Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles New project, 6.5 PRC

So the brass has 6 on it so far. 1/2 was with a H4350 load the other with R 26 so jurys still out.

What barrel length? Are you seeing any sizing issues with the brass?

I called Lee, they’re happy to make one for me for $100.

Rick, what charge weight did you settle on with n565?

Well, I started the fun a couple of days ago. R26, WLR, 156 EOL, and new Nosler brass. I used the venerable Sharpie method to determine max length at 2.429” on the comparator, which equates to 3.130.” I’m using 7mm Rem Mag/30-06/300 Win Mag magazines instead of the 4-round magazine the rifle came with so I can load as long as I want.




I prepped and primed the brass then started on a pressure/velocity test. I started at 55.0 grains and went up in .5 grain increments, firing three shots of the same charge over the chrono. I ended up at 57.6 grains at 2955 fps, SD 1, ES 3. Brass looks good, no cratering, maybe the slightest hint of ejector mark, easy bolt lift. All rounds at 2.429.”





So now we’re ready for the seating depth test. I loaded 4 each at 5 different OAL, starting at 2.429” and working backward in 0.40” increments.



Somewhere in there I expect my brother to find accuracy, then I’ll fine-tune to maximize the load. I can still go shorter, since the shortest load is still over SAAMI max.





P

Looking forward to what it does

That’s a great project! I’ll be following

So from the Hornady Manual page posted above, most reload data is showing me, that the PRC gives about 150 to 200 fps over what I see from a 6.5 x 57 with a 140 grain bullet... on a long action Model 70.

G1 is .679. It’s slippery as heck.

If that question is directed at me be advised I haven’t started on the 143 ELDX yet.

If anyone has more 156 EOL than they need, let me know, I’ll buy them from you or trade for 7mm bullets.

Range day this afternoon, I’ll report results.




P

Cold 38F and windy. 100 yards off a bipod. Five targets, one shot at each target to maintain barrel consistency. Hey, my brother thinks it matters and it’s his rifle.

Longest load, just into the lands, won.



Chronoed suppressed at 2932.

Second place was pretty close, 0.04” off the lands.



He’s pretty pleased.





P