6.5 Creedmoor-Shooting compressed loads.

[Atlas]

I'm pretty new to reloading. Just started a few weeks ago with a load for my 300 WBY.

I finally found some (more) RL26 to try in my 6.5 creedmoor.
New Hornady brass
Winchester large rifle magnum primers
Hornady 147gr ELDM bullets
Redding competition seater die.
COAL: 2.802"

I loaded them up with Rl26 powder.
46.5gr-Slightly crunchy seating
47gr-crunchier, slight ring from seating die stem
47.5gr-crunchier yet, more of a ring from seating die stem
48gr- roughly the same as 47.5 gr.

Am I going to run into any problems shooting these loads?
Any advice for getting the powder to settle better?




I found this Quickload entry on another site.
Cartridge : 6.5 Creedmoor Hornady
Bullet : .264, 147, Hornady ELD-M 26333
Useable Case Capaci: 46.236 grain H2O = 3.002 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.800 inch = 71.12 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : Alliant Reloder-26

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 1.042% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-10.4 94 43.00 2547 2118 40255 10266 98.8 1.458
-09.4 95 43.50 2580 2173 41827 10356 99.1 1.432
-08.3 96 44.00 2613 2228 43467 10438 99.4 1.406
-07.3 97 44.50 2645 2284 45187 10512 99.6 1.381
-06.3 98 45.00 2678 2340 46983 10578 99.8 1.357
-05.2 99 45.50 2710 2397 48860 10636 99.9 1.332
-04.2 100 46.00 2742 2455 50826 10685 100.0 1.309
-03.1 101 46.50 2774 2512 52884 10725 100.0 1.285
-02.1 103 47.00 2806 2571 55040 10760 100.0 1.262 ! Near Maximum !
-01.0 104 47.50 2838 2629 57300 10793 100.0 1.240 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 105 48.00 2870 2688 59665 10825 100.0 1.218 ! Near Maximum !
+01.0 106 48.50 2902 2748 62154 10856 100.0 1.196 ! Near Maximum !
+02.1 107 49.00 2933 2808 64766 10886 100.0 1.175 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+03.1 108 49.50 2964 2868 67509 10914 100.0 1.154 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.2 109 50.00 2996 2929 70393 10940 100.0 1.134 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+05.2 110 50.50 3027 2990 73422 10965 100.0 1.114 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!


Could someone maybe verify the Quickload data for this?



Thanks!

 

[Lead hammer]

I can not help you there. Why do you want to try that powder? I know some use it, but that powder is in its early years with the Creed. I would be very cautious with it.

 

[Ganderite]

The long bearing surface if 6.5 gr bullets can boost pressures dramatically if your bore/throat is shorter than the one used in the manual's development.

For this reason my first loading with a new powder/bullet in 6.5 is to do a survey starting very low.

Your 47 gr load might be too hot. Where did you get it from?

The fact that your loads are compressed makes no difference. I use a drop tube glued to a small funnel for loads like that.

 

[Longrange300wm]

I have to ask why are you trying to push the creed so hard ?
Why not start low & work up , watching for pressure signs.
Do a ladder test & let the rifle tell you.

Those are some pretty hot loads.....be CAREFUL...…



Cheers

R.Lake

 

[Atlas]

I have to ask why are you trying to push the creed so hard ?
Why not start low & work up , watching for pressure signs.
Do a ladder test & let the rifle tell you.

Those are some pretty hot loads.....be CAREFUL......

Yall are right. I'm an idiot. I think I may have been trusting the QL data that's floating around a bit too much.

I'll load up some 45, 45.5, and 46 and see what the rifle tells me.
Should I start even lower at 44gr?

What increments would yall be loading at for a ladder test?

 

[todbartell]

the QL data posted above would be relevant if your rifle had a 1/4" of freebore. The guy posting it used the default start pressure of 3626psi which is much less than you'll experience when seating closer to the lands

If 2.802 is .050" off lands, this should be a more realistic result :

Cartridge          : 6.5 Creedmoor
Bullet             : .264, 147, Hornady ELD-M 26333
Useable Case Capaci: 46.333 grain H2O = 3.008 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.802 inch = 71.17 mm
Barrel Length      : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder             : Alliant RL26

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 1.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step    Fill. Charge   Vel.  Energy   Pmax   Pmuz  Prop.Burnt B_Time
 %       %    Grains   fps   ft.lbs    psi    psi      %        ms

