Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Long Range Hunting Promising Results - 6.5 CTR R26, 143

I have been wanting to stretch the performance limit (safely) with my 6.5 CTR, so I started some load work with R26. Based on information on this forum and others, this combination can produce some awesome velocities in the creedmoor. With my CTR having the full 24" barrel, I figured this would be a great chance to stretch its legs... (Its go to load is 42.0 of H4350 for 2730FPS with a 143 ELDX)

My rifle has a max chamber OAL at 2.936"...Based on this and what I found online, I started my load workup at 46 grains and topped out at 47.5. At 47.5 I was still not showing pressure signs but my velocity was right at 2900 FPS - which is were I was hoping to get to...Didn't want to push it any farther. The good thing was 47.5 was my most accurate and consistent load. It put 5 into 0.54". I have loaded 20 more at 47.5 with 2.935 and 2.930 OAL. Tommorrow I am going to run them out long (5 of each loading at 300 and 5 of each loading at 500) and see if they can come together for a new load for this rifle.

The 143 ELD X at 5000 ft average elevation I hunt at, launched at 2900 FPS, gives me over 1k energy and just shy of 1800 FPS all the way out to 1000 yards. NO, I don't shoot that far, but still pretty awesome ballistics for the little creedmoor.

Here are my results from today. Chrono was set at 10 feet from muzzle, about 75 degrees during shooting. 6.5 Creed CTR 24", Hornady new brass, cci br2, R26, 143 ELDX, 2.930 OAL.. It was interesting to see the ES drop dramatically as I went up in velocity. I am hoping its not a chronograph issue, but based off all the data I have read, I am right in the velocity area I should be so I think the chronograph should be good. Also, it was right on for my load development with H4350 - VERIFIED with long range drop verification.

1 .46.0 - 5 shots - 2865 FPS Average - ES - 43 - 0.85" group
2. 46.5 - 5 shots - 2874 FPS Average - ES - 40 - 0.80" group
3. 47.0 - 5 shots - 2889 FPS Average - ES 25 - 0.75" group
4. 47.5 - 5 shots - 2909 FPS Average - ES - 9 - 0.54" group

I'm shooting a 22" bargara HMR 47.2 gr RL26 and the 143 ELDX at 2861 @70degrees. Its a great powder and the burn curve is very friendly to brass.

I've got RL26 and ELDX's......gonna try this myself. Thanks.

Well, results didn't turn out as I was suspecting. Great velocities and good 100 yard groups - however when I stretched it to the 300 yard gong, I didn't like what the bullets were doing. I never even went to 500 due to the 300 yard results, shot all the R26 rounds at 300 and loads were opening up and giving me 4-5" 3 shot groups, POI was not matching ballistics per the chronograph - just disappointing.

I wanted to make sure it wasn't the rifle, scope, mounts, ect so I shot 5 rounds of my known/trusted load (42.0 h4350 - 2730 FPS) and it put all 5 under 2" - directly on zero per my elevation dialing.

So I have had my fun with R26, but I am done chasing the velocity for now. 2730 FPS with a 143 from H4350, low ES, and doesn't react too much to temperature changes, easy on the brass, just a good overall load. Truth be told, I don't shoot long enough that the extra 200 FPS will matter that much. Lastly, was able to snag 3 pounds of H4350 thru Grafs, so I will be good to go for a while.

Hairing8 - thanks for posting your results. Its nice to have these references.

That said...I think I'll keeping rolling with factory 6.5 rounds, forget chasing velocity, and enjoy more time behind the trigger and less at the reload bench.

What do you think the problem is causing the open groups? I haven't tested past 500yds but my rounds stay sub moa. I'm assuming you shot more than one or two groups?

I fired 4, 5 shot groups and the very best group was a touch over 4"....For some, this may be a good to go group, but when a known load will do half that size, if not better, the extra 150 FPS wasn't worth it to me. With this CTR and the heavier barrel, I like to do a minimum of 5 shot groups in stead of 3. Also, very little to no wind and while I dont claim to be a "sniper/world class shooter, " I do shoot this rifle pretty darn good, so to see those groups was a little alarming. Thus the need to fire a 5 shot group with my trusted load to ensure it wasn't rifle, scope, mounts, or shooter.

What you are experiencing happens often....

Which is why I start load development at 500. Stuff is together or it's not immediately....

How do I know if what I'm seeing at 500 is me or the load?

How do you know if it's you or the load at 100?

What is your experience at 300+ meters?

I do the same. Modified ladder at 500. Shoot three shot groups at same POA at 500 with .4 gr between charges. I look for the charges that have a small vertical and that overlap the most with the charges on either side of it. I do my seating depth test in .010” increments at 100 with 5 shot groups.

Here’s the latest end result. 5 shots at 100.

John

Usually in the 1.25" group and about 2.375" at 500yds.