6.5 Creedmoor - VihtaVuori N555 and 130gr Berger AR Hybrid OTM Tactical

Published on November 14, 2021
Duration: 40:54

This video provides a detailed guide to reloading 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition using VihtaVuori N555 powder and 130gr Berger AR Hybrid OTM Tactical bullets. It covers selecting Wilson bushing dies, setting up the dies for an AR-10 platform, and the process of seating bullets with an arbor press. The instructor also presents load development data, including velocity measurements with two different primer types (CCI BR4 and Remington 7 1/2) and discusses factors like neck tension and overall length.

Quick Summary

For reloading 6.5 Creedmoor with 130gr Berger AR Hybrid bullets, VihtaVuori N555 powder is recommended. Optimal charge weights are between 43.5-43.9 grains, yielding around 2700 fps. Use a 0.288-inch neck bushing for Starline brass and set the seating die for an OAL of 2.677 inches, ensuring proper headspace for AR-10 function.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 6.5 Creedmoor AR-10 Setup
  2. 00:31Bullet and Powder Selection: Berger 130gr AR Hybrid & VihtaVuori N555
  3. 01:24Using Wilson Bushing Dies for Reloading
  4. 02:01Selecting the Correct Neck Bushing Size
  5. 03:06Wilson Die Bushing Size Selection Instructions
  6. 04:27Assembling the Wilson Bushing Sizing Die
  7. 06:23Setting the Black Jam Nut on the Die
  8. 07:22VihtaVuori N555 Load Data for 6.5 Creedmoor
  9. 07:39Loaded Round OAL and Magazine Length Considerations
  10. 08:43Test Plan: Velocity & Primer Comparison
  11. 09:57Potential Pressure Issues with Shorter Barrels & Brass
  12. 10:47Brass Preparation: Cleaning & Annealing
  13. 10:52Sizing Brass with Bushing Die: Headspace & Neck Contact
  14. 12:01Brass Trimming Not Required for This Batch
  15. 13:19Case Fill and Powder Settling
  16. 14:17Bullet Seating Die Setup: Arbor Press & Seating Stems
  17. 16:06Seating Stem Fit and Die Adjustments
  18. 18:02Setting the Seating Die OAL Target
  19. 19:38First Bullet Seating Attempt and OAL Measurement
  20. 21:22Seating Compressed Loads and OAL Consistency Issues
  21. 22:26Progress Through Seating Loads
  22. 23:47Final Bullet Seating Adjustments
  23. 24:04Range Setup: AR-10, Barrel, Scope, Chronograph
  24. 24:43Initial Zeroing and Gas System Tuning
  25. 25:17First Shots with 43.5 Grains and Gas Block Adjustment
  26. 26:39Sighting In and First Group
  27. 28:07Shooting Groups in Wind Conditions
  28. 29:13Deciding Next Steps: Neck Tension vs. OAL
  29. 30:47Velocity Results: Primer Comparison
  30. 32:31Brass Inspection After Firing
  31. 33:48Gas System Performance and Brass Ejection Pattern
  32. 34:19Velocity Chart Analysis
  33. 36:07Limitations of Velocity Chart Data
  34. 37:31Selected Load: CCI BR4 Primer & 43.7 Grains
  35. 37:50Primer Comparison: Group Size Analysis
  36. 39:10Maximum OAL and Rifling Contact Point
  37. 39:43Future Load Development: Neck Tension vs. OAL
  38. 40:10Bullet Availability and Cost
  39. 40:30Goal: Nail Down Final Load Numbers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended powder for reloading 6.5 Creedmoor with 130gr Berger AR Hybrid bullets?

The video recommends VihtaVuori N555 powder for reloading 6.5 Creedmoor with 130gr Berger AR Hybrid OTM Tactical bullets. Published load data for this combination ranges from 40.1 to 44.1 grains, with the tested optimal charge weight falling between 43.5 and 43.9 grains.

How do you select the correct neck bushing for Wilson reloading dies?

To select the correct neck bushing for Wilson dies, measure the diameter of your loaded round's neck (e.g., 0.290-0.291 inches). Then, choose a bushing that is approximately 0.003 inches smaller than this measurement (e.g., 0.287 or 0.288 inches) to achieve adequate neck tension.

What is the optimal overall length (OAL) for 6.5 Creedmoor with 130gr Berger AR Hybrid bullets in an AR-10?

The video tests an OAL of 2.677 inches, which is VihtaVuori's listed length. The maximum OAL before hitting the rifling in the tested 20-inch barrel is approximately 2.865 inches, leaving ample room for magazine feeding at 2.8 inches.

What are the key considerations when reloading for an AR-10 platform?

When reloading for an AR-10, it's crucial to manage headspace by avoiding excessive shoulder bumping with sizing dies. Proper gas system tuning is also vital for reliable cycling and brass ejection. Additionally, be mindful of potential pressure differences due to shorter barrels and brass case capacity variations.

Which primer type performed better for 6.5 Creedmoor load development in this test?

In this specific test, the CCI BR4 primer yielded a tighter 5-shot group (0.52 inches) compared to the Remington 7 1/2 primer (1.13 inches) at the 43.7-grain charge weight. However, velocities were very similar between the two primer types.

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