-10.0   90    41.40   2558    2135   45007   9785     99.3    1.336
-09.0   91    41.86   2585    2180   46347   9862     99.5    1.322
-08.0   92    42.32   2612    2226   47737   9935     99.7    1.307
-07.0   93    42.78   2639    2272   49176  10003     99.8    1.292
-06.0   94    43.24   2666    2319   50681  10066     99.9    1.277
-05.0   95    43.70   2693    2366   52238  10123    100.0    1.263
-04.0   96    44.16   2720    2414   53860  10174    100.0    1.248  ! Near Maximum !
-03.0   97    44.62   2747    2462   55544  10220    100.0    1.234  ! Near Maximum !
-02.0   98    45.08   2774    2510   57298  10264    100.0    1.220  ! Near Maximum !
-01.0   99    45.54   2801    2559   59123  10307    100.0    1.206  ! Near Maximum !
+00.0  100    46.00   2828    2608   61024  10349    100.0    1.192  ! Near Maximum !
+01.0  101    46.46   2854    2657   63004  10389    100.0    1.178  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+02.0  102    46.92   2881    2707   65065  10429    100.0    1.183  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+03.0  103    47.38   2907    2757   67216  10468    100.0    1.167  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0  104    47.84   2934    2808   69460  10505    100.0    1.152  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+05.0  105    48.30   2960    2859   71799  10541    100.0    1.137  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 5% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 5% relative to nominal value:
+Ba    100    46.00   2892    2728   68134  10092    100.0    1.154  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 5% relative to nominal value:
-Ba    100    46.00   2747    2462   54690  10616     99.7    1.260  ! Near Maximum !

I try to avoid loads with more than 103% load density if I can

 

[todbartell]

I haven't used RL26 in my 6.5 Creedmoor yet but I did shoot it in the 260 Remington Savage 12 LRP with 143gr ELDx, here's my load info from a 26" barrel, 45grs RL26. Similar to what a Creedmoor will do

[TABLE="width: 1088"]
[TR]
[TD]Stats - Average[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2807.94[/TD]
[TD]fps[/TD]
[TD="colspan: 2"]                                [/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Stats - Highest[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2825.47[/TD]
[TD]fps[/TD]
[TD="colspan: 2"]                                [/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Stats - Lowest[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2782.75[/TD]
[TD]fps[/TD]
[TD="colspan: 2"]                                 [/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Stats - Ext. Spread[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]42.72[/TD]
[TD]fps[/TD]
[TD="colspan: 2"]                              [/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Stats - Std. Dev[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]11.49[/TD]
[TD]fps[/TD]
[TD="colspan: 2"]                                 [/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Shot ID[/TD]
[TD]V0[/TD]
[TD]V25[/TD]
[TD]V50[/TD]
[TD]V75[/TD]
[TD]V100[/TD]
[TD]V150[/TD]
[TD]Ke0[/TD]
[TD]Ke25[/TD]
[TD]Ke50[/TD]
[TD]Ke75[/TD]
[TD]Ke100[/TD]
[TD]Ke150[/TD]
[TD]PF25[/TD]
[TD]Proj. Weight[/TD]
[TD]Date[/TD]
[TD]Time[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]1[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2810[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2780[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2749[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2717[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2679[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]0[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2506[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2454[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2398[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2343[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2278[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]0[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]397.54[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]143[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]5/28/16[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]15:08:27[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]2[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2823[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2793[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2760[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2729[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2690[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2632[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2529[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2476[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2419[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2364[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2297[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2198[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]399.4[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]143[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]5/28/16[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]15:11:45[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]3[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2825[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2794[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2761[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2726[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2691[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2633[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2534[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2478[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2419[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2358[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2299[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2200[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]399.54[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]143[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]5/28/16[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]15:12:07[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]5[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2809[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2777[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2743[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2708[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2672[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2597[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2504[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2448[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2388[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2327[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2266[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2140[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]397.11[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]143[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]5/28/16[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]15:12:34[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]6[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2804[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2773[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2740[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2705[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2667[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]0[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2496[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2441[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2382[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2323[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2257[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]0[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]396.54[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]143[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]5/28/16[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]15:13:07[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]7[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2811[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2780[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2747[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2713[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2672[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]0[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2508[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2453[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2395[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2336[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2265[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]0[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]397.54[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]143[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]5/28/16[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]15:13:30[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]8[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2801[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2769[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2735[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2700[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2662[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2597[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2490[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2434[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2374[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2314[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2248[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2140[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]395.97[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]143[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]5/28/16[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]15:14:02[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]9[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2805[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2772[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2737[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2702[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2665[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2594[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2497[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2439[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2378[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2318[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2254[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2135[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]396.4[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]143[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]5/28/16[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]15:14:29[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]10[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2808[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2775[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2741[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2707[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2668[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2606[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2503[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2445[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2384[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2326[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2260[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2155[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]396.83[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]143[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]5/28/16[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]15:14:52[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]11[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2798[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2767[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2734[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2702[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2667[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2603[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2485[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2430[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2373[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2317[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2258[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2151[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]395.68[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]143[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]5/28/16[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]15:15:16[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]13[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2819[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2788[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2755[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2725[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2688[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2638[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2521[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2467[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2409[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2357[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2293[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2208[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]398.68[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]143[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]5/28/16[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]15:15:42[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]14[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2783[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2752[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2720[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2687[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2651[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2602[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2458[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2404[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2348[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2291[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2231[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]2149[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]393.54[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]143[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]5/28/16[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]15:19:28[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[Chilly807]

