09 February 2004, 10:14
22winNeed Favorite Loads for 6.5 TCU
I just obtained a 10" 6.5 TCU Contender barrel. I have a lot of 95 gr. Hornady V-Max and Sierra 85gr bullets. I need some personal favorite loads. I am also interested in your best 100 or 120 gr. load. Thanks for your help.
12 February 2004, 13:01
7-30 WatersIMR 3031 is a good all around powder for all three bullet weights you have mentioned.
Sierra 85 HP
Starting load of 25.5 grains IMR 3031
Max load of 27.0 grains IMR 3031
Velocity 2250 fps to 2450 fps
Hornady 95 V-Max and any other 100 grain bullets
Starting Load of 24.3 grains IMR 3031
Max load of 26.3 grains
Velocity 2050 fps to 2300 fps
Sierra 120 Spitzer
Starting Load 22.8 grains IMR 3031
Max load 24.8 grains IMR 3031
Velocity 1850 fps to 2100 fps
These loads were developed through a 14" barrel 1:8 twist. Since your barrel is only 10" you might see about a 100 fps loss for all loads listed.
Happy shooting.