Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Ramshot Hunter Loads For 143 gr. ELD-X

I am having trouble finding loads for this combination. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

It would be easier knowing the cartridge.

My bad! 6.5 Creedmoor in a Weatherby Vanguard.

https://www.ramshot.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/WPHandloading-Guide-7.0-Web-REV.pdf

Not specific for the 143 ELD, but the data for 140 and 142 gr loads should be close enough for a starting point. I did experiment with Hunter and 143's a couple of years ago but don't recall the exact load I used. That was when H4350 was hard to find. Shortly after starting to experiment with Ramshot I located some H4350 and didn't pursue it any farther.

Hunter might be a tad slow. What does Big Game say?




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Big Game data show velocity for max charge (40.6 gr) as 2689 f/s with a 142 Sierra HPBT MK. Hunter data show with a max charge (45.7 gr) a velocity of 2761 f/s with the same bullet.

I did the Expanded 10 Shot Load Development test using Hunter with 143 gr ELD-X bullets. I stopped the top load range at 45.0 gr rather than use 45.7 max charge because I was using a different bullet that was also heaver than the Sierra used by Ramshot. Results for my top three data points is 44.4 gr = 2732 f/s; 44.7 gr = 2748 f/s; 45.0 gr = 2827 f/s. The primer on the 45.0 gr load is flattened but there is no extrusion into the fireing pin hole, no marks on the case head, and bolt opening was normal. Temperature was 55*.

I have loaded extensively for black powder cartridge rifles but not so much for smokeless rifles...so my question is should I consider 45.0 as max? I really think my most accurate loads will be around 44.4- 44.7 gr. Your thoughts?

Are you happy with the velocity at 45 grains? I don’t pay much attention to primer appearance, I look for ejector marks. If you’re happy with the velocity at 45 grains I’d start looking for accuracy.




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Ovt84,

I have used 45.0 grains of Hunter with a variety of bullets in the 140-grain range since buying my first Creedmoor in 2010. Not a one has shown the slightest sign of high pressure, and both velocity and accuracy have generally been good to excellent.

The only downside might be that Hunter isn't as temperature-resistant as some other powders, though its by no means overly so.