Load Development for Your 6.5CM | Gun Talk Hunt

Published on December 4, 2021
Duration: 45:22

This video provides expert guidance on developing loads for the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, primarily for hunting applications. Representatives from Hodgdon Powders discuss ideal powder choices, the importance of using their reloading data center, and the process of load development. They emphasize safety, starting with published starting loads, and the iterative nature of finding an accurate and effective load for a specific rifle and bullet combination.

Quick Summary

For 6.5 Creedmoor load development, Winchester StaBALL 6.5 is a top powder choice, offering increased velocity over traditional options like H4350. Always start with published starting loads from resources like Hodgdon's reloading data center (hodgdonreloading.com) and work up incrementally, meticulously weighing each charge for safety and optimal performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 6.5 Creedmoor Load Development
  2. 00:14Gun Talk Hunt Intro & Sponsors
  3. 00:36Focus on Hodgdon Powders & Reloading
  4. 00:51Introducing Aaron & Luke from Hodgdon
  5. 01:06Aaron Olger's Background at Hodgdon
  6. 01:57Luke's Background: Hunter & Reloader Since 12
  7. 03:23Host's Hunting Story with 6.5 Creedmoor
  8. 04:306.5 Creedmoor Load: 143gr ELDX
  9. 06:45Reloading Guidance for 6.5 Creedmoor
  10. 07:026.5 Creedmoor: Forgiving Cartridge
  11. 07:17Traditional Powders: H4350 & IMR 4350
  12. 07:34Faster Burn Speeds for Lighter Bullets
  13. 07:47Powders for Gas Guns (AR10)
  14. 07:57Winchester StaBALL 6.5: A Great Option
  15. 08:09Velocity Gains with StaBALL 6.5
  16. 08:24Understanding Powder Burn Rates
  17. 08:38Faster Burn Rate Myth for Short Barrels
  18. 09:09Optimal Velocity Across Barrel Lengths
  19. 09:25Hodgdon Reloading Data Center Resource
  20. 09:51Hodgdon Annual Manual & Burn Rate Charts
  21. 10:12Using the Annual Manual for Load Development
  22. 10:34Host's Powder Choices: StaBALL 6.5 & Bargain
  23. 11:08Hodgdon Reloading Data Center: 4-Step Process
  24. 11:25Comparing Powders on Hodgdon's Site
  25. 11:44Advice for New Reloaders: Experimentation
  26. 12:08Reloading: Simple vs. Complex
  27. 12:17Basic Safety & Reloading Concepts
  28. 12:41Measuring Jump to Lands: Advanced Theory
  29. 13:06Luke's Reloading Approach
  30. 13:37Sponsor Break: Benelli Lupo Rifle
  31. 14:26Sponsor Break: Brownells Ammunition
  32. 15:02Back to Hodgdon: Load Development Advice
  33. 15:13Advice for Late-Onset Reloaders
  34. 15:50Key Reloading Advice: Find Data & Start Low
  35. 16:07Working Up Loads: General Rule of Thumb
  36. 16:34Distinguishing Powders: Superformance vs. 4350
  37. 16:49Trial and Error in Load Development
  38. 17:12Process of Elimination in Load Tuning
  39. 17:27Known Good Powders for Cartridges
  40. 17:48Hodgdon's Data Selection Process
  41. 18:16Burn Speed Ranges for Cartridges
  42. 18:28Establishing Standards for Calibers
  43. 18:43Hodgdon's Ballistics Lab Process
  44. 19:14Montana Facility: Long-Range Testing
  45. 20:05Test Barrels vs. Firearms for Data
  46. 20:28Load Development: Newcomer Advice
  47. 20:42Dangers & Common Mistakes in Reloading
  48. 20:54Most Important Reloading Equipment: Scale
  49. 21:13Importance of Double-Checking Scales
  50. 22:01Tip: Use Two Scales for Verification
  51. 22:04Always Start at the Starting Load
  52. 22:26Importance of Reloading Manuals
  53. 22:50Reading Die Instructions
  54. 23:12Beginner Press Choice: Single Stage vs. Progressive
  55. 23:36Host's Beginner Press: Single Stage
  56. 24:08Comfort with Experimentation & Shooting
  57. 24:21Need for Good Shooting Facilities
  58. 24:38Data is a Starting Point, Shoot Your Gun
  59. 24:50Montana Elk Hunt Story
  60. 25:58338 Win Mag Load Performance
  61. 26:31Importance of Knowing Your Dope
  62. 27:19Sponsor Break: Timney Triggers
  63. 28:03Sponsor Break: Smith & Wesson M&P15T 2
  64. 29:00Sponsor Break: Silencer Central
  65. 30:00Back to Hodgdon: Aaron's Mule Deer Story
  66. 30:13Mule Deer Hunt in Montana
  67. 30:41Hunting with Walker (Pursuit Channel Family)
  68. 31:17Mule Deer Encounter at 200 Yards
  69. 31:56Bullet Performance: Mule Deer Shot
  70. 32:44Bergara 300 Win Mag for Mule Deer
  71. 33:23Host's Unrecovered Mule Deer Story
  72. 34:04Missed Shot at 258 Yards
  73. 34:47Second Shot: Hit Low, Deer Not Down
  74. 35:12Deer Enters Private Property (Air Force Land)
  75. 35:55Navigating Air Force Property Access
  76. 36:34Deer Found with Three Legs
  77. 37:09Old Buck Exits Field, Jumps Fence
  78. 37:27Week-Long Search, Deer Not Recovered
  79. 37:39Lesson: Trust Your Data & Rangefinding
  80. 37:51Rangefinding Tip: Use Landmarks
  81. 38:30Error Analysis: Shooting Low
  82. 39:07Continuing Search with Antler Dog
  83. 39:33Losing a Deer: A Hunter's Experience
  84. 40:15Learning from Hunting Experiences
  85. 40:48Ranging on Uneven Ground Challenges
  86. 41:00Ranging Strategy: Elevated Position
  87. 41:33Hunting Area Road & Deer on Edge
  88. 42:10Host's Kansas Hunt: Unseen Buck Near Property Line
  89. 43:14Respecting Private Property
  90. 43:31Leading by Example for New Hunters
  91. 44:04Luke's Next Hunt: Iowa Deer Season
  92. 44:24Future Topic: Straight Wall Cartridge Reloading
  93. 44:44Thank You to Hodgdon & Guests
  94. 45:10Closing Remarks & Safety Reminder

