THE HANDLOADING BENCH 6mm NORMA BENCH REST (Conclusion) by Laurie Holland
to provide the best results with 55-70gn numbers. This also applies to ultra-light match bullets, of which there is a good choice in the 66-70gn range, from one or two larger manufacturers particularly Berger Bullets and Sierra for its 70gn MatchKing, as well as the small
specialist bullet-makers geared up for 6PPC bench shooters - G&C being the primary UK producer - but many more in the USA.
These powders can also be used successfully with the heavier (75-87gn) models but the mid burning rate propellants – N140/N150, H4895 and H. VarGet, Reloder 15 – I recommended last month for 90-108gn
55, 58, and 70gn 6mm bullets from Sierra, Nosler, Hornady and Berger.
long-range match bullets often perform well now. I also tried some IMR powders – 3031, 4895, and 4320. Incidentally, those Accurate (or AA) powders that we see have reverted to their ‘Lovex’ product designations as used by the manufacturer, Explosia in the Czech Republic. The American owner of Accurate Arms now sources its propellants elsewhere but we still get the older Explosia versions. AA-2015 is Lovex SO 60 and AA-2230 ball powder becomes Lovex DO73.4 under this regime.
Good powders for 55 – 80 gn bullets
I wasn’t over bothered about obtaining super velocities. I’ve seen loading data for combinations that push the 55s out at 3700 fps with some powders but had no desire to replicate these feats. You will lose some velocity - possibly even a lot of velocity - from the Norma BR throat especially with the lightest bullets making a big jump. Some of the combinations I tried were a bit down MV-wise and if I’d been looking to work up a field load, I’d have carried on increasing charges in small increments – the promising 70gn Nosler Ballistic Tip and Viht N530 combination is a good example.
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