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I'm planning to start loading 6.5 Creedmoor brass with 139gr Lapua scenar bullets and I've just bought a tub of H4350 powder. I've looked on the Hodgdon website for the load data for 139gr bullets but this bullet is not featured. They have data for 140gr bullets so could this be followed for 139gr bullets? The Lee die set I have only has data for 140gr bullets and I'm not sure where to find 'official' load data for the 139gn. I'm a reloading newbie so apologies if its a daft question.
Brian.

139 - 140 - same data will give you a starter load.

The Gun Pimp wrote:139 - 140 - same data will give you a starter load.

Cool, thanks. Would it be the same for the max load? I've seen on some other forums/YouTube people loading 139gr Scenars with powder charges that would seem to exceed what is recommend for 140gr bullets? How would I know if I am approaching an un-safe load?

Every barrel is different - twist, bore-diameter, surface finish etc. Bullet bearing surfaces vary. This is what causes a pressure variation from rifle to rifle. You can only find the max. for YOUR rifle.

Start with the manual's starter load and work up slowly - increasing the powder by one third of a grain each time.

Look for the pressure signs - flattened primers, cratered primers, stiff bolt-lift, scuffing of brass on the case head. If you see a small shiny circle on the case head (where the brass has flowed into the ejector-pin hole) then you've gone too far. Step back the load at least a half grain.

Ideally, you need someone to show you these pressure signs - where are you situated?

Yes, the starting load for a 140gr bullet should give you an idea of a good starting lead. It wouldn't be a bad idea to use a chronograph to measure the velocity while developing a load.

Here is the load data produced by Nosler for their 140gr projectiles and you'll notice they use H4350 too. Use that as guidance (take the max load and start 10% lower than that, progress in steps of 1%).
http://www.nosler.com/nosler-load-data/65-creedmoor/

See the pressure sign sticky at the top of this forum.

Thanks guys -All sound advice. :) I will also as if I can borrow our club chronograph.