I'm going to suggest you buy or borrow a reloading manual that covers what you want to do. The 6.5 CM has been out long enough that there's "official" data for it. Sierra has a downloadable addition for their manual specifically for that caliber, for example.
I looked at Alliant's downloadable guide, they don't have any loads listed for the 6.5 CM using Reloder 26. That's a good indication that it's not suitable for that calibre in their opinion.
Hodgdon has nothing since Reloder26 isn't one of their powders, of course.
Sierra shows nothing using Reloder26, neither does Nosler.
The Hornady manual MIGHT have something for that bullet using that powder, I don't have one or I'd check for you.

If you want my advice, buy or borrow the manual for the bullet you want to use, in this case Hornady. Then look at what powders they recommend for their bullet in your calibre and go from there.

You may end up with a bottle of Reloder26 that's no good to you, better that than frustration or an unsafe situation.

I don't use the 147 ELD-M in my 6.5, or I'd suggest a powder to try.

 

[todbartell]

Pretty hard to look at this as say RL26 is not suitable for heavy bullets in 6.5CM

Cartridge          : 6.5 Creedmoor
Bullet             : .264, 147, Hornady ELD-M 26333
Useable Case Capaci: 46.304 grain H2O = 3.006 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.800 inch = 71.12 mm
Barrel Length      : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 62000 psi, or 427 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 103 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

13 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 80%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type          Filling/Loading Ratio  Charge    Charge   Vel. Prop.Burnt P max  P muzz  B_Time
                                      %     Grains    Gramm   fps     %       psi     psi    ms
---------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
Alliant RL26                       100.7     46.2     2.99    2841   100.0    62000   10364   1.185  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828ssc                        102.0     44.7     2.90    2778    97.9    62000   10348   1.184  ! Near Maximum !
AA MagPro                          103.0     46.7     3.03    2763    95.8    60909   10693   1.223  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL22                       103.0     44.4     2.88    2761    98.8    61207   10292   1.203  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL17                        90.8     40.7     2.64    2754   100.0    62000    9181   1.201  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Magnum                     103.0     47.9     3.10    2744    99.2    61121    9871   1.214  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL19                       100.1     42.7     2.77    2725    98.8    62000    9817   1.205  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL16                        96.9     40.3     2.61    2724   100.0    62000    9039   1.213  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter                      95.5     42.1     2.73    2722    99.9    62000    9499   1.212  ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 760                      90.2     40.7     2.64    2715    99.7    62000    9506   1.214  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H414                        90.2     40.7     2.64    2715    99.7    62000    9506   1.214  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831sc                    101.5     43.8     2.84    2699    97.0    62000    9663   1.204  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL23                       103.0     43.0     2.79    2689   100.0    57002    9172   1.239  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4831                            99.5     40.7     2.64    2682   100.0    62000    8842   1.227  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot BigGame                     85.9     39.1     2.53    2675   100.0    62000    8604   1.224  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4895                            85.6     36.5     2.37    2668   100.0    62000    8615   1.233  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4350                       97.6     40.8     2.64    2664    99.3    62000    9035   1.220  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Hybrid 100V                 97.4     40.2     2.61    2663   100.0    62000    8307   1.222  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4350                            95.8     40.7     2.64    2663    99.4    62000    9017   1.220  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL15                        86.5     36.9     2.39    2663   100.0    62000    8602   1.233  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4955 Enduron                   102.5     42.6     2.76    2662    97.2    62000    9372   1.217  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H380                        87.9     38.3     2.48    2658   100.0    62000    8763   1.234  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4451 Enduron                    91.9     38.8     2.51    2649    99.6    62000    8881   1.224  ! Near Maximum !

