6.5 PRC Local Powder Choices

[General RE LEE]

I know this has been discussed a bunch, but I want some feedback on the local 6.5 PRC powders I can get at my shop.

I will be loading 147 ELDMs and accuracy trumps speed.

Retumbo
Ramshot Grand
Staball HD
H4831 SC

What are you all's experience with these powders?

 

[mthunter1989]

Only one I've tried out of those choices in my Roughtech 6.5 PRC is Staball HD. LIttle slower velocity wise than H1000, but accuracy was great. I was loading for the 143gr ELD-X. 5 round groups at 100 yards were all right around 1/2" during a pressure test. I don't think I got a picture of a group during zeroing before last rifle season here, but it got boring watching the hole get slightly bigger with each of the 10 shots.

 

[mthunter1989]

This was the pressure test. Charge weights whited out for safety. Not over max, but very close to what Hodgdon has listed.

 

[parshal]

4831sc will work. See this article.

I tried it with 143's. 52-54 grains gave me 2881-2956 fps. I don't recall accuracy but it wasn't unacceptable. I just have a lot more N565.

 

[General RE LEE]

4831sc will work. See this article.

I tried it with 143's. 52-54 grains gave me 2881-2956 fps. I don't recall accuracy but it wasn't unacceptable. I just have a lot more N565.

Great article thank you

 

[Backcast88]

I have been playing with StaBall HD. I keep trying to make it work and I get disappointing results every time. Velocity isn't close to published data, ES/SD are not very good, and accuracy is okay at best.

My buddy has the same experience with Grand.

Never shot Retumbo but would like to try it in my Seekins.

4831sc is a long time favorite in my 270 loads. And it my Seekins and my buddy's Seekins its a winner. For me, velocity is pretty good (high 2800 fps) and ES/SD is good. But accuracy has been really good.

I prefer N565 for my rifle since its easier to find locally in my area, and offers better velocity. Accuracy/ES/SD is as good or better than with 4831sc but I would be thrilled with either one.

 

[General RE LEE]

I have been playing with StaBall HD. I keep trying to make it work and I get disappointing results every time. Velocity isn't close to published data, ES/SD are not very good, and accuracy is okay at best.

My buddy has the same experience with Grand.

Never shot Retumbo but would like to try it in my Seekins.

4831sc is a long time favorite in my 270 loads. And it my Seekins and my buddy's Seekins its a winner. For me, velocity is pretty good (high 2800 fps) and ES/SD is good. But accuracy has been really good.

I prefer N565 for my rifle since its easier to find locally in my area, and offers better velocity. Accuracy/ES/SD is as good or better than with 4831sc but I would be thrilled with either one.

H4831SC is consistently mentioned as a powder that delivers excellent accuracy. I'll take low SDs/ESs and tight dispersion over speed any day.

 

[Plainsman79]

I used 4831sc for the first couple years and it shot great with 143eld-x’s and 140 Bergers. Once I was able to find H1000 I haven’t been back to it though. Still looking for N565 in my neck of the woods.

 

[Smithb9841]

I’ve had really good success with H4831sc and 156 bergers. I’m assuming it would be good for 147 eld-m as well