6.5 Creedmoor - 140gr Nosler RDF with H4350

Published on February 10, 2018
Duration: 19:30

This video details a systematic approach to optimizing accuracy for the 140gr Nosler RDF bullet in 6.5 Creedmoor, emphasizing the critical role of overall cartridge length (COL) testing. The instructor, despite past accuracy issues with Nosler bullets, demonstrates a method inspired by Berger's recommendations, testing multiple COLs in 0.040-inch increments to find the rifle's sweet spot. The process involves careful bullet seating, precise measurement to the ogive, and shooting groups at 100 yards to evaluate performance.

Quick Summary

Optimizing accuracy for 140gr Nosler RDF bullets in 6.5 Creedmoor involves systematic testing of overall cartridge length (COL). The recommended method starts with a slight jam into the lands and increases the jump in 0.040-inch increments. The best group of 0.738 inches was achieved at the longest jump (2.790 inches COL), demonstrating the critical impact of COL on accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 140gr Nosler RDF Bullet
  2. 00:18Nosler RDF Bullet Design & Expectations
  3. 00:32Past Accuracy Issues with Nosler Bullets
  4. 01:04Goal: Get the RDF Bullet to Shoot Well
  5. 01:36Bullet Design: VLD Style & Berger Manual
  6. 02:09Importance of Overall Length (COL) Testing
  7. 02:36Berger's COL Testing Method: 0.040 Increments
  8. 03:29Brass Preparation: Starline Small Primer Brass
  9. 04:07Brass Annealing Discussion
  10. 05:08Setting Up for COL Testing
  11. 05:24Maximum COL Measurement: 2.940 Inches
  12. 05:46First COL Test: 2.950 Inches (0.010 Jam)
  13. 06:10COL Increments: 2.910, 2.870, 2.830, 2.790
  14. 06:53Powder: 40 Grains H4350
  15. 07:22Primer: CCI No. 41
  16. 07:38Loading Process: Weighing Charges
  17. 08:25Finding the Correct Seating Stem
  18. 09:14Seating First COL: 2.950 Inches
  19. 10:11Measuring COL to Ogive: 2.317 Inches
  20. 11:18First Five Rounds Seated
  21. 11:21Seating Next COL: 2.274 Inches
  22. 11:58Range Setup: 100 Yards, Thompson Center Compass
  23. 12:22Shooting First Group: 2.950 Inches COL
  24. 13:24Shooting Second Group: 2.910 Inches COL
  25. 13:53Shooting Third Group: 2.870 Inches COL
  26. 14:25Shooting Fourth Group: 2.830 Inches COL
  27. 14:50Shooting Fifth Group: 2.790 Inches COL
  28. 15:21Brass Inspection & Velocity Data
  29. 15:51Velocity Data Analysis
  30. 16:23Standard Deviation & Annealing
  31. 17:13Group Analysis: Best Group at Shortest COL
  32. 17:27Best Group: 0.738 Inches at 2.790 COL
  33. 17:51Future Testing: 2.800 Inches COL
  34. 18:23Conclusion: Encouraging Results for Nosler RDF
  35. 18:51Upcoming Videos: 6.5 Grendel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended method for testing overall cartridge length (COL) for high BC bullets like the Nosler RDF?

The recommended method involves starting with a bullet jammed into the lands and then incrementally increasing the jump in 0.040-inch increments. Testing multiple COLs increases the likelihood of finding a significant accuracy improvement for your rifle.

What powder and primer were used for the 6.5 Creedmoor accuracy testing with 140gr Nosler RDF bullets?

The test utilized 40 grains of H4350 powder, which is a popular and effective choice for 6.5 Creedmoor. CCI No. 41 primers were selected for their consistent performance in previous testing.

What was the best accuracy achieved with the 140gr Nosler RDF bullet in the 6.5 Creedmoor test?

The best group achieved was 0.738 inches at 100 yards. This was obtained with the shortest overall cartridge length tested, 2.790 inches, which was a significant jump from the lands.

Why is overall cartridge length (COL) so important for accuracy with bullets like the Nosler RDF?

For high Ballistic Coefficient (BC) bullets like the Nosler RDF, accuracy is often highly sensitive to the distance the bullet jumps to the lands. Finding the optimal COL can dramatically improve group sizes, sometimes more so than powder selection.

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