Alternate powders for 6.5 creedmoor

[k0mit]

I'm new here, and searched for this with no results, but if this question has already been asked, please refer me to the appropriate thread. Thnx.

So, with powders in very short supply just about everywhere, does anyone have recommendations for some alternate powders to try for the 6.5 CM? So far, I think I have a few that might be suitable… Varmint, CFE 223, Leverevolution, and Power Pro 4000-MR. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[AJC1]

What does your load manual say.... I would say any powder marked 4350 or hunter

 

[Hugger-4641]

I've got some test rounds of 6.5 loaded with RL17, SW4350, and IMR4064. Waiting on weather and work to cooperate on the same day so I can get out the chronagraph.

 

[Charlie98]

I would say the 4000-MR, it's the slowest one listed, assuming you can find data for it.

 

[jmr40]

If you can find any H4350 is the go-to powder for 6.5CM. Especially with 140 gr and heavier bullets. I've had good luck with Ramshot Hunter and IMR4451. While I've not used them I read good things about Reloder 16 and 17. I can find data for Varget, but it isn't going to be very fast.

 

[Wyo82]

Here is one of the load tables from Speer....hopefully it helps.

 

[Wyo82]

k0mit what brand and weight bullets are you shooting? If we know that, we can give you some more help.

 

[k0mit]

Hey, all of you, I really appreciate the input, but as a new reloader I've been unable to find any of those recommendations. I did manage to find some data for the 4 powders I mentioned, but have never seen any of those powders talked about anywhere else. Was just hoping maybe someone had some first had experience. So far, Hornady bullets (140, 123, and 120) are all I have, and I plan to use the Alliant tables for the Power Pro 4000.

 

[k0mit]

I just joined this forum today, and I have to tell you I have been so impressed with the fast, informative replies I've received. Thank you.

 

[k0mit]

Here is one of the load tables from Speer....hopefully it helps. View attachment 977468

Excellent, Wyo82! Thank you.

 

[i1nk83]

Anything around h4350 in the burn chart will work reasonably well. I wouldnt go much past reloder22 tho or faster than cfe223.

 

[k0mit]

Anything around h4350 in the burn chart will work reasonably well. I wouldnt go much past reloder22 tho or faster than cfe223.View attachment 977520

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind, and so far I don't have anything except Varmint that is outside those parameters, so I'll save it for something else.

 

[rdnktrkr]

I use 140gr bullets and h4350 on the ones I loaded and found at 200yrds it liked being at the lower end, I didn't have any luck with the 123gr in the 6.5cm

 

[2ndtimer]

I would say the 4000-MR, it's the slowest one listed, assuming you can find data for it.

I agree with Charlie98, of the powders you listed, only Power Pro 4000-MR will get close to the popular (impossible to find) powders recommended for the 6.5 Creedmoor. The others are too fast burning to reach top velocity at safe pressure levels, and will probably have mediocre load density (case fill). I saw a pound of 4000-MR on the shelf at a local retailer just this afternoon. I ordered and received 5 pounds of it several weeks ago at the bargain price of $19.99 per pound. I have used it with decent results in .243 Win., .270 Win., .270WSM, and .300 Win Mag. I don’t have a Creedmoor (or a man bun ), but if I did, I would give the 4000-MR a try. You might also check for H-414 or Ramshot Hunter while you are coming up empty trying to find one of the 4350’s or Reloder 16 or 17.

 

[k0mit]

I agree with Charlie98, of the powders you listed, only Power Pro 4000-MR will get close to the popular (impossible to find) powders recommended for the 6.5 Creedmoor. The others are too fast burning to reach top velocity at safe pressure levels, and will probably have mediocre load density (case fill). I saw a pound of 4000-MR on the shelf at a local retailer just this afternoon. I ordered and received 5 pounds of it several weeks ago at the bargain price of $19.99 per pound. I have used it with decent results in .243 Win., .270 Win., .270WSM, and .300 Win Mag. I don’t have a Creedmoor (or a man bun ), but if I did, I would give the 4000-MR a try. You might also check for H-414 or Ramshot Hunter while you are coming up empty trying to find one of the 4350’s or Reloder 16 or 17.

WHAT! No man bun!?! LOL. Me neither. From what you and the others have said, it sounds like the PP 4000 is my best bet, and I managed to find 3 lbs of that. So I should be good for a while. You did get a bargain at $19.99/lb … mine averaged about $30.

 

[k0mit]

I use 140gr bullets and h4350 on the ones I loaded and found at 200yrds it liked being at the lower end, I didn't have any luck with the 123gr in the 6.5cm

Thanks for that … 140 gr. is what I'll start with.

 

[Charlie98]

FWIW, I've been loading the Sierra SMK 142grn, I've used IMR4064, which I have quite a bit on hand, and IMR4451... when I couldn't find any of the 4350's, and this was some years ago. The research I've done leads me to believe the 4350 burn rate is the ideal place to be... 4064 is a little too fast for the heavies, and was not as accurate as 4451 was (in the rifle I was shooting it in.) I've even seen where they are using H4831, RL22, H1000, and one guy even tried Retumbo. It took me a while to wrap my head around that, but the results they are getting are the proof in the pudding, so to speak. Something as fast as IMR4064 might work OK with lighter bullets, but if you wind up shooting for distance, you'll want that heavy bullet.

 

[Captcurt]

I would think that anything with a burn rate between Varget and IMR-4831 would work depending on the bullet used. I usually shoot bullets of 129-130gr and have used 760, R-17, IMR and H4350, and Superformance. Next ladder load is 140gr Speer with Superformance if the weather ever straightens up. H4350 and R-17 have given me the best results so far.

 

[k0mit]

I would think that anything with a burn rate between Varget and IMR-4831 would work depending on the bullet used. I usually shoot bullets of 129-130gr and have used 760, R-17, IMR and H4350, and Superformance. Next ladder load is 140gr Speer with Superformance if the weather ever straightens up. H4350 and R-17 have given me the best results so far.

Thanks for that, CaptCurt. I just loaded my first 50 (ladder) with power pro 4000-mr and Hornady 140 gr. With snow and 10 degrees, it ay be a while before I go shoot it.

 

[k0mit]

FWIW, I've been loading the Sierra SMK 142grn, I've used IMR4064, which I have quite a bit on hand, and IMR4451... when I couldn't find any of the 4350's, and this was some years ago. The research I've done leads me to believe the 4350 burn rate is the ideal place to be... 4064 is a little too fast for the heavies, and was not as accurate as 4451 was (in the rifle I was shooting it in.) I've even seen where they are using H4831, RL22, H1000, and one guy even tried Retumbo. It took me a while to wrap my head around that, but the results they are getting are the proof in the pudding, so to speak. Something as fast as IMR4064 might work OK with lighter bullets, but if you wind up shooting for distance, you'll want that heavy bullet.

Yeah, it seems from my reading that 140 gr with 4350 (either) is the sweet spot for this caliber. I'm hoping the pp 4000-mr is close enough in burn rate to work well … time will tell.

 

[Captcurt]

Yeah, it seems from my reading that 140 gr with 4350 (either) is the sweet spot for this caliber. I'm hoping the pp 4000-mr is close enough in burn rate to work well … time will tell.

All of the 4 Creedmoors that I have had shot 120gr-130gr very well. My Bergara shoots sub-MOA at 500 yards with 129gr Accubond LR over H4350. My M18 Mauser shoots well with 130gr TGK pushed by R-17. The Ruger American Predator stacked 120gr Speers on top of each other with 760. Every gun was different. The Bergara was picky while the Ruger didn't care what went through it.