Gearing up to reload for 6XC in Blaser R8

[marauder]

Hey folks,

I've ordered a 6XC fluted match barrel for my Blaser R8. I'm gearing up to load for the calibre and have a few questions. I'd like to develop an accurate & consistent load that is suitable for playing around at longer ranges, and some varminting for when the R8 223 barrel doesn't cut it (e.g. windy days, distances beyond 300m).

I was going to order some of the new Peterson 6XC brass. This seems to be available in small and large rifle primer variants. Will either work ok in the Blaser R8? If both are available, which one should I choose?

I have AR2209 powder. For projectiles I was going to try the Sierra 107gr Matchking (SMK) and the Berger 105gr Hybrid (if I can get hold of them).

Please hit me with any suggestions, favourite loads, etc. Thank you!

[dchamp]

Glad to hear you are getting a 6XC, it's a fun little caliber. I shoot 105g bullets in mine and use Norma brass. Started with 105g AMax's, they shot very well. That load was 105 AMax @ 2.65"oal, CCI-200, 39.5g IMR4350. Now I am shooting 105g Nosler RDF @ 2.71"oal, BR-2, 39.5g RL-16. With the IMR4350 I was getting around 2830-2860fps. With RL-16, RL-17 & VVN-550 I am getting around 3000fps+/-.

Mine seems to like 105g bullets with 39.5g powder and does slightly better with BR-2 primers. I haven't tried heavier bullets yet. Once I finish shooting all my 105g bullets I look at moving up in weight.

I am shooting a standard R8 barrel and am using a Horus Scope with the TreMor 3 reticle. I think it is a great combination for longer range shooting.

[marauder]

Thanks dchamp! I've found some Peterson 6XC brass (large primer) and Sierra 107 SMK so will give those a try when I get everything.

[andychas]

Ive just got the same barrel in 6XC and have the same requirements (long range playing and varmint)
For ease I got some Norma factory (loaded with a 95gn ballistic tip) - accuracy wasn't great (around an inch) but fine for wearing the barrel in and anything close.

First reloads were with the 87gn Hornady Vmax (used this a lot in 243 and its a brilliant performer) in front of Vihtavouri N550 and 103gn Hornady ELDX in front of Viht N150, both at 30thou off the lands. Norma once fired Brass and Fed 210 primers.
87gn Vmax was absolutely spot on with a broad range of very tight, one hole groups from 40gns through 41.5gns. I settled on 40.7gns with OAL of 2.570"

The 103gn ELDX wasn't anywhere near as accommodating! 1" plus groups and no clear advantage to any charge weight so back to the drawing board.
usual caveats apply in that these were only in my rifle, yours may be different so start low, but Im impressed with the calibre.