6.5 PRC keeping it cheap and simple

[Ranger 692]

Finally have enough spent brass to start reloading for my 6.5 PRC. Amongst the cheaper “basic” full length die sets, any preference between Hornady/RCBS/Lee etc etc for this particular cartridge?

Wanting to load 147 ELDM’s for my 22” barrel. Start with H1000 or N565? Seems pretty split reading through older posts. Has one been found to be generally better than the other for that bullet? Thanks

 

[sndmn11]

Same
Same

 

[Smokinyotes]

I really like my Hornady match grade bushing dies and micrometer seater.

 

[Plainsman79]

I really like my Hornady match grade bushing dies and micrometer seater.

I’ll second this.

I also use the Hornady stuff and it works fine.

No experience with ELD-M. But my PRC really likes H1000 and 4831SC with Bergers/Accubond’s.

 

[Backcast88]

Powder wise, I would run n565 or H4831sc.

For basic dies, Hornady or RCBS would be preferred. But spending a little more and get the Forster Benchrest set of dies wouldn't be a bad option either.

My preferred dies for my 6.5 PRC loading is a Forster Bushing FL die and a Redding Micrometer seating die. I've produced my most consistent ammo and consistent accuracy wit this die set.

 

[43.6N]

My cheap Hornady seating die with the 147 specific stem has been great. I let it and forget it.

N565 was good enough that I stopped trying other powder.

 

[Castle Rock]

Hornady dies work particularly well with cartridges that they have developed.
The standard dies are good, as said get the ELDM seating plug.
H1000 is what I use, or MRP if you can get it.

 

[Ranger 692]

Is the ELDM plug you mention an add on part? Or there are versions of die sets sold that way?

 

[Harvey_NW]

Hornady Custom Grade dies with the VLD seating stem that I believe comes in the die set, and N565 has been the ticket for me. H1000 was almost identical velocity, but N565 grouped tighter in my testing. Both are awesome stable powders.

 

[Ranger 692]

Hornady Custom Grade dies with the VLD seating stem that I believe comes in the die set, and N565 has been the ticket for me. H1000 was almost identical velocity, but N565 grouped tighter in my testing. Both are awesome stable powders.

I bought the regular Hornady full length die sets. Is there an add on stem for that? Never used one, how do they work?

Can’t find 565 locally but could find H1000. What’s a good starting point to work from with the 147? Mag or regular LRP primers?

 

[Harvey_NW]

I bought the regular Hornady full length die sets. Is there an add on stem for that? Never used one, how do they work?

It's just a separate seating stem with a deeper cavity for the longer VLD style bullets so it doesn't smash tips during seating, should be in the upper right hand corner of the die box IIRC. You just have to pull the adjuster out of the seater die and swap the stem out.

Can’t find 565 locally but could find H1000. What’s a good starting point to work from with the 147? Mag or regular LRP primers?

Either primer will work, magnums might give you a bit more speed but sometimes LRP can have less velocity ES. Starting point I would reference Hodgdons data and probably not exceed max until you're familiar with identifying pressure signs. In a new chamber I usually start with a mid range charge and work up to book max with 1 shot each in .5gr increments checking for signs, just to be safe. If I get any signs I drop at least 1gr and load 10 and shoot for group test. The Painless Load Development thread is also a good reference.

 

[krhuntin]

I have found that the 140 class bullets worked best for velocity, ES, SD, and accuracy with N565. The lower grain bullets 127, 130 worked best with staball 6.5, and the 156 bergers worked best with H1000. At least in my rifle that is. I typically like the rcbs a little more than hornady, but they all work. Hornady seems to be a little finicky on how much lube is on the case from what i have seen.

 

[Ranger 692]

Thanks for all the help fellas. Time to start loading

 

[justin davis]

I found H1000 to shoot more accurate than N565 in my gun

 

[Ranger 692]

I found H1000 to shoot more accurate than N565 in my gun

What bullet(s)? Mind sharing the load working for you?

 

[JO.]

Hornady custom dies for the PRC have done well for me. I've mostly used RCBS dies on other cartridges.