Bullets and loads for 6.5 Creedmoor??

When I 1st started shooting 6.5 I used only 143 gr Hornady ELD-X bullets. But there are a group of guys on another forum that I follow that had enough positive comments about 139 gr Lapua Scenar bullets that I gave them a try. Currently this is the only bullet I'm loading for my 6.5 CM. And the 155 gr version is the primary bullet I'm loading for my 30 caliber rifles. They are extremely accurate and compared to a lot of premium bullets are reasonably priced.

They are advertised as a target bullet, but I've seen too many photos of dead animals up to elk size and read too many positive reports. I'll not think twice about hunting with them.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1270666752

Varget isn't an ideal 6.5 CM powder. THE powder of choice if you can find it is H4350. Other good substitutes are Ramshot Hunter, RL17, and IMR4451. I load 41.5 gr of H4350 with every 139-143 gr bullet I've tried and gotten excellent accuracy.

I ran the Sierra 85 gr HP (#1700) over Varget in another cartridge. It became a standard load for me. Its also usually the cheapest bullet you can find. Speer still offers their 90 gr TNT, in stock at Midway, so that's an option. Sub 100 gr .264 bullets never seem to be that popular but they shoot well and cost little. For larger ones in stock, the Hornady 129 gr SP.

I’ve used H4350, IMR 4451, and RL 17 with good results. RL 17 is the most consistent across all my rifles, with loads ranging from 41 to 43 grains depending on the bullet. RL 16 is very popular, but I’ve not tried it as I’ve got plenty of 17. 17 is often easy to locate as many users have switched to 16. I’m experimenting with RL 26 for long range target shooting, but I’ve not found THE load yet, so the jury is still out.

I use 129/130 grain and 140/143 grain bullets of many types. The 129 Hornadys are great on deer. I’ve never had one go more than about 6’ or so.

I have owned 4 Creedmoors and have shot weights of 120gr-143gr. 130gr Accubond has been my go to bullet in 3 of the 4 guns. Works very well from 20 yds to 400. My Bergara is set up for longer ranges but even then I still stick with 129gr Accubond LR. Best powder has been H4350, IMR-4350, R-17 and am presently testing Superformance. Varget didn't find any fans in my guns.

I load 143 ELD X .. for target shooting. Hodgdon Hybrid 100 V 39.7 grains 2.810 COAL Hornady cases and CCI 200 primers . 2650 FPS . I also use Varget on my Barnes Match Burners 120 grain . 40.8 grains 2.750 COAL Hornady cases and CCI 200 primers ,2879 FPS . Both loads are very accurate !! Out of a Ruger American Predator at 100 yards . All holes are touching on both loads.

143 ELD X with 39.7 grains of Hodgdon Hybrid 100 V at 100 yards 5 shots

3 shots 100 yards 120 Barnes Match Burners 40.8 grains of Varget

140 grain ELD M 500 yards 42.6 grains of H4350 2.810 COAL 5 shots Hornady brass and CCI 200 primers 2812 FPS

I am using SW4350 and liking it.

I normally don't use Varget for my 6.5 CM. I have used it when I started hand loading for it. 130gr SMK , Rem 7.5 primers, 38.4 gr Varget with Starline brass gave me 2750 fps. < 1 moa at 300 yrds. My go to load is using the H4350 and 140gr ELD-M, 42.3gr H4350, Rem 7.5 Primer, 2.820" OAL gives me a 2740 fps. My most refined load is using Lapua Brass, 140gr ELD-M, 42.3gr H4350 @ 2.820" OAL with Fed GM205MAR primer. All necks have been turned on all my brass, annealed every load cycle.

I've use RL-17 in the past with 130gr SMK. I have a very good load that started blowing primers when it started heating up here. RL-17 is not a temp stable powder and it gave me problems here in TX due to large temp swings. So I no longer use it. I could in the winter months but not worth the effort since I have others loads that shoot very well.

No Creedmore here but I've had real good results with 140 and 142gr SMK's over RL22 IN MY 6.5x55.

Some cases (hard to find) especially in Texas have small rifle primer pockets. Some Federal and Starline cases that I have seen. Small rifle primer pocket 6.5 creedmoor are hard to find.

Sniper66 said:

Am I reading right. Did you use Remington 7.5 Small Rifle primers?

Click to expand...

Yes I did. I've switched over to the Fed GM205MAR as they give me better consistency, low single digits SD. All my brass (Starline & Lapua) has the SP which takes the pressure better than the large. My 6.5CM is in form of a AR. 24" SS heavy barrel. When I'm shooting for max accuracy I use a Bob Sled. So far by best 5 shot group has been 1" at 300 yrds.