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best powders for the 6.5 Creedmoor for hunting?

Traditionally, H4350 was a top choice for the 6.5 Creedmoor. More recently, Winchester StaBALL 6.5 has become a highly recommended powder, offering a significant velocity increase of about 100 feet per second compared to H4350. For gas-operated platforms like AR-10s, powders like IMR 4064 or Bargain can also perform well, especially with lighter bullets.

Where can I find reliable reloading data for my 6.5 Creedmoor?

Hodgdon Powders offers a comprehensive and free online resource at hodgdonreloading.com. This data center allows you to select your cartridge, bullet weight, and manufacturer to find recommended powders and load specifications. They also publish an annual manual featuring new calibers and detailed data.

Is it true that shorter barrels require faster burning powders for the 6.5 Creedmoor?

No, that's a common misconception. The powder that provides the most velocity in a longer barrel, such as a 24-inch, will generally also provide the most velocity in shorter barrels. The key is to find the powder that offers the best performance for the cartridge, regardless of barrel length.

What are the most important safety tips for new reloaders?

Always start with published starting loads and work up incrementally, meticulously weighing each powder charge. Use a reliable scale and double-check its accuracy, ideally with a second scale. Read and understand all instructions for your dies and equipment, and never skip the basic safety and reloading concepts.

How does Hodgdon develop their reloading data?

Hodgdon develops reloading data through rigorous testing in their two ballistics labs, located in Kansas and Montana. They use standardized test barrels and equipment to ensure consistent and repeatable results. This data is then published online and in their annual manuals, providing shooters with reliable starting points.

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