6.5 Creedmoor - 140gr Hornady Match BTHP with RL26 and RL17

Published on January 21, 2018
Duration: 27:35

This guide details a methodical load development process for the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge using Hornady 140gr Match BTHP bullets. It covers powder selection (Alliant RL17 vs. RL26), component choices (primers, brass), reloading techniques, and critical range testing analysis. The expert reloader highlights pressure signs and offers insights into achieving both velocity and accuracy, concluding RL17 provides superior accuracy despite RL26's higher velocity potential.

Quick Summary

Expert reloader Johnny details 6.5 Creedmoor load development using Hornady 140gr Match BTHP bullets with Alliant RL17 and RL26. He found RL17 offered superior accuracy (sub-MOA groups) and safer pressure levels, while RL26 achieved higher velocities but exhibited concerning pressure signs like pierced primers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Hornady 140gr Match BTHP
  2. 01:25Powder Selection: Reloder 17 and 26
  3. 02:18Primers and Brass Components
  4. 04:49Load Data and OAL Specifications
  5. 08:05Reloading Process and Measurements
  6. 12:01Range Testing: Reloder 26
  7. 17:41Range Testing: Reloder 17
  8. 20:04Post-Range Analysis and Conclusions

Frequently Asked Questions

What powders are recommended for 6.5 Creedmoor load development with 140gr Hornady Match BTHP bullets?

The video recommends testing Alliant Powder Reloder 17 for its balance of accuracy and velocity, and Reloder 26 for its potential to achieve very high velocities, though it requires careful pressure monitoring.

What are the key components and specifications for this 6.5 Creedmoor reloading project?

The project uses 140gr Hornady Match BTHP bullets, Starline brass (6th firing), Remington No. 7 1/2 primers, and a target OAL of 2.800 inches. Testing is done with a Thompson Center Compass rifle.

What pressure signs should reloaders watch for when testing new loads?

Reloaders should carefully monitor fired brass for signs of over-pressure, such as primer cratering (where the firing pin mark is excessively deep or deformed) and primer piercing (where hot gas escapes through the primer cup).

Which powder, Reloder 17 or Reloder 26, provided better accuracy for the 6.5 Creedmoor in this test?

Reloder 17 provided superior accuracy, with groups consistently around the half-inch mark at 100 yards, while Reloder 26, despite achieving higher velocities, showed more pressure issues and less consistent accuracy at its highest loads.

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