Hello Folks

Does anyone have an older manual that lists the start and max loads for the 6.5/06 with 130 grain projectiles for H-4831 (the old surplus stuff).

Thanks

Sorry my 1973 era manuals don't list the 6.5-06

Most of the early manuals do not list the wildcat 6.5-06. The most accurate 129gr load listed in the 1988 Handloader Journal for the 6.5-06 was with 54.5grs IMR4831 for 3,163fps from a 24" barrel on a Mod70 Winchester.

IMR4831 was found to be one of the best performing powders for the 6.5-06 with H4831 said to be "less than optimal" for this cartridge.

I'm using AR2213SC (known as H4831SC in the USA) in my 6.5-06 but this powder is not necessarily the same as the old surplus H4831 although fairly close. It is definitely slower burning than IMR4831 which I have also used.

I will try to remember to look in my Sierra manual tonight. I know they still list it, but probably not for the 130 grain bullets since they don't make one. I had better luck with 4350 than I did 4831 in my 6.5-06AI. I get the same velocity with two grains less of 4350 than I do 4831 and the accuracy is much better.

I have an old (late 70s) Hornady manual with loads for the 6.5 Rem Mag. Using a Hornady 129 gr bullet in my ballistic software, the 6.5 RM @ 2.85" and the 6.5/'06 @ 3.34" overall length have only a tenth of a grain difference in case capacity to the base of the bullet. The max load listed for the 6.5 RM and old H4831 is 54.1 grains.

quote:

I have an old (late 70s) Hornady manual with loads for the 6.5 Rem Mag. Using a Hornady 129 gr bullet in my ballistic software, the 6.5 RM @ 2.85" and the 6.5/'06 @ 3.34" overall length have only a tenth of a grain difference in case capacity to the base of the bullet. The max load listed for the 6.5 RM and old H4831 is 54.1 grains

Yep my 1973 Hornady shows 48.3-54.2grs for old 4831 and their 129gr in a 6.5Rem Mag. Like you say capacities basically the same.

hodgon manuel #22 120 gr. start 55 max 59
140 gr. " 52.5 max 57
hope this helps

Use IMR 7828 data reduced by about 5%. Of course, as with any new load, don't start with the "maximum" listed by the reference manual.

I've compared Surplus 4831 with IMR 7828 "head to head" through an Oehler chronograph in several cartridges and this 5% differential holds pretty close across the spectrum.

You can also use RL-22 data as a guide. There may not be an constant relationship between Surplus 4831 and RL-22 since one is a single-base powder and the other is double-base, but the same 5% reduction will put you in safe ground as you work up.

Currently manufactured H4831 (ADI, Australia) has been consistently a bit slower than Surplus 4831 in loads I have compared. Reduce current H-4831 data by 3% to be safe.

Thanks for all that guys, I have worked up to 54.5 (starting to get hot in my rifle) and will settle on 53.5 which is giving good accuracy with the 130 Swifts.

Cheers - Foster

quote:

Originally posted by Tentman:
Thanks for all that guys, I have worked up to 54.5 (starting to get hot in my rifle) and will settle on 53.5 which is giving good accuracy with the 130 Swifts.

Cheers - Foster

My old Hodgdon book lists 4831 as just 4831, no "H" as a prefix, so I would think it is the old original surplus 4831. It lists load from 77 to 160 grain bullets.

, but no 130 grain. It has 77,87,100, 120, 140 & 160 grains
For 120 grain it shows 55 up to 59.0 and for 140 gr. 52.5 up to 57.0.
Same as Mike Ray

If that is of any value to you.

None of my old manuals list this chambering, but "cartridges of the world" offers these H4831 loads for the 6.5-06 AI, for what it's worth:

140 grain bullet, 54 grains, 2950fps
150 grain bullet, 51 grains, 2760fps
165 grain bullet, 48 grains, 2550fps

Source is listed as Ackley.

I like IMR4831 in my 6.5-06 built on a Springfield. With a 120 Grain Sierra it really does a great job on antelope. I find IMR4831 is a very nice powder in 30-06 based cases, as I use it in 270 and 6mm-06 also. Try around 52 grains and work up from there, this with the 120. I am a couple grains above this, after testing for pressure etc.

Jerry