Thread: Reloading conundrum - time constraint.

Originally Posted by Makros

Hi all,
I have a bit of a special birthday hunt coming up and due to covid lock downs I haven't been able to sort a load for the rifle I'd like to take. It's 6.5PRC so no way am I getting factory ammo for it. Rifle is brand new.
At best I may be able to make it to the range once between then and now. I have 143grn ELD-X and Sierra Matchkings (was going to use to follow the manufacturers break in procedure but to be fair I'm skeptical on barrel break in as a concept in general), ADG brass, Federal primers, and H4831sc.

I'd like to set up a prelim load for it as have the following plan:
Load either to mag length, 0.020" off lands, or Hornady max COAL in reloading data (which ever is shorter).
Load weight charges from 2gr off max load in 0.5gr steps x5 each.

Shoot for groups and velocity and choose best of the bunch. Load up the best of the bunch and go hunting (limit shots to 300m as won't have time to check drop at extended ranges against chart but can test to 200m). I have a labradar for velocities/ballistics. Refine load later.

Just checking if anyone else has a different plan? Plan B is take the .270. But I would really quite like to take the new 6.5PRC. I know the .270 is probably the sensible choice - but new toys and all...

Greeting @Makros,
You might want to read the other thread @kiwi-adam that deals with the same problem. Simply put you will just be wasting components in trying load development with a brand new barrel. They need a number of rounds to smooth up and bed in. I think you are on the right track. If it was me I would just pick a load that I was comfortable with say 1 grain under max, around 53.5 grains of H4831SC and load 10. Use these to zero the rifle and check that the accuracy is reasonable. It does not need to be that flash for 300 metres. If OK load some more and go hunting. It really is that simple. Load development can wait. Whatever you do don't wimp out and take the .270 although just between you and me it would likely work just as well.
Good hunting Grandpamac.