Which group to test further?

[cstrah6]

My 6.5 Creedmoor did not seem to like 140 ELDM H4350 combo. Could not get below 1.5 MOA for 15 shot group no matter powder charge.

Went out this morning and tested 140ELDM with Staball 6.5 with 5 shot groups at 42 gr and 43 gr. No signs of pressure at 42 gr but do have some ejector marks at 43 gr.

Pictures show the two groups. My question is which group would you pick to load a 15 shot group with.

No chrono only working at group size.

Group on the left measured .68
Group on the right measured .77 with the 5 round being low.

 

[Marbles]

The one without pressure signs.

If you truly think the powder charge will make a difference, then both.

 

[Andouille]

If 42 and 43 shoot these statistically indistinguishable groups and you have pressure signs at 43, and you want to maximize velocity (and don't subscribe to "node theory"), then just shoot 42.5. Its my experience that 1/2 grain makes little to no difference on accuracy with 6.5CM with H4350, SB 6.5, H4831sc, VV560, V555, and combinations of 140 eldm, 147 eldx, 147 eldm which are generally very accurate at 0.050" +/- jump.

 

[cstrah6]

I was not supper concerned about the ejector mark on the 43 gr load because I have seen this on factory ammo as well in this rifle. I was more concerned about the bolt lift being heavy. I’m new to reloading and not super confident in pressure signs to be honest.

Here is the ejector mark on 43 gr load.

 

[cstrah6]

If 42 and 43 shoot these statistically indistinguishable groups and you have pressure signs at 43, and you want to maximize velocity (and don't subscribe to "node theory"), then just shoot 42.5. Its my experience that 1/2 grain makes little to no difference on accuracy with 6.5CM with H4350, SB 6.5, H4831sc, VV560, V555, and combinations of 140 eldm, 147 eldx, 147 eldm which are generally very accurate at 0.050" +/- jump.

I am trying to maximize velocity. I cut the barrel down to 18 inches in this rifle shooting suppressed. I will try 42.5 and see how it shoots

 

[Caseknife]

If you are new to reloading and trying to maximize velocity and not shooting with a chrono, maybe get a chrono?

 

[Andouille]

I was not supper concerned about the ejector mark on the 43 gr load because I have seen this on factory ammo as well in this rifle. I was more concerned about the bolt lift being heavy. I’m new to reloading and not super confident in pressure signs to be honest.

Here is the ejector mark on 43 gr load.

It appears that you also have some primer catering (raised lip on firing pin indent) and a moderately flattened primer so dropping the load would be prudent. Bolt lift occurs when youre already substantially over pressure, so it's important to pay attention to the precursor signs to guide your safe load.

Hornady brass is on the softer side and won't handle pressure as well as does premium brass, but were talking maybe 20-30fps gain before you see the same pressure signs. I use Lapua (best) and Starline (better) for 6.5 CM.

Lastly, seating the bullet farther out in the case than SAAMI COAL may gain you a fee FPS due to increased powder capacity and case volume. This assumes adequate magazine length and a jump of 0.030-0.050" to the lands. This jump is in the sweet spot ELDM and ELDX in 6.5CM.

Are you shooting a tikka?

 

[cstrah6]

If you are new to reloading and trying to maximize velocity and not shooting with a chrono,

It appears that you also have some primer catering (raised lip on firing pin indent) and a moderately flattened primer so dropping the load would be prudent. Bolt lift occurs when youre already substantially over pressure, so it's prudent to pay attention to the precursor signs to guide your safe load.

Thanks for the info! I will stay at 42 gr!