OzFclass

Gday again


My 6.5mm is a week or two away and I am now trying to find some basic load data.

I would like to use ADI powder if possible.
As I am sure you all know the reloading manuals dont have any information on this cartridge.

Can you share what you would think is a starting and finishing point for each powder/pill weight.

Pills I am considering:

*123gr Lapua or 123gr SMK
*130gr VLD
*140gr SMK.

I know every rifle is different and I am not seeking your pet loads, just want a ball park to work in so I dont go blowing my self up.

Thanks in advance

JH

37.5 of 2208 CCI 450's and 130 bergers shot well for me out of a mates gun.
41-41.5 2209 with the same as above also shot well but never got the chance to tune it in a bit more.

Thanks mate!

Thats the exact basic load data I am trying to source.

I will save it to the file I am trying to create.


JH

37 gr 2208 130 Berger jammed 10-15 thou CCI BR2
38 gr 2208 123 Scenar jumped 10 thou CCI BR2
37.6 gr 2208 123 SMK touching. CCI BR2

40.4 grains 2209 139 scenar 10 thou jump CCI 450


Usual precautions apply - start low and build up watching for pressure signs.

Have fun - it is a fun cartridge.

Thank you sir!


Clear patterns are forming in the information I have put together, from here and other forums.


I now have a idea of where to start.

Now its just a case of choosing a pill that is easily bought.

JH

The Berger Manual lists using Varget (2208)
32gr start up to 35.8gr max with 130's.
31.5gr start up to 35gr max with 140's
Seems to be a fairly mild loads but to give an idea what is in the manual.
I use 36gr 2208 with 123gr Sierra's or scenars & CCI450 primers.
And 35.8gr 2208 with 140gr Berger Hybrids & CCI450 primers.
These loads are probably a bit milder than other people are using but that's what works in my rifle. Best of luck with it, they are a joy to shoot.

DaveMc wrote:37 gr 2208 130 Berger jammed 10-15 thou CCI BR2
38 gr 2208 123 Scenar jumped 10 thou CCI BR2
37.6 gr 2208 123 SMK touching. CCI BR2

40.4 grains 2209 139 scenar 10 thou jump CCI 450


Usual precautions apply - start low and build up watching for pressure signs.

Have fun - it is a fun cartridge.

Dave, did you have to squeeze pretty hard to get the BR2s in the small primer hole?

Rod you must have been missing out on this one... you have to file just the right amount off the side of the BR2 and everything will work fine

oops BR4 obviously and another note we have found a fair bit of difference in 1 or two batches of 2208 so be wary when changing batches or using other peoples loads.

Brad Y wrote:you have to file just the right amount off the side of the BR2 and everything will work fine

Wouldn't you get better accuracy if you lathe turned them?

Hi John

That would be good but I dont have a lathe. I find one of the wifes nail files works well. I hope your writing this down Rod

Dave- is it some of the newer 2208 being different? Ive just about finished this big bottle of 2208 and will have to get a new one soon. Will remember to re work up the load in the 308. Im also nearly out of a cracker lot of BR4's too come to think of it.

Make sure you give each round a final wipe with a dry cloth with a little brasso on it .... I find that is good for several points on the day

What sort of velocity are you lads getting with the 130gn pills?

I have come from shooting.com.au thinking this is the serious forum.
Just another pack of silly buggers...... I feel right at home

Thanks for the useful information so far! I will turn some primers down at work tomorrow. Zing!


JH

Norm- I never chronographed the loads I worked up for the WA queens, but guessing around the 2900fps range. It is a mates rifle so I borrowed it for a couple of club shoots for load development then shot the Queens weekend.

That should show you how hard it is to work up a good load for one.