 

[jsquig]

Drop tube is what I've used in most cases, and it's worked just fine.

Earlier on, as a new reloader I was loading the .458 win with W748. Nosler load data starts at 109% case capacity and maxes around 115%. I was trying to do a ladder test up to max book load. I found it ... lets say... difficult to load 115% even with a drop tube since its a straight case and all. I had a bolt that fit in my press's die hole, and had it turned down on a lathe so that it just fit in the case mouth. I loaded the case to 100% capacity, then put it in the press, pressed it down to kind of...pre-compress the powder, then added the remaining powder and seated the bullet.

I also thought about using a dowel or something else along those lines, but had access to a lathe so this worked well. Note that these loads were published.

NOTE: I'm not sure if this would make for a dangerous situation or not. Part of my mind says no, but there's just something so... unnatural about feeling all the powder crumble. I found different ways to load the .458 as max loads are punishing, and I mainly plink with it or shoost the occasional deer with it (which doesn't require full honk loads). I wouldn't recommend following this process, and just find a powder that works better for your case if you're wanting to push the limits.

 

[Atlas]

Pretty hard to look at this as say RL26 is not suitable for heavy bullets in 6.5CM

INSERT LARGE CHART I DIDN'T WANT TO QUOTE

Everyone IRL and everything on paper says that RL26 is much too slow and wont work in a 6.5 CM, but lots of guys online seem to have lots of success with it.

My 300 WBY loves it with 175gr LRX's, so if I can get it to work in the 6.5, it'd be great to have only 1 powder to deal with.

Thanks a lot for all the replies.
Especially Toddbartell, thanks for that QL chart.

I'm going to drop down to 44gr as a starting load, and I'll pull apart the 47, 47.5 and 48 gr loads until I have more data from the lighter loads.

 

[Hitzy]

Pretty hard to look at this as say RL26 is not suitable for heavy bullets in 6.5CM

Cartridge          : 6.5 Creedmoor
Bullet             : .264, 147, Hornady ELD-M 26333
Useable Case Capaci: 46.304 grain H2O = 3.006 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.800 inch = 71.12 mm
Barrel Length      : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 62000 psi, or 427 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 103 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

13 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 80%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type          Filling/Loading Ratio  Charge    Charge   Vel. Prop.Burnt P max  P muzz  B_Time
                                      %     Grains    Gramm   fps     %       psi     psi    ms
---------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
Alliant RL26                       100.7     46.2     2.99    2841   100.0    62000   10364   1.185  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828ssc                        102.0     44.7     2.90    2778    97.9    62000   10348   1.184  ! Near Maximum !
AA MagPro                          103.0     46.7     3.03    2763    95.8    60909   10693   1.223  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL22                       103.0     44.4     2.88    2761    98.8    61207   10292   1.203  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL17                        90.8     40.7     2.64    2754   100.0    62000    9181   1.201  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Magnum                     103.0     47.9     3.10    2744    99.2    61121    9871   1.214  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL19                       100.1     42.7     2.77    2725    98.8    62000    9817   1.205  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL16                        96.9     40.3     2.61    2724   100.0    62000    9039   1.213  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter                      95.5     42.1     2.73    2722    99.9    62000    9499   1.212  ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 760                      90.2     40.7     2.64    2715    99.7    62000    9506   1.214  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H414                        90.2     40.7     2.64    2715    99.7    62000    9506   1.214  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831sc                    101.5     43.8     2.84    2699    97.0    62000    9663   1.204  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL23                       103.0     43.0     2.79    2689   100.0    57002    9172   1.239  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4831                            99.5     40.7     2.64    2682   100.0    62000    8842   1.227  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot BigGame                     85.9     39.1     2.53    2675   100.0    62000    8604   1.224  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4895                            85.6     36.5     2.37    2668   100.0    62000    8615   1.233  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4350                       97.6     40.8     2.64    2664    99.3    62000    9035   1.220  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Hybrid 100V                 97.4     40.2     2.61    2663   100.0    62000    8307   1.222  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4350                            95.8     40.7     2.64    2663    99.4    62000    9017   1.220  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL15                        86.5     36.9     2.39    2663   100.0    62000    8602   1.233  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4955 Enduron                   102.5     42.6     2.76    2662    97.2    62000    9372   1.217  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H380                        87.9     38.3     2.48    2658   100.0    62000    8763   1.234  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4451 Enduron                    91.9     38.8     2.51    2649    99.6    62000    8881   1.224  ! Near Maximum !

