6.5 Creedmoor velocities?

[Daryll]

Hi Gents,

Those of you shooting the Creedmoor out to longer ranges... what sort of velocities are you using..?

I bought a Sabatti Evo a few weeks ago, and getting no-where near the velocities they should be.
Factory Hornady ELDM 140gn ammo said 2710 fps on the box, (presumably from a 24'' barrel), so I was expecting around 2800 fps from my 28'' barrel... but only got 2680.
(Also considering that Sabatti say the MMR should add 10% to velocities..!?!?)
I'm handloading up towards the max load of N555 and Hornady 140gn ELDM bullets, but still only getting around 2650fps.
As the barrel is still newish, it may well speed up, but is 2600fps enough to get me out over the 1000 yds...?? (of course, assuming I can find an accurate load around that velocity..)

TIA

Daryll.

[lapua338]

One of the best shooters from US practical rifle shooting is only getting 2,680 fps (SD = 5 fps)

https://precisionrifleblog.com/2023/12/ ... 23-ag-cup/

I load for an AI AT-X and my handloads (Lapua case, Lapua GB458 139gr OTM, Remington LR primer, 41.5gr N160) give me an average of 2610-2611 fps (with an SD of 6, 7.8, 8, 8.2 which seems to vary depending upon the batch). I did test a load which gave me an average MV of 2,625 fps (SD = 8 fps) but that was unusual.

I have difficulty with consistent powder charges and have discovered the electronic balance must be on for 24 hours before use because 41.5 grains of N160 may not be 41.5 grains every time (you need that repeatable accuracy to 2/100ths of a grain, time after time).

I have yet to shoot beyond 600 yards and hope to establish repeatable MV and SD values with the appropriate load (I'd be happy with a SD = 6 or 7 fps).

Good luck with your endeavors.

[waterford103]

I get 2590 fps on average with 139gr Lapua but same problems with N160 ,maybe it's too chunky for my measure ?

[Daryll]

Thanks Gents, this makes me feel better about my loads.
I've got some N160, and plan on giving that a try.

Regarding electronic balances, I used a Hornady "L-N-L" powder dispenser, and have found it's not that consistent, but I only use the loads "as they come" for plinking ammo... Anything that needs accuracy gets weighed on a beam balance after dispensing, and trickled up to the exact weight.

Daryll

[lapua338]

anything that needs accuracy gets weighed on a beam balance after dispensing, and trickled up to the exact weight

I trickle and weigh every charge, however, the electronic balance has to be switched on for 24 hours for accuracy and repeatability.

I couldn't get on with a beam balance (Redding Model 2).

[Alpha1]

I have never used anything but a beam ballance in all my years of shooting (Over 25 years.)

[dromia]

A good Beam Balance Scale and a Target Master trickler, the easiest way to consistent accurate loads.

I never trust digital scales unless they are of laboratory quality and consequently stupidly expensive.

[Dellboy]

Dont get time to reload so use Sako Range 6.5cm it quotes 2690 ft/s and gets me out to 1200 at Bisley delivered from an AI with a Valkeria 24inch barrel .

[channel12]

What was the weather like when you chrono'd your rounds? Cold air does affect velocity and I read years ago of not developing loads in the winter to shoot in the summer

[Daryll]

What was the weather like when you chrono'd your rounds? Cold air does affect velocity and I read years ago of not developing loads in the winter to shoot in the summer

It was a few weeks ago, so chilly, but not freezing... maybe 8 degrees...
Yes, that would have had a slight effect, but, I wouldn't have thought, not enough to drop velocities by 100 FPS or more..

I think the Sabatti just has a "slow barrel", so I'll have to make do with what I can get... It may well speed up with use..

Daryll