6.5 creed and 156gr Bergers

[tdhanses]

Getting ready to work on load development for the 156’s, prepped 100 brass tonight, plan to load my test rounds tomorrow. I’ll be .11 off the lands to fit the mag box but I find Bergers like a big jump. I’ll be using Hornady brass, cci br2 primers and rl-16 powder.

20” barrel and 2” muzzle brake, not sure if that matters. Any Guesses on velocity? Be interesting to see if I can be close or better then the factory Hornady match 147eldm loads.

i know I’m not going for speed but still any guesses?

My guess is I top out just over 2700ft/s but find a sweet spot under that. The factory load 147’s are at 2621ft/s.

I’ll not be concerned with group size on the first round of testing, 5 shot groups going in .5gr increments mainly looking for pressure signs and low ES. Will then fine tune from there.

Anyone else try the 156’s in their 6.5creed yet?

 

[archp625]

I don't have any input. I'm just here to see what you find out. Keep us posted.

 

[Broz]

I got 2750 on a full house load with H4350 and a 24" barrel. My guess would be a safe accurate load will be 2600 to 2650 from a 20" tube, probably closer to the 2600 mark

 

[tdhanses]

You probably are correct, I’m hoping RL-16 ends up a little faster then H4350, I think that is what Hornady uses for the powder in their factory match ammo. It’ll be fun getting this dialed for the 156’s.

I was going to play with RL-26 but I only have a few pounds of it left and I need it for another rifle.

 

[tdhanses]

I don't have any input. I'm just here to see what you find out. Keep us posted.

Will do, if I’m over 2600 I’ll be happy.

 

[Mulyhuntr]

RL16 is about 50fps faster than h4350 in my experience. I doubt you’ll get to 2700 out of a 20” tube.

 

[tdhanses]

Should find out tomorrow. If I remember correctly there is less bearing surface on the 156 then the 147’s. I also wonder how safe they load the 147’s from the factory.

 

[mt100gr.]

I'd have a hard time not dabbling with that RL26. I have a 20" Creedmoor that's hitting a nice node at 2700 with 143eldx bullets. I quit my ladder testing when i got there...Depending on the bearing surface of the 156 berger I don't think 2700 (or darn close) would be out of the question.

 

[tdhanses]

Oh trust me I am!

The 156 has a bearing surface of 0.545 the 143 eldx is .467 and the 147 eldm is ??? Can’t find it now.

Edit just saw rfurman tested this and the 147ELDM was 0.666 and the Berger 156 was 0.631 in his test.

 

[Broz]

No worries of Temp swings with RL16? I have not tested it but RL19 was terrible in an old 6 BR I loaded with 107's

 

[264win]

RL 16 and 26 are both supposed to be temp stable.
They are certainly better than RL 19 though that is a low bar..

 

[tdhanses]

No worries of Temp swings with RL16? I have not tested it but RL19 was terrible in an old 6 BR I loaded with 107's

It is supposedly very temp stable, I have not had issues with RL26 (no major swings) others have so makes me wonder. I shoot from 0* to around 95* with RL26 without much of a swing and my pet load with RL26 is not mild, any warmer in temps above 95* and it’s break time. I wonder if Ryan Furman has tested it here in KS with our temp swings?

RL16 is new to me only because I couldn’t find anymore RL26. So I’ll know more as the year goes on for temp stability as I have 8lbs.

All loaded and ready to go, Berger recommends 35.5 - 39.5, I loaded 36.5-40 to test, be interesting to see if there are pressure signs at 39.5. No compressed loads.

 

[Savagenut]

Looking forward to your feedback. Hearing mixed reviews about the performance of these in game. Want to try them in my 6.5 so bad.

 

[tdhanses]

Interesting note, the factory match 147 eldm is a compressed load.

 

[tdhanses]

Looking forward to your feedback. Hearing mixed reviews about the performance of these in game. Want to try them in my 6.5 so bad.

I take little credibility with those that have bad experiences with any Berger’s, especially one just released, usually it’s one experience and of course it’s always the bullets fault or it’s someone that their SIL’s husband knows someone they failed on, give me numerous failures from my own personal experience and then I’ll move on.

But I’m no expert, just my take on bullets.

Just make sure you have a 1:8 twist barrel of faster.

 

[JimGa]

I got up to 2850 in a 21" barrel Barrett FC with 140's and rl26. I get 2730 with rl16, but it is more accurate. I'd definitely try 26 if you can find some. Don't overlook rl22 and 23, as I've gotten good velocity and accuracy with those as well with the 147 eld.

 

[tdhanses]

Testing will continue, zero signs of pressure at 40gr and velocity is low at 2516 ft/s. I’m wondering if Berger gave me data for a different powder. At 36.5gr I’m getting 2291 ft/s. I’m also thinking about trying a different primer.

 

[Cahunter805]

I’d work up a bit higher but probably switch powders. Hodgdon is showing over 2700 with 100V and a 150gr.

 

[tdhanses]

Yeah I’m going to keep going up till I get into pressure but if it doesn’t improve much I’ll load up some with RL26. I’ll play with a few different primers.

 

[Broz]

Looks like she is plenty safe. Good thread! I took a few deer with the 155's - Gen 1 to the 156 that has a slightly changed nose, in my 6.5 Creed. They did a great job.

Jeff