IMR 4831 is the slowest suitable powder I've tried, even H4831 is a bit too slow...got very erratic ES from that one.

 

[todbartell]

Everyone IRL and everything on paper says that RL26 is much too slow and wont work in a 6.5 CM, but lots of guys online seem to have lots of success with it.

My 300 WBY loves it with 175gr LRX's, so if I can get it to work in the 6.5, it'd be great to have only 1 powder to deal with.

Thanks a lot for all the replies.
Especially Toddbartell, thanks for that QL chart.

I'm going to drop down to 44gr as a starting load, and I'll pull apart the 47, 47.5 and 48 gr loads until I have more data from the lighter loads.

Atlas, I will put together some loads tonight with the 147gr ELD over RL26. I have Lapua brass and CCI450 primers, will be shot from a 20" Tikka CTR 6.5Creedmoor, I'll report back with my results once I get them shot after Xmas

 

[bigedp51]

I have Quickload and I want to warn everyone about getting Quickload information off the internet.

With Quickload the first thing you need is the case capacity from a case fired in your rifle. Quickload defaults to the lowest case capacity of a given caliber.

Next you need a chronograph and adjust the burn rate in Quickload until it matches your chronograph velocity. After doing this the Quickload chamber pressure "guesstimates" will be more accurate.

Bottom line, Quickload is only a computer software program and needs to be adjusted, tweeked and calibrated for each firearm to be approximately close to the reloading manuals.

Example for the .223, Quickload defaults to 28.0 H2O case capacity and my Lake City cases have 30.6 H2O case capacity. And this difference in case capacity with 25.0 grains of H335 at the default 28.0 case capacity will increase the chamber pressure 6,000 psi higher than actual. And without a chronograph you can not calibrate Quickload to your firearm and you will be even further away from actual chamber pressures.

 

[todbartell]

Here's 45.4grs RL26 inside a virgin Lapua 6.5cm case. Seated to 2.8" puts me .150" off the lands, you can see the marks on the ogive from the Redding VLD seater stem. I measured cartridge length from base to ogive on 9 rounds (3 of each 44.6, 45.0, 45.4grs) and will remeasure in a week to see if they've creeped out any.

 

[LittleBoyLefty]

Pretty hard to look at this as say RL26 is not suitable for heavy bullets in 6.5CM

Cartridge          : 6.5 Creedmoor
Bullet             : .264, 147, Hornady ELD-M 26333
Useable Case Capaci: 46.304 grain H2O = 3.006 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.800 inch = 71.12 mm
Barrel Length      : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 62000 psi, or 427 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 103 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

