Understanding the Creedmoor and the Match Bullet
The world of long-range shooting has been irrevocably altered by the 6.5 Creedmoor. This cartridge has rapidly risen in popularity, earning the respect of competitive shooters and hunters alike. Its exceptional combination of accuracy, flat trajectory, and manageable recoil has made it a favorite for those seeking superior performance at extended distances. But the true potential of the 6.5 Creedmoor is unlocked when you begin handloading, or reloading, your own ammunition. And at the heart of many exceptional 6.5 Creedmoor loads is the Hornady 140gr ELD Match bullet. This article delves into the art and science of reloading the 6.5 Creedmoor, focusing on load data and guidance to help you maximize the potential of this remarkable cartridge with the acclaimed Hornady 140gr ELD Match bullet.
Reloading your own ammunition offers unparalleled control over every aspect of your shooting experience. It allows you to tailor your loads to your specific rifle, shooting style, and desired performance characteristics. Beyond the precision it provides, reloading also offers significant cost savings over buying factory ammunition, especially with today’s ammunition prices. It empowers you to explore a world of possibilities, experimenting with different powders, primers, and bullet seating depths to discover the ultimate load for your 6.5 Creedmoor. But reloading is a serious endeavor, and must be approached with respect for safety. Remember, reloading is a journey of discovery, and safety should always be the first and foremost consideration.
6.5 Creedmoor Basics
The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge emerged from the competitive shooting arena, developed by Hornady and Creedmoor Sports. The goal was to create a cartridge that combined inherent accuracy with a high ballistic coefficient, allowing for exceptional performance at long ranges. It achieves this through an efficient design that offers a superb balance of velocity, trajectory, and wind resistance, all while producing manageable recoil. The cartridge’s dimensions are designed for optimal chambering and cartridge feeding in modern bolt-action rifles, ensuring reliability. Its relatively low recoil impulse is very welcome when spending hours behind the rifle on the range. This combination of traits quickly made it popular.
Hornady 140gr ELD Match Bullet
The Hornady 140gr ELD Match bullet is, for many, the go-to projectile for the 6.5 Creedmoor. ELD stands for “Extremely Low Drag,” which perfectly describes the bullet’s key performance characteristic. The ELD Match bullet incorporates several innovative design elements:
- The Secant Ogive gives the bullet its sleek shape, designed to provide optimal ballistic performance.
- The Heat Shield Tip is a key feature. It is a polymer tip that resists deformation from aerodynamic heating during flight, maintaining a consistent ballistic coefficient. This means a more predictable trajectory, particularly at longer distances.
- The High Ballistic Coefficient (BC) of this bullet enables it to resist wind drift and retain velocity over long distances. This is crucial for hitting targets at extended ranges. The combination of these attributes contributes to the excellent accuracy often associated with the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 140gr ELD Match bullet.
Assembling Your Reloading Arsenal
Before you can start loading ammunition, you’ll need a fully equipped reloading bench. This requires you to gather the right tools and components.
A reloading press is the central piece of equipment. It is used to perform the various steps in the reloading process, such as resizing, priming, and bullet seating. A single-stage press is often ideal for beginners, offering precise control over each step. Progressive presses automate some of the steps, which makes them very efficient for high-volume loading.
You also need a set of 6.5 Creedmoor dies, which include a resizing die and a bullet seating die. These dies will allow you to resize the fired cases and seat the new bullets.
A high-quality digital scale is a necessity for precisely measuring powder charges. Make sure to find a scale that has accurate readings.
A powder measure is used to dispense powder into the cases. This can be a manual or an automatic powder measure.
A case trimmer is used to trim the brass casings to the correct length.
A primer seating tool will insert primers into the cases.
Other useful, but not always essential, pieces of equipment include case cleaners, chamfer and deburring tools, a bullet puller, and a chronograph.
Components Needed for 6.5 Creedmoor Reloading
- Brass Casings: The foundation of your ammunition, the quality of your brass is important. Start with good-quality brass cases from reputable manufacturers such as Hornady, Lapua, Peterson, or Starline. The uniformity of the brass contributes directly to consistency. Choose a brand and stick with it for your loads.
- Primers: Primers are the ignition source for your ammunition. They provide the spark that ignites the powder. You must select the correct primer for your chosen load. For the 6.5 Creedmoor, a variety of small rifle primers are typically used. Brands like CCI, Federal, and Remington offer a range of primers. Experiment to see which performs best in your rifle and with your chosen powder.
