Thread: Norrma 6.5-284 Brass

Gidday Folks

I'm working up a load for my 6.5-284 with 156 EOL Bergers. There's not much "data" out there. So I ran some numbers in GRT. My Norma cases have a water capacity of 67.0 gns, barrel is 24", which places them identical to 6.5 PRC - a useful means of comparison.

I have 2217 and Retumbo . So I started with a conservative load of each powder that gave 2700 fps and 50,000 psi. Worked up to 2860 fps and supposedly 61,000 psi. Accuracy with the 2217 was outstanding, the whole 7 shot "ladder" is about 22mm at 100M

However I started getting ejector swipes at well under 2800 fps and at 2860 the cases are not pretty - both powders showing the same results on the cases. I know the F-Class guys run the 6.45-284 a lot "hotter" than this, and 6.5 PRC data also suggests these velocities are reasonable.

So - has anyone had similar results with Norma 6.5-284 brass?

Here is a pic of the brass, shot lowest charge on the left. 2217 on top, Retumbo lower.

Couple of things.
I shoot 153.5gr Bergers F-class from a 28in barrel and am shooting them at 2850 so I'm not sure you'll find guys getting that velocity from a 24in. I wouldn't say mine are hot but they're just below my rifles problem free limit. Lapua brass.
2217 wouldn't be my choice for the 6.5x284, I'd suspect you're close to compression to get 2800fps. lots of options that'll give more velocity with possibly less pressure. IMR 7828, H4831/AR2213, Re 23, Vhita N165 or N560 are all options.
I use the Norma brass through my 6.5x284 hunting rifle and its definitely softer so will show scraps and such a lot easier.
How close to the lands are you as that'll increase pressure.

Just checked the Berger stability calculator and you'd need a 1in8 twist barrel to stabilize those heavies.

Hope some of this helps.
good luck.

While it’s not directly what your asking I load a 24” 6.5x284 with 143 eldx and 2225 fed 215 primers lapua brass and that sales along very nicely at 2970 that’s accuracy not pressure it seems the Norma brass handicaps the prc maybe the same for the .284 . I could send you a handful of pieces to try if you like

I also load the 143gr Eldx @ 2970 through my Blaser 24in barrel, but with N165.
Due to Vihtavuori powder getting so damn expensive I’m going to try 2209 through my F-class rifle.

Regarding the pic it’s difficult to see all the brass due to the angle change, but looks like a progressively heavy ejector stamp on the 2225.

Hey thanks for that guys, very usefull. The barrel is a Bartelin 1:7.5 twist, finished just a smidgen over 24". It shoots "fast" with the 130 gn Norma factory ammo, close to 3200 fps, and it shoots it pretty good too.

So I was a bit underwhelmed by the 156gn velocities, hence pushing the brass a bit further than I'd normally do. It's loaded to just over 50 thou (1.27mm) off the lands and that makes for some compression with these powders at the top end.

Given that GRT "says" my pressures are within limits it would be good to repeat the experiment with Lapua brass . . . . Anyone got a few pieces spare?

Originally Posted by Tentman

Hey thanks for that guys, very usefull. The barrel is a Bartelin 1:7.5 twist, finished just a smidgen over 24". It shoots "fast" with the 130 gn Norma factory ammo, close to 3200 fps, and it shoots it pretty good too.

So I was a bit underwhelmed by the 156gn velocities, hence pushing the brass a bit further than I'd normally do. It's loaded to just over 50 thou (1.27mm) off the lands and that makes for some compression with these powders at the top end.

Given that GRT "says" my pressures are within limits it would be good to repeat the experiment with Lapua brass . . . . Anyone got a few pieces spare?

Yip that’s what I mean il send you a handful

@Tentman - PM me your address - I'll dig out a dozen Laupa cases and send them down. I picked up a bulk bag off here a while back and haven't gotten around to using them yet. Might take me a few days to get to town to post

Originally Posted by Randomandrews

@Tentman - PM me your address - I'll dig out a dozen Laupa cases and send them down. I picked up a bulk bag off here a while back and haven't gotten around to using them yet. Might take me a few days to get to town to post

Hey thanks so much but Kelton has already obliged and has a few headed my way. Man there are good buggers on this forum!

It really seems like a common occurrence with Norma brass. I can’t even load close to my mates 300wsm that are using Hornady and Winchester brass. I hit pressure so much more earlier.

My experience with Norma brass is similar to yours. Softer than Lapua, but very consistent. I have old 6.5 X 55 brass from Norma that I have been using for over 20 years.

I shoot straight 284 for f-class, but have shot 6.5 - 284 for competition in the past. N165 is the dark secret that we don't want to talk about for the heavy for caliber bullets

Is that Norrma brass specially made for use in Southland , where they roll their "r"s .....

I run Lapua brass in mine for that reason. Never tried the Bergers as a-max worked straight up. Now running 143 ELDX. I originally ran a 30 inch barrel, and 2213sc for speeds just over 3000fps. Turned barrel down and shortened to 24inch and pressure came up quickly. Mate put me on to RL26 and it’s been a game changer. Run 54grns RL26, cci mag primers, 143 ELDX, Lapua brass and speed at 2960fps. Barrel is a Shillen SM 1:8. Shoots .25 moa at 200yrds, it’s seriously accurate and I always wonder why this caliber has lost flavour.

Originally Posted by Stag

I always wonder why this caliber has lost flavour.

I can only speak for competition shooters that have strings of fire of 15 plus rounds in 20 minutes. The BC in the 7mm heavies are somewhat better than the 6.5's, and the 6.5 X 284 is a barrel burner compared to the straight 284. Barrels in 6.5 will last for about 1100 - 1200 rounds before the throat is gone. My 284 barrels all have shot at least 1800 rounds before they are no longer competitive. The Brux barrel I'm shooting now has over 2000 rounds on it shooting Berger 180's at 2770.
Cheers

Originally Posted by f-class shooter

I can only speak for competition shooters that have strings of fire of 15 plus rounds in 20 minutes. The BC in the 7mm heavies are somewhat better than the 6.5's, and the 6.5 X 284 is a barrel burner compared to the straight 284. Barrels in 6.5 will last for about 1100 - 1200 rounds before the throat is gone. My 284 barrels all have shot at least 1800 rounds before they are no longer competitive. The Brux barrel I'm shooting now has over 2000 rounds on it shooting Berger 180's at 2770.
Cheers

I was aware but is this the same for the likes of a 6.5 prc? There has been a flush of interest in these, but I can’t see any real advantage over the 6.5-.284