13 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 80%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type          Filling/Loading Ratio  Charge    Charge   Vel. Prop.Burnt P max  P muzz  B_Time
                                      %     Grains    Gramm   fps     %       psi     psi    ms
---------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
Alliant RL26                       100.7     46.2     2.99    2841   100.0    62000   10364   1.185  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828ssc                        102.0     44.7     2.90    2778    97.9    62000   10348   1.184  ! Near Maximum !
AA MagPro                          103.0     46.7     3.03    2763    95.8    60909   10693   1.223  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL22                       103.0     44.4     2.88    2761    98.8    61207   10292   1.203  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL17                        90.8     40.7     2.64    2754   100.0    62000    9181   1.201  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Magnum                     103.0     47.9     3.10    2744    99.2    61121    9871   1.214  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL19                       100.1     42.7     2.77    2725    98.8    62000    9817   1.205  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL16                        96.9     40.3     2.61    2724   100.0    62000    9039   1.213  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter                      95.5     42.1     2.73    2722    99.9    62000    9499   1.212  ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 760                      90.2     40.7     2.64    2715    99.7    62000    9506   1.214  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H414                        90.2     40.7     2.64    2715    99.7    62000    9506   1.214  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831sc                    101.5     43.8     2.84    2699    97.0    62000    9663   1.204  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL23                       103.0     43.0     2.79    2689   100.0    57002    9172   1.239  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4831                            99.5     40.7     2.64    2682   100.0    62000    8842   1.227  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot BigGame                     85.9     39.1     2.53    2675   100.0    62000    8604   1.224  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4895                            85.6     36.5     2.37    2668   100.0    62000    8615   1.233  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4350                       97.6     40.8     2.64    2664    99.3    62000    9035   1.220  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Hybrid 100V                 97.4     40.2     2.61    2663   100.0    62000    8307   1.222  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4350                            95.8     40.7     2.64    2663    99.4    62000    9017   1.220  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant RL15                        86.5     36.9     2.39    2663   100.0    62000    8602   1.233  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4955 Enduron                   102.5     42.6     2.76    2662    97.2    62000    9372   1.217  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H380                        87.9     38.3     2.48    2658   100.0    62000    8763   1.234  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4451 Enduron                    91.9     38.8     2.51    2649    99.6    62000    8881   1.224  ! Near Maximum !

No doubt. That's impressive velocity with 26. We've shot a lot of the 147 ELD and I pretty quickly settled on H4350 or IMR4451. It's been easy to get good ES/SD numbers and very accurate loads with those powders, but definitely not getting the velocity that QL predicts for RL26.

 

[Fore300]

I checked Hornady load data , alliants load data, and Nosler load data and none have this powder listed. It seems like it maybe a fairly new powder for this cartridge.
I know many of the shooters in my groups like h4350, RL16 and varget.

 

[stubblejumper]

No doubt. That's impressive velocity with 26. We've shot a lot of the 147 ELD and I pretty quickly settled on H4350 or IMR4451. It's been easy to get good ES/SD numbers and very accurate loads with those powders, but definitely not getting the velocity that QL predicts for RL26.

Quickload calculations, and reality, are not always one and the same. I have seen pressure issues with some loads that Quickload listed as not being near maximum.

As far as the 6.5CM is concerned, I am fairly new to loading the cartridge, but R-17 is where I found the best results.

 

[Atlas]

I'm going to suggest you buy or borrow a reloading manual that covers what you want to do. The 6.5 CM has been out long enough that there's "official" data for it. Sierra has a downloadable addition for their manual specifically for that caliber, for example.
I looked at Alliant's downloadable guide, they don't have any loads listed for the 6.5 CM using Reloder 26. That's a good indication that it's not suitable for that calibre in their opinion.
Hodgdon has nothing since Reloder26 isn't one of their powders, of course.
Sierra shows nothing using Reloder26, neither does Nosler.
The Hornady manual MIGHT have something for that bullet using that powder, I don't have one or I'd check for you.

If you want my advice, buy or borrow the manual for the bullet you want to use, in this case Hornady. Then look at what powders they recommend for their bullet in your calibre and go from there.

You may end up with a bottle of Reloder26 that's no good to you, better that than frustration or an unsafe situation.

I don't use the 147 ELD-M in my 6.5, or I'd suggest a powder to try.

I picked up the Hornady 10th edition reloading manual (cause I really liked their 147gr custom match ammo) and they didn't even have THEIR OWN bullets in it!
I didn't realize that the 147 ELDM was new enough to not make it in their latest manual -_-

 

[todbartell]

Quickload calculations, and reality, are not always one and the same. I have seen pressure issues with some loads that Quickload listed as not being near maximum

Typically this is because of incorrect start pressure. The program default would represent a ton of freebore, which will reduce pressures. In real world, seating close to lands, pressure will rise. Prediction vs reality should be fairly close when the correct info is plugged into QL. Like all loading, start low and work up. Tuning the burn rate to match measured velocity from your rifle will allow QL to really shine. Berger and Hornady both use QL to build data for their manuals, so it's not a bad program.

I picked up the Hornady 10th edition reloading manual (cause I really liked their 147gr custom match ammo) and they didn't even have THEIR OWN bullets in it!
I didn't realize that the 147 ELDM was new enough to not make it in their latest manual -_-

https://press.hornady.com/assets/site/hornady/files/load-data/6-5-creedmoor-147gr-data.pdf