- Powder: The choice of powder is crucial. Choosing the right powder will have a profound impact on accuracy, velocity, and pressure. Several powders are particularly well-suited for the 6.5 Creedmoor with the Hornady 140gr ELD Match bullet. Here are a few popular options to consider:
- H4350: A staple of the 6.5 Creedmoor, H4350 is known for its excellent temperature stability and accuracy. It offers a good balance of velocity and consistency.
- Reloder 16: Another excellent choice, Reloder 16 is known for its temperature stability and accuracy.
- Varget: While Varget is often associated with shorter cartridges, it can produce very accurate loads in the 6.5 Creedmoor.
- Other Powders: There are many other powders available that can be used in the 6.5 Creedmoor. If you have other preferences, research them and see if they fit within the load guidelines for your specific bullet.
- Hornady 140gr ELD Match Bullets: Of course, you will need the Hornady 140gr ELD Match bullets! Make sure you get the right ones.
Reloading Procedures: A Step-by-Step Guide
Safe and precise reloading requires following a series of well-defined steps.
Case Preparation
This is the initial stage of the reloading process, and the importance of taking the time to properly prepare your brass cases is not overstated. This stage includes:
- Cleaning: Begin by cleaning your brass to remove any dirt, debris, or residue from previous firings. Tumbling is a good method of doing this. This ensures smooth operation through the dies and improves accuracy.
- Sizing: Run the fired cases through the full-length sizing die to resize them to the proper dimensions, which brings the brass back to the required dimensions for chambering in your rifle.
- Trimming: Trim the cases to the specified length recommended in your reloading manual. Consistent case length is essential for consistent bullet seating and accuracy.
- Chamfering and Deburring: Chamfer the case mouth to remove any burrs created during trimming, and deburr the inside of the case mouth to ensure that bullets seat smoothly.
Priming the Cases
Inserting the primer into the primer pocket. Ensure that you seat the primer fully. Proper primer seating is essential for reliable ignition and consistency.
Powder Charging
The key to repeatable and accurate ammunition. Carefully measure and dispense the correct amount of powder into each case. This is where the digital scale comes in handy.
- Powder Weighing: Using your digital scale, weigh the powder charges as recommended in your reloading manual.
- Powder Dispensing: Using a powder measure, pour the correct amount of powder into each case, being careful to prevent spills.
Bullet Seating
The final step, which involves seating the bullet into the case.
- Bullet Seating Depth: The distance from the bullet ogive to the lands of your rifle’s barrel. Adjust the seating depth to achieve the desired cartridge overall length (COAL).
- Crimping (If Applicable): If you’re using a crimp, apply a light crimp to secure the bullet in place.
Load Data Considerations
Remember, the following information is a starting point and should be used with caution. Always consult reputable reloading manuals from powder manufacturers such as Hodgdon or Alliant Powder before loading any ammunition. These manuals provide information that is backed by rigorous testing, including pressure, velocity, and bullet/powder combinations.
Important: *This data is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting reputable reloading manuals. Always begin loading at the minimum recommended load and work up gradually, watching for signs of excessive pressure.*
| Powder | Starting Load (Grains) | Maximum Load (Grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Primer Type | Case Brand | COAL (Inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H4350 | 40.0 | 42.5 | 2600-2800 | CCI BR-2 | Lapua | 2.820 | Watch for pressure signs. Start low and increase slowly. |
| Reloder 16 | 40.5 | 43.0 | 2650-2850 | Federal 210M | Hornady | 2.820 | Always work up to maximum loads. |
| Varget | 38.0 | 40.0 | 2550-2750 | Federal 210M | Hornady | 2.820 |
Always start with the starting load and work up gradually. Monitor your loads for pressure signs. This includes:
- Flattened Primers: These may indicate too much pressure.
- Hard Bolt Lift: This means that the bolt is hard to open after firing.
- Case Head Expansion: Bulging in the base of the brass casings.
The optimal powder charge varies with each rifle.
Accuracy Testing and Refinement
Reloading is a science. To get the best performance, you must run tests and take careful notes.
- Set up your shooting range, making sure you have a safe and stable shooting platform.
- Record your data and note weather conditions.
- Measure group sizes to measure your loads.
- Tweak your loads to find the best loads for your particular rifle and your requirements.
Reloading Safety: Your Top Priority
Safety is paramount in reloading.
- Always wear safety glasses and gloves.
- Handle reloading components with care.
- Store powders and primers in a cool, dry place.
- Never exceed maximum loads.
- Always use a chronograph and reloading manual.
By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy the rewarding experience of reloading.
In Conclusion
The 6.5 Creedmoor with the Hornady 140gr ELD Match bullet is a formidable combination. Reloading gives you total control. Experiment with different load combinations. Prioritize safety. Enjoy the process!
