with? Barnes lists the max load at 40.4, and I have read the monos create higher pressures than cup/core. I would back off a little bit until the ejector marks disappear. I’m at 41.5 with essentially the same load since that was the balance point between pressure signs and accuracy in my rifle.

Their load data was with the Barnes LRX.

 

[wapitibob]

Christensen are notorious for ejector marks, and Hornady brass is soft.
I wouldn't change anything except the brass, get some Lapua.

 

[Schutzprecision]

I shoot the 127lrx in my 6.5 Creedmoor using 42.5 h4350, bullet is .035 off the rifling. Velocity is 2850 with a 22 inch barrel. Brass has several firings on it with no loose primer pockets or hard bolt lift or ejector marks. Using nosler brass. Every gun is different. You could drop .5 a grain to be safe. The deer and elk won’t notice the difference between 2890 and 2860

 

[jonesn3]

I’m loading the LRX for my Christensen 300WM with Norma brass. Also working on an equivalent load for a 180g Accubond with Nosler brass. I’ve also noticed slight ejector marks during my load development, even on lower powder charges and even on some factory ammo, so I’m not too worried about it considering there’s not other signs of pressure.

 

[kevingm1987]

If it was me, I wouldn't stress.

 

[wy_will]

You are probably fine. I’d guarantee most reloaders are over saami listed pressures. We just buy harder brass. That doesn’t reduce the pressure, it just hides it better.

 

[Igloo]

As an aside (sorry) for you guys using 127gr LRX at 6.5 Creedish speeds, how are you finding blood trails? Noticably different from 308 Win class rifles?

 

[SDHNTR]

Christensen are notorious for ejector marks, and Hornady brass is soft.
I wouldn't change anything except the brass, get some Lapua.

This. Every CA I’ve ever seen leaves heavy ejector marks, even with factory ammo.

 

[Schutzprecision]

As an aside (sorry) for you guys using 127gr LRX at 6.5 Creedish speeds, how are you finding blood trails? Noticably different from 308 Win class rifles?

Have killed several deer, several 150-250 lb wild hogs, and a few cow elk with that load from point blank to a little over 450 yards. No blood trails to follow everything dead where it stood except a cow which went about 30 yards and a blind liberal could follow the blood trail. Just my experience for what it’s worth.

 

[Igloo]

Have killed several deer, several 150-250 lb wild hogs, and a few cow elk with that load from point blank to a little over 450 yards. No blood trails to follow everything dead where it stood except a cow which went about 30 yards and a blind liberal could follow the blood trail. Just my experience for what it’s worth.

Dang! Thats encouraging! Cns/high shoulder hits on all the others?

 

[Schutzprecision]

Dang! Thats encouraging! Cns/high shoulder hits on all the others?

Not to derail thread but, Yes shoulder shots on everything. That’s why I like the tipped Barnes. Shoot through shoulders and all the bone fragments are like shrapnel and destroy the lungs. Very little meat damage. Bullet usually breaks offside shoulder and exits. I have good luck with them. I know a lot of people on this forum don’t like them but when used appropriately they kill well. Just my 2 cents. I like tmk and eldx eldm and game kings also.