6.5 PRC 156 Berger Elite hunter load help

[CRJR45]

Ok , which powder would you try first of what I have

RE19
RE23
RE25
H4831SC
V570

Using ADG brass and which primers Fed 215 or CCI200

I need all the help I can get , usually .

Thanks

 

[mlevimadden]

H1000, N565, or RL26 will give you the best velocities if you can get your hands on any of those.

Out of your list RE25 and H4831SC are faster burning than ideal and N570 is slower burning than ideal. All 3 will probably work but you'll be leaving velocity on the table.

My 6.5 PRC does fine with standard large rifle primers, and I went that route when most people said they were hitting pressure at lower velocities with the magnum primers.

 

[huntnful]

With a 156 you can just shoot a full case of N570 and be at the cusp of pressure as well as top speeds. 59-60gr.

 

[CRJR45]

My LGS has H1000 in stock , I'll try that first , thank you .

 

[huntnful]

My LGS has H1000 in stock , I'll try that first , thank you .

It’s great powder. But no speed demon. Start around 54gr. and work up.

 

[CRJR45]

I emailed Berger for the load chart , just wanted to eliminate as much as I could as far as trial and error .

Thank you guys !

 

[bluetick78]

Rl 25 with the 156 Berger has worked well for me out of a Christensen Mesa and 2 Seekins PH2's. Around 2975 fps with 59 grains charge weight. One of the Seekins prefers 58.4 grains at 2927 fps. They've killed elk, mulies, rockchucks, and antelope from up close to way out there. Unfortunately, it's getting just about impossible to get RL powders, and probably will be for quite a while. I'm going to re-do load development with N565 and H1000 soon so that I don't have to worry about getting RL25. If you have a good supply, go for it. If not, get some N565 and/or H1000 and go from there. The 156 is a great bullet that kills quick and is fairly simple to tune to your rifle.

 

[Smithb9841]

H4831SC has worked great for me. Once barrel broke in ended up with 2940 fps and that wasn’t pushing hard at all. I know 5 other guys shooting the same load great combo for everyone I know that tried it.

 

[CRJR45]

Rl 25 with the 156 Berger has worked well for me out of a Christensen Mesa and 2 Seekins PH2's. Around 2975 fps with 59 grains charge weight. One of the Seekins prefers 58.4 grains at 2927 fps. They've killed elk, mulies, rockchucks, and antelope from up close to way out there. Unfortunately, it's getting just about impossible to get RL powders, and probably will be for quite a while. I'm going to re-do load development with N565 and H1000 soon so that I don't have to worry about getting RL25. If you have a good supply, go for it. If not, get some N565 and/or H1000 and go from there. The 156 is a great bullet that kills quick and is fairly simple to tune to your rifle.

Hmmm, I have 9 lbs of RE25 , but I orded the H 1000 already . Oh well , can never have too much powder .

 

[Jmort1754]

H4831SC has worked great for me. Once barrel broke in ended up with 2940 fps and that wasn’t pushing hard at all. I know 5 other guys shooting the same load great combo for everyone I know that tried it.

Where did you start with 4831, I never saw that much speed but never worked with it that much.

Using Lapua Brass Rem LRP, and 56-57 H1k Was a deadly combo. ES 15 Sd 4 2895 AVG of 10 shots all under MOA.

 

[Smithb9841]

Where did you start with 4831, I never saw that much speed but never worked with it that much.

Using Lapua Brass Rem LRP, and 56-57 H1k Was a deadly combo. ES 15 Sd 4 2895 AVG of 10 shots all under MOA.

To be honest I started with what I ended with. Good buddy of mine had used the same load for himself and a handful of other guys knew it was a moderate load we loaded up I believe 54grains (I’d have to check my notes when I’m home) it shot great just like it did in everyone else’s with no pressure and I’ve been running it ever since.

I did see pressure signs one time after 300-400 rounds but I cleaned the barrel and signs went away. Went back to shooting the same load and haven’t needed to Change.

 

[DallyB09]

I don’t know how guys are getting these velocity numbers. I’m still very new in the reloading game but I whipped up some 156 bergers in my bergara. 56 gr of H1000 at 2.3 CBTO puts me .11 off lands due to box restrictions. I hit pressure (ejector marks and slight bolt lift) at 57 gr. Only ended up at 2814 but is close to a half min gun.

 

[Pharmseller]

Reloder 26 gets me 2934.




P

 

[Smithb9841]

I don’t know how guys are getting these velocity numbers. I’m still very new in the reloading game but I whipped up some 156 bergers in my bergara. 56 gr of H1000 at 2.3 CBTO puts me .11 off lands due to box restrictions. I hit pressure (ejector marks and slight bolt lift) at 57 gr. Only ended up at 2814 but is close to a half min gun.

Is this a new rifle? And what’s the barrel length? My barrel sped up close to 100fps after about 50-70 rounds

 

[DallyB09]

Is this a new rifle? And what’s the barrel length? My barrel sped up close to 100fps after about 50-70 rounds

it’s a 24” tube and has around 250 rounds down it.

 

[Smithb9841]

I’m surprised you’re not getting higher velocities. What brass?

 

[DallyB09]

I’m surprised you’re not getting higher velocities. What brass?

Hornady 2x. I’ve been stumped.

 

[Smithb9841]

Hornady 2x. I’ve been stumped.

I’m using ADG and lapua brass in my 6.5 not sure if switching would allow you to push it harder, or it could just be a slower barrel. I know my xbolt in 28 Nosler seemed pretty slow for a 28 Nosler so it does happen.

But after what I’ve seen these Berger bullets do I wouldn’t be concerned about 100fps starting difference. Both bucks I’ve killed with the 156 bergers just destroyed the insides. But it does suck expecting a rifle to do one thing and not being able to get what you thought out of it.

 

[DallyB09]

I’m using ADG and lapua brass in my 6.5 not sure if switching would allow you to push it harder, or it could just be a slower barrel. I know my xbolt in 28 Nosler seemed pretty slow for a 28 Nosler so it does happen.

But after what I’ve seen these Berger bullets do I wouldn’t be concerned about 100fps starting difference. Both bucks I’ve killed with the 156 bergers just destroyed the insides. But it does suck expecting a rifle to do one thing and not being able to get what you thought out of it.

I killed a whitetail doe with it last week and they definately do the job. Was just a bit disappointed with speed. Didn’t know if it’s a me problem or what. I’m pretty new to handloading. I was thrilled getting small groups.

 

[Smithb9841]

I killed a whitetail doe with it last week and they definately do the job. Was just a bit disappointed with speed. Didn’t know if it’s a me problem or what. I’m pretty new to handloading. I was thrilled getting small groups.

I get where you’re coming from 100% I was very disappointed before my barrel sped up. But with those groups yours is shooting I’d hunt with that all day. If you really wanted to push it you could get some ADG or lapua brass and push it but I don’t think it’s worth it after seeing what those bullets do firsthand.