First time reloading 6.5 CM

[Mattyq17]

Brand new Tikka T3x cleaned and torqued to spec with nail polish
Maven RS1.2 scope SRS rail Warne Mountain Tech Rings
New Peterson brass
147 ELD-M
Fed 210 primers seated with Forster priming tool
2.825 COAL
Loaded left to right 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42 H4350
Didn’t have the chronograph handy at the time
Shot the 40 and 40.5 in the bank out the back door and the last three at a target the next day since I was sighting in my 300wm.
Slightly harder bolt lift on 42 grns
I see marks on the brass for 41.5 and 42
I have 100 new pieces of Peterson brass and 400 147’s.
Which load do you suggest based on the brass to finish out the first 100 rounds
Thanks.

 

[MT-nuffgun]

Load 10 at 41.0 and shoot a group at 100 yards. If the group is 1.25” or less and the velocity is acceptable to you, roll on. If the group or velocity is not acceptable, try a different bullet or powder combo.

 

[kevingm1987]

I don't personally see any mark on the brass that would make me pull back on the charge. I run 42.2gn of H4350 with a 130gn VLD-h

 

[eyeguy]

try one or 2 other appropriate powders with a ladder like you did with 4350. pick the one with the most consistent groups and acceptable velocity. As has been said nothing in your first ladder looks concerning. Really need a chronograph to help you draw good conclusions with your ladders and where max might be for your rifle.

 

[david2duck]

41/41.5/42 all have ejector marks.

 

[Mattyq17]

Thanks all I did notice the ejector marks on those three as well after I looked at the pictures closer. Gonna load up 10 at 41 and chrono and will report back. Here is the group for 41, 41.5, and 42.