Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 6.5 CM powders - what are you using?

As I am getting ready to jump back into the cartridge with a Tikka, I thought it would be good to get an update on what people are using these days. My plan is to rely on the 143 gr. ELD-X as my primary with 140gr. Acc. on deck. I have H4350 in good supply but willing to read what others are having success with.

H4350, IMR4451, RL17 so far.

RL16

H4350, IMR4451, R26.

I've had great luck with both H4350 and RL-16, although I get a little better speeds out of 16. Both have produced very accurate loads.

H4350, RE 16 and RE 26. H4350 with the 143 ELD-X is in first place for accuracy followed by 16 and then 26 - all sub-MOA. RE 26 wins in velocity followed by RE 16 and then H4350.

I use IMR 4350. I get great groups.

Would like to find R16/R26 locally but not seeing any. I use R17 and get 1/2-3/4" accuracy with 100+ fps more than 4350. 142 ablr is the go-to bullet.

I have only tried H4350 in my Tikka. Not the fastest, but the accuracy is too good to ignore. Legitimate sub-1/2MOA in a sporter weight barrel.

H4350 and RL17 here. Oddly enough. Hornady American Whitetail 129gr has set the bar pretty high.

H4350, RL17 and Varget. RL17 shows better accuracy and slightly higher velocity in my Tikka CTR over H4350. Varget and 123gr Scenars is a great combo too.

Glen

Thanks for the input so far. Wasn't the H4350 shortage attributed to the CM shooter demand a couple of years ago? Certainly, Reloder has come along and weighed in - 15, 16, 17 and 26.

With 140 grain ELD bullets RL-17 seems to have a tighter group in the brother in laws M1A.

Yep they say that it did have an impact on the powder being in short supply.

Superformance with 123 eld-m are doing 3175 FPS with sub MOA accuracy in a 22” Kimber

Tag

This is a typical 3-shot group at 100 yards...

Tikka Target

IMR4350, H4350 and AA4350 work well with anything 140.

Sounds like you are set with the H4350 from what I have experienced. R26 certainly is worth a look...

Yes I say you are correct. I'll see if I can get 2700fps with the 143gr ELD-X's. If I'm close and the accuracy is acceptable then I should be good - for the next elk hunt.

Yes sir I bet it'll be just fine. I am running the 147 eldm and 18" barrel 6.5 at 2700 fps and would have no problem shooting a moose with that load as well.