SRP Vs LRP for 6.5CM

[Cooper]

Have managed to find some well priced 6.5 CM Lapua brass ($145/100) with small rifle primer. Thanks everyone for the input.

That's cheap! I think paid $185. But I think the Lapua brass is worth it.

[JimTom]

Yes mate I think $145 is a good price. Have seen it up to $195.

[SCJ429]

Thanks Sungazer, I am finding there thread very informative. My general practice is to try magnum primers in heavy for caliber projectiles using slower powders. For me a 140 grain 6.5mm using 2209 is a good candidate. My understanding was that CCI400 uses a 0.020 thick cup and the BR4 and 450 use a 0.025 thick cup. A high pressure cartridge like the 6.5 Lapua or CM really needs the thicker cup to prevent pierced primers. I also get less vertical and an extra 40 fps when I use the 250 in a 6.5x55 Swedish. Have you experienced any primer issues when you use CCI 400?

[sungazer]

i think I have only used 1 box of 100 of CCI 400 as compared to 1000's of BR4 as when something is working well don't change. They are a little more expensive but not in the scheme of things. But to answer your question so far I have never had any issues with primers. I think I pushed a little hard a week or two back on a load so I now that guns limit with that load. That was in a Rem 700 and the bolt allows more damage to the primer.
I have and am still trialing loads for my 6.5C using Lapua Brass and BR4 primers. I initially went for the 140grn projectile and have had some good results but the info I have got from other shooters in the know say the 123-130 range is potentially better. Still early days for me with that gun. so far I have been using AR2206H as well and as you say I think 2209 will be a better powder. It will take me some time as I have other shooting commitments. Also other guns that are well known ballistic and shooting wise for other duties. I can see the 6.5C taking over that work horse duty when I get it sorted and confidence built up.
I understand what you mean about slow powders and the use of magnum powders but 2 things 1)The 6.5 has a pretty short column of powder and 2209 is not that slow. 2) The guys shooting 7mm RSAUM use 2213c a slower powder and a longer case and still get better results not using a magnum primer.

[SCJ429]

I understand your reasoning that the BR4 work well for you, as they do for me. I had a quick look at the Precision Rifle Blog who report on PRS shooting in the US. The 6.5 Lap and CM are used widely by these guy and they reported on the equipment list for the top 50 for last year. 14 shooters in that group used CCI 450 and seven used BR4. None of these guys are using Retumbo so I assume they are getting great results over and above the BR4 in their competition rifles chambered in 6mm or 6.5mm cases using something around the burn rate of Varget. If I was to start a load for a 6.5 CM, my current experience is zero with this cartridge, I would use a 140 Berger hybrid with some 2209 and a CCI 450 and see how it shoots. That is not to say you wouldn't outshoot me using 2206 and BR4, I would love to know if someone has tried and what they found.

[sungazer]

I wrote to the accurate shooter website / 6mmBR website guys giving them a little feedback and also commented on their lack of 6.5C articles load data, cartridge reviews ect. What I did get back was another opinion on to try the 130 grn range projectiles as well. I first started developing a load for the Berger 140 VLD, I have since and also had the Lapua 143 Scenars, and the 123 lapua Scenars both used a lot in F class in all the 6.5mm configurations. I have a box of Sierra 140 ? and a box of the Hornady 143 ELD-X still to have a play. So I can put up some results if your interested. I start by putting them over the Chrono and getting a speed I am after at a depth I think they will work at look for any really bad groups that would disqualify that load then do a seating adjustment to see in I can improve on the group. Sometime this all get delays and i just load up some and give them a quick try find they are acceptable and go shooting. I bought 2209 specifically for this cartridge but already had 2206H so just started with it. It works Ok I shot a 56.2 using some load development rounds ie 5 0.3 gr apart at 600yrd using a Howa 1500 X size was 148mm and y was 250mm that was just the max between two outliers the other 8 would have been in the 150mm vertical y as well. That was with the 140 Berger VLD.34.0 grn 34.3 grn AR2206H

[SCJ429]

Thank Sungazer, I would be very interested in your results and the speed you are able to get. What sort of barrel are you using and how long is it?

[Flyer]

Good write-up on Starline 6.5 small primer 6.5CM brass here: https://www.ocabj.net/starline-brass-6- ... ss-review/

Unlike Lapua, they have standard .080" flash holes, so no issue with decapping. Cheap brass - not as good as Lappy - but the bloke in the above article got them to shoot OK.

[sungazer]

It is a Howa 1500 Stock standard just put in a chassis.It is a 26 inch Varmint profile barrel. I will let you know how it goes. I seem to have got it on special and perhaps a limited qty as I see none of the same advertised ATM.

Flyer I just read that article and I think it pretty clearly states that the Starline is not of the same quality as the Lapua. also mentions about the larger flash hole problems with the ES more pressure signs ect.

[Flyer]

Yep, I did mention that

I just put it up for anyone interested. He also says at the end of the article that he did get some pretty good groups with it, so it's not too bad.