Explain this one to me.

[Redmt]

I'm working up a load for my 6.5 CM #1. I'm not seeing the groups I expected so I'm searching. I'm going to start messing with seating depth next. I have a Predator that I have a great load for so started there. The chambers are within a few thousandths. The Predator likes a .050 jump with the 120gr. TTSX. The #1 the groups open up to about 1.25". For giggles I measured some Vortex 120gr. TTSX ammo I have and they would only have about .020 jump. The biggest difference is that the factory Barnes and the reloading bullets are a different bullet! Anyone have any input on that?

 

[D4570]

Try a different powder? Copper bullets like to be pushed FAST.

 

[Redmt]

I have not run across the chronograph with the #1 but the same exact load with same jump in my Predator is pretty consistent at 2850-2870

 

[Addicting]

Every rifle, bullet, powder, and primer combo is different. You can’t compare it to anything else and expect it to be the same. You start from scratch on each rifle.

 

[Redmt]

Every rifle, bullet, powder, and primer combo is different. You can’t compare it to anything else and expect it to be the same. You start from scratch on each rifle.

I think you missed the question. But FYI, every new load for a new rifle has to start somewhere. My somewhere was with a known, safe and accurate load I have used for years in a different 6.5. I didn't expect the same results although it would have been nice.
You have to start somewhere and using a load that hasn't killed me yet was my starting point.

 

[Addicting]

I think you missed the question. But FYI, every new load for a new rifle has to start somewhere. My somewhere was with a known, safe and accurate load I have used for years in a different 6.5. I didn't expect the same results although it would have been nice.
You have to start somewhere and using a load that hasn't killed me yet was my starting point.

Start from scratch with a book load. Safe load in one gun is not necessary a safe load in another. You’re wasting time and components.

 

[Redmt]

Start from scratch with a book load. Safe load in one gun is not necessary a safe load in another. You’re wasting time and components.

It happens to be a book load. I got lucky with a straight no fuss with load right out of the Barnes published load.

 

[Hams42]

I'm working up a load for my 6.5 CM #1. I'm not seeing the groups I expected so I'm searching. I'm going to start messing with seating depth next. I have a Predator that I have a great load for so started there. The chambers are within a few thousandths. The Predator likes a .050 jump with the 120gr. TTSX. The #1 the groups open up to about 1.25". For giggles I measured some Vortex 120gr. TTSX ammo I have and they would only have about .020 jump. The biggest difference is that the factory Barnes and the reloading bullets are a different bullet! Anyone have any input on that?

Have you completely cleaned the barrel. Down to the metal with copper and lead dissolving solvent? If you haven't, do that and see if it fixes it.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Don’t be afraid to try jumping them a ways. Due to magazine length restrictions, I am jumping 200 gr Barnes LRXs around .200” (yes, .200, not .020) in my 300 RUM, and they shoot sub-MOA.

 

[Redmt]

Have you completely cleaned the barrel. Down to the metal with copper and lead dissolving solvent? If you haven't done that and see if it fixes it.

It is a fairly new Stainless barrel fitted by p-ham. It's never had lead through it and went through an extensive break in. I'll sanitize it as new tomorrow.

 

[Redmt]

Don’t be afraid to try jumping them a ways. Due to magazine length restrictions, I am jumping 200 gr Barnes LRXs around .200” (yes, .200, not .020) in my 300 RUM, and they shoot sub-MOA.

Yep , I'm going to back them down at least .030 . That's the coal for the book load. Like Addicting said, back to basics and straight book load and see what happens from there.

 

[Addicting]

Don’t be afraid to try jumping them a ways. Due to magazine length restrictions, I am jumping 200 gr Barnes LRXs around .200” (yes, .200, not .020) in my 300 RUM, and they shoot sub-MOA.

My jumps are all over the place with Barnes. I’ve got one at .120 and one at .30 with the same box of LRX. I’ve always gotten them to shoot well but each one is very different.

 

[Redmt]

I still don't get it how the new factory Vortex TTSX 120gr. is a different bullet than the TTSX 120gr. for reloading.

 

[Addicting]

It is a fairly new Stainless barrel fitted by p-ham. It's never had lead through it and went through an extensive break in. I'll sanitize it as new tomorrow.

My go to is this for Barnes, it has never failed me.

Book max minus 1 grain. Load them up to max at .2g increments. Keep moving up till a pressure sign is reached.

Shoot these over a chronograph, don’t care where they hit the target.

Take the two that are closest in velocity safely below pressure. Split the load difference in powder. Load will always finish ending in an odd decimal. Now you have the center of the pressure wave.

Then start seating them at .050 off the lands. Load in 3 shot groups, shoot at 100. Keep moving deeper in the case by .030 until you are happy.

This gets you in the ballpark of a tight group, you can fine tune from there. Most of the time .020 or less doesn’t show on the target, or at least where you can’t rule out the shooter.

 

[Addicting]

I still don't get it how the new factory Vortex TTSX 120gr. is a different bullet than the TTSX 120gr. for reloading.

Lot change, remember they went thru new ownership a while back. No way of knowing what got changed. Thats why we always seek the same lot #.

 

[Redmt]

I'm going to go back to basics. Thanks for spelling it out exactly. For all the years I've been loading Barnes I've never had an issue in that they have always been very accurate seating around .050 off. I guess I have been lucky enough to hit a combination without having to follow procedures step by step.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Have you ever shot any ammo that consistently grouped well in this particular No. 1? I have always sort of wanted a No. 1 myself but a bunch of reports that accuracy can be hit or miss have kept me from making the plunge.

I would suggest you contact Barnes about any differences you have noted between component bullets and the bullets in factory ammo.

 

[Redmt]

Have you ever shot any ammo that consistently grouped well in this particular No. 1? I have always sort of wanted a No. 1 myself but a bunch of reports that accuracy can be hit miss have kept me from making the plunge.

I would suggest you contact Barnes about any differences you have noted between component bullets and the bullets in factory ammo.

I haven't shot anything besides some copper "junk loads" to break in the new barrel. I have probably sent 50 or so through it breaking it in. I have sent another 30 through it testing for what it likes. P-ham fitted a new stainless X-caliber barrel for it.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

I still don't get it how the new factory Vortex TTSX 120gr. is a different bullet than the TTSX 120gr. for reloading.

How is it different? Hard to weigh in on it unless folks have personally experienced the same or know what the difference is.

 

[Redmt]

How is it different? Hard to weigh in on it unless folks have personally experienced the same or know what the difference is.

Great question. I'll pull one and post a picture in a bit.
It looks like the biggest difference is the position of the canelure groove. The factory load on the right has the groove much lower. After comparing, I guess it's not that big of a deal.