Originally Posted by
Txhillbilly
I built my first 6.5 CM back in 2009, a couple years after it came out. I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to find an accurate load for, I hand load for everything I shoot.
Back then, Hornady brass was the only option we had to buy, and it was the weak link when it come to pushing the velocities of the cartridge. The primer pockets would expand on the brass easily.
Once better brass was available, I could easily get velocities in the 2900 fps range without having high pressure. I use Lapua, and Starline brass. I've tried Alpha, and Peterson brass but they are thicker cases and you can't get the higher velocities before you get high pressure.
My go to powder's for the 6.5 CM are H4350, Reloader 17, and Reloader 16. I've tried several other powder's, but these 3 give me the best performance. I pretty much only shoot the Berger 140gr VLD-H, and Hornady 143 ELD-X bullet's out of mine.
I also have a 22 CM & 25 CM that I load for, and these powder's work great with them.