6.5 Creedmoor - Barnes TTSX and Cavity Back MKZ

Published on February 5, 2025
Duration: 46:22

This video details a comprehensive test of 6.5 Creedmoor copper solid bullets, focusing on accuracy improvements after thorough bore cleaning. The instructor emphasizes the critical role of a de-coppered bore for consistent performance with pure copper projectiles, contrasting results from clean versus fouled barrels. Load data, bullet seating, and potential issues like hangfires are discussed, offering practical insights for reloaders and shooters.

Quick Summary

For optimal accuracy with pure copper bullets in 6.5 Creedmoor, thoroughly cleaning the bore to remove all gilding metal fouling is essential. This prevents accelerated fouling and material stripping from the copper projectiles, leading to more consistent performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: 6.5 Creedmoor Copper Bullet Test
  2. 00:15Bullet 1: Barnes 120 Grain Tac TX (TTSX)
  3. 01:10Bullet 2: Cavity Back MKZ 118 Grain
  4. 02:14The Importance of a Clean Bore for Copper Bullets
  5. 03:10Test Rifle Setup: AR-10 6.5 Creedmoor
  6. 04:25Bore Cleaning Process for Copper Removal
  7. 06:41Stockpile of Obsolete Copper Bullets
  8. 09:536.5 Creedmoor Load Data and Powder Selection
  9. 10:45Brass Preparation: Starline Small Primer
  10. 11:09Aggressive Case Neck Chamfering
  11. 13:01Charge Weight: 42.0 Grains for All Powders
  12. 14:36Overall Length Target: 2.72 Inches
  13. 15:28Round Count and Test Plan
  14. 16:40Powder Weighing and Dispensing
  15. 19:43Seating Barnes 120 Grain Bullets
  16. 23:31Seating Cavity Back MKZ 118 Grain Bullets
  17. 26:24Range Setup and Target System
  18. 26:45Test 1: Barnes 120gr with H4350
  19. 29:29Test 2: Barnes 120gr with H414
  20. 31:54Test 3: Barnes 120gr with Reloader 16
  21. 33:23Test 4: Barnes 120gr with IMR 4350
  22. 34:45Bore Cleaning Before Cavity Back Test
  23. 35:41Test 5: Cavity Back 118gr with H4350
  24. 37:34Test 6: Cavity Back 118gr with H414
  25. 39:17Test 7: Cavity Back 118gr with Reloader 16
  26. 41:28Re-testing Barnes 120gr with H4350 After Fouling
  27. 42:33Brass Inspection and Wear Analysis
  28. 43:13Results Summary: Barnes vs. Cavity Back
  29. 44:02Hangfires and Load Density Issues
  30. 45:09Conclusion: Small Primer Brass Preference

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary reason for cleaning a rifle bore before shooting pure copper bullets?

It's crucial to clean the bore thoroughly to remove any residual gilding metal fouling from previous lead-core bullets. This residual fouling can strip material from pure copper bullets, leading to accelerated fouling and reduced accuracy.

What are the key differences between Barnes TTSX and Cavity Back MKZ 6.5 Creedmoor bullets?

The Barnes TTSX is a monolithic copper bullet with a polymer tip. The Cavity Back MKZ is also copper but features a large cavity in the rear and slits in the cannelure designed for expansion, offering a different projectile design.

What load data was used for the 6.5 Creedmoor copper bullet tests?

The test used a consistent charge weight of 42.0 grains with four different powders: Hodgdon H4350, Hodgdon H414, Alliant Reloader 16, and IMR 4350, referencing Barnes website data.

What accuracy was achieved with the Barnes 120gr TTSX bullets in the 6.5 Creedmoor test?

The Barnes 120gr TTSX bullets produced groups ranging from 1.29 inches to 1.67 inches across different powders, considered mediocre but adequate for deer hunting.

Which bullet and powder combination yielded the best accuracy in the 6.5 Creedmoor test?

The Cavity Back MKZ 118 grain bullet paired with Hodgdon H4350 powder achieved an impressive 0.89-inch group, making it a strong contender for deer hunting.

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