6.5 PRC keeping it cheap and simple

[jlchester5045]

For true economy, I loaded with Lee for years when I was on a budget. You can make accurate ammo with Lee dies. Buy what your budget can afford.

Secondly, this will be controversial, I find H1000 and N565 to be a bit slow for 6.5 PRC. I’m running N560 with great load density and accuracy. If your solely chasing velocity, there’s probably latter will get you there.

 

[Castle Rock]

^ I like 4831 recently

 

[Harvey_NW]

I’m running N560 with great load density and accuracy. If your solely chasing velocity, there’s probably latter will get you there.

N560 isn't a stable powder though, so you'll see pretty big velocity swings if you hunt in a wide range of temps.

^ I like 4831 recently

I like 4831, better velocities than N565?

 

[jlchester5045]

I haven't experienced any issues with temp stability. My load was finalized during a Georgia summer, and I used it three weeks ago in Colorado. It was in the teens in the unit I was hunting and only lost about 40 FPS. All these velocities verified by my Garmin chrono.

 

[benconfused]

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.

What makes Forster dies better? I can get Hornady at a discount is why I'm asking.

 

[Ridge86]

Try n560 it doesn’t fill the case as fast as other powders

 

[Harvey_NW]

What makes Forster dies better? I can get Hornady at a discount is why I'm asking.

I prefer Hornady, especially with their chamber designs. Never had issues with them. Only issue I've ever had with a sizing die and sticking cases was with a Forster.

 

[Goshawk]

^ I like 4831 recently

Do you mind sharing how many grains you're using? I have the 4831sc so not sure if that would change anything. I just got a 6.5 prc and was hoping to use that powder to start since I already have it for my .270 load.

 

[Castle Rock]

Do you mind sharing how many grains you're using? I have the 4831sc so not sure if that would change anything. I just got a 6.5 prc and was hoping to use that powder to start since I already have it for my .270 load.

I am away at the moment from my data, prompt me on the weekend for details

 

[Kimber7man]

N560 isn't a stable powder though, so you'll see pretty big velocity swings if you hunt in a wide range of temps.


I like 4831, better velocities than N565?

What velocity swings have you seen with N560? thx

 

[Harvey_NW]

What velocity swings have you seen with N560? thx

I haven't personally used 560, but have seen @khuber84 mention it being sensitive and may have better feedback. Also, conversely seen member @jonnyviceroy mention it not being as bad as rumored in his testing in a similar thread. Hopefully they can chime in.

 

[khuber84]

I haven't personally used 560, but have seen @khuber84 mention it being sensitive and may have better feedback. Also, conversely seen member @jonnyviceroy mention it not being as bad as rumored in his testing in a similar thread. Hopefully they can chime in.

If you develop loads in a +-20° delta of your typical hunting temps it'll hang in there. So do your load dev in 30-40° weather and you're good from 15° to 55°, my suggestion. Or you can do load dev in warm temps, but adjust charge for expected climate.

 

[Gmr777]

I really prefer the Forster dies as they have a lube vent that prevents some hydraulic denting if you overlube. N565 is the ticket right around 56-57gr with both the Berger 156's and the ELDM 147.

Curious what velocities you’re getting with the 156s and what length barrel. These are exactly the components I’m planning to load in my 20” once it’s finished.

 

[jonnyviceroy]

If you develop loads in a +-20° delta of your typical hunting temps it'll hang in there. So do your load dev in 30-40° weather and you're good from 15° to 55°, my suggestion. Or you can do load dev in warm temps, but adjust charge for expected climate.

I developed mine within +- 30 degrees of my usual/expected hunting conditions. I have tested on two separate occasions rounds stuck in a ziplock on ice in a cooler and rounds with a few large hand warmers in a cooler. I used a laser temp gun and tracking the associated MV found a very consistent temp slope of .58 and .6 fps per degree. Utilizing that in my RF which is what I use for field solutions it solves for it. Even if I was just to use a pre printed chart and don’t account for a temp swing I think it is an over emphasized non issue. Anybody can take their calculator of choice and change MV by + or - 40 fps (which would be extreme) and see how much less of an impact it would have inside hunting distances of 5-600 yards. Now if you start getting into powders that have 1.2 or greater temp slope I think it becomes more of an issue but I just don’t see anywhere near that with 560. Although I hope all the forums continue to think it’s “sensitive and unuseable” so I can keep finding it easily haha. It’s my go to for high speeds in short barreled magnums.