6.5 Creedmoor

[hlpressley]

Any of you guys loading 6.5 CM? If so, which dies are you using? Neck or full length sizing? Just getting started with 6.5 so I need everything.

 

[East of Here]

I am using basic Lee dies (4 die set). I neck sized only for a bit, but have gone back to full length sizing. H4350 is the standard for powder, but if you can't find it, pick up some Reloder 17 powder instead and test some groups with it. I have gotten really good velocity and accuracy out of RL-17.

 

[Burt Gummer]

Once I start loading for mine if I ever shoot it, I’ll full length size the first time, then try neck sizing the next time and see how they do.

 

[East of Here]

This is the Lee precision set. There are much better sets out there, but these are getting the job done just fine for me. Of course, I use a single stage hand press, measure everything twice and individually weigh each bullet and each powder charge, etc., etc. So I have not seen any detriment to using these cheaper dies yet.

 

[Smack]

I have used both Hornady 6.5 Match bushing dies, Hornady 6.5 standard die set, and the Lee 6.5 4 die set

The Lee die had a small burr in the vent hole that is located right at the shoulder, it would scrape brass which would plug up the hole and cave in the brass on the shoulder, I took the expander out, used a 4mm stainless rod in it's place, and and turned it into a powder cop.

The Hornady match die was machined to long, and no matter what, I was unable to fully form brass until I had my shell holder machined down about 20k! ( I should send it back and have them give me a new one but I'm being lazy )

The Hornady standard 6.5 works well, and makes good brass, ( but both Hornady dies needed polishing)

I form some of my creedmoor brass for my gas gun,( hate using good brass in a gas gun) from 7mm-08 and from .243 so for me the bushing die is more useful being the necks are not all the same thickness depending on brand.

 

[Tim]

I'm using Hornady Custom Grade (?) dies with Hornady brass. Full length sizing so far, will start annealing and neck sizing when I get around to it.

My Savage 10 w/24" heavy barrel LOVES RL17 and 140gr ELD-M

 

[Smack]

I'm using Hornady Custom Grade (?) dies with Hornady brass. Full length sizing so far, will start annealing and neck sizing when I get around to it.

My Savage 10 w/24" heavy barrel LOVES RL17 and 140gr ELD-M

Tim how much RL17 are you using to push the the eld's ?

 

[jimmyjames8]

Forster FL set with Redding neck sizer. At the time I bought my Forster set they did not make a neck sizing die for some reason. May still not. I called them about this and they said they did not have the time(?) Ohh Kay...Been using IMR 4350 on the 140ELDM's but just loaded up a ladder test with RL17 looking for best 100yd accuracy and lowest ES. Was shooting 129SST's the other day but cant off hand remember powder charge or velocity. Pretty fast. Once I settled down, was ringing steel all the way out to 1000yds no problem. Barrel heats up fast however.

 

[Tim]

Tim how much RL17 are you using to push the the eld's ?

41.2gr RL 17
2.200" base to ogive. <----- mirrors the Hornady Match factory load BTW
Winchester primers
Hornady brass

In my Savage FCP-SR w/MDT chassis I'm consistently getting 1/2 MOA or better 5 shot groups.

 

[41magnum]

Don't forget to ask on one of the 6.5 Creedmore forums too...........you do go to those don't you?...Google is your friend!

Then you'll probably find someone with your exact rifle to shorten the load development time/money significantly.