What Difference do Primers Make? Fed 210M vs Win WLR

[PathFinder]

I'm in the process of working up a load for a new rifle (6.5 CM), and the best I've been able to get it to shoot is 3/4 MOA. I've used four different powders (H4350, RL17, Hybrid 100V, Varget) and two different bullets (140 Barnes Match Burner, 140 ELD Match), but only WLR primers. Factory Hornady 140 ELD Match (43.x g 100V, 210M primer) shoot closer to .6MOA at 100 yards, and hold just barely sub MOA at 700. Could the primers be the difference that I'm missing? I still have two powders to try tomorrow with the ELD Match (RL 17 & H4350) So far I've been able to get every combo to shoot .75-1 MOA, but no better. Any experience comparing WLR primers to the 210M?
A little more info, the gun is a Christensen Arms Classic Carbon. It's technically meeting its accuracy guarantee, but I expect better for what it cost.

 

[mtswampfox]

your rifle will answer that question ask it if you load on the edge as have done myself with near disastrous results,, when changing primers start out under your max load and work back up. trust me on this one..

 

[mt100gr.]

Have you tried different seating depths? Find your max COL and try different seating depths with your most accurate known load.

 

[PathFinder]

I've tried everything from right on the lans to factory COAL. Did about exactly the same thing either way, which surprised me.

 

[mt100gr.]

Then I'd try primers.

 

[Sam Millard]

Primers can make a big difference in accuracy, velocity, and consistency. As previously mentioned, be careful if you're at or close to your pressure ceiling. Don't rule out trying anything that will fit in the pocket.

For reference, I went from a H4350/CCI BR2 load, to a H4350/CCI 250 load in my 260 without changing the charge amount. Picked up significant velocity with no loss of accuracy.

Have you tried a 130 or 140 Berger Hybrid? Or a 140 SMK?

 

[BARichardson]

You need to try a ladder test and taylor the ammo to your gun... also I have found in many (4 different) 6.5CM rifles that H4831sc and the 140s go good together... Also like Sam said try a 130gr VLD in it as well! I run 130s in my 6.5CM and my .260AI both using the superformance powder and its AMAZING!!!!!!!!! both useing WLR primers

Shillen 24" 6.5CM shoots 130s @ 2975fps and is sub to 1k (havent went past it)

The 24" Proof barrel .260AI is slinging them @ 3135fps and I have made single shot deer kills at 1170yd and chinking steel at 1400yd.

 

[PathFinder]

I've ladder tested every combo I've done. Needless to say it's eating up components in a hurry. I've found loads with every combo that will do .75-1 MOA, and I'm starting to worry that it's all the gun is capable of. Paying 2500$ for a gun that shoots like a 200$ gun hurts. I've followed the same process (ladder test, verify best powder charge w/5 shot groups, then tune seating) with every rifle I own from a 500$ ABolt to a 3500$ HS Precision and always found a good load pretty quickly. I'm definitely going to try switching primers. I think I may have a couple different kinds around to try, but not the 210Ms I want. I haven't tried VLDs yet for a couple reasons. First, cost. Second, I've been planning to run the ELD-X in this rifle. Last I despise having to seating depth tune the finicky SOBs. But I loved the 215 Hybrids in my 300 WM so I'll probably give them a shot at some point.

 

[BARichardson]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5SmiMSF20A

I was talking this way.. I do it with 3 or 4 powders that i like the book speeds from start 2-3gr lower than max and load 10rounds untill i hit max in the rifle. always shooting threw a crono and getting speed data for each shot fired.. Shoot these test out as far as you can feel u are making solid shots cause @100 yd who cares its what is dose down range that matters (i wont even shoot 100yd groups anymore)

I usally start to run the VLDs 3tho off the lands and farthest is 15tho off.. and have never had seating depth issues with my VLDs

also with the heavies in the 6.5 139-144gr I always try the H4831sc in one test!

Another thing is ive had freak guns that shoot moa at 200 (2" group) and wont get tighter but will hold that same group size to around 500 yards witch has always boggled me but a 2.25" group at 500 is good in my book!

 

[PathFinder]

BARichardson thanks for the info! It seems like a ton of money to get a good load down, but had I followed that procedure in the first place, theoretically I'd be done by now and have a load figured out. I'm going to give that a try with the next combo. VLDs are next on my list if the ELDs don't turn out.

 

[BARichardson]

man you are not lying.. I got some rifles ive done that get into $200+ on load data.. I was in my reloading room today and seen the CCI BR2 primers and remembered those were great in one of my 6.5CM rifles as well.. Just to through another piece in the puzzle. haha!

 

[PathFinder]

Update: Bought CCI 200 primers and 130 HVLDs. Every powder charge in my workup at 100 shot under MOA. Now I've found something the gun likes I'm going to do the long range test.

 

[BARichardson]

superformance was shown to be my 130r speedking so don't count it out! I played around 44-47 grains on my 6.5CM guns and I'm sticking even more in my .260AI <---creedmoore's big brother! lol...

 

[mtswampfox]

Glad you found a winner. Two other things may be happening too. ,, barrel just breaking in and getting more consistant,,,,you are getting more comfortable and confident in your rifle. Happy shooting

 

[PathFinder]

Shot at 700 today, it's holding just over .5MOA five shot groups there. According to ballistics, I'm running about 2850 fps with 42.7gr of H4350 out of the 22" barrel. When I get more brass I'm going to try RL17 and Superformance, try to squeeze 75-100 fps out of it.