Federal’s Plus Peak 6.5 Creedmoor

[Blkram]

As I have a 6.5 PRC as well as the 6.5 CM, I see no need for me to try the Peak ammo, as I will just carry the other rifle if I feel I need the extra velocity and energy on a hunt.
But with proven on-game performance on a red stag ay 296 yards with the 130 gr Terminal Ascent ammo, (not to mention caribou, fallow buck, and Arapawa rams at closer distances - all with full penetration and quick, clean one-shot kills) with full penetration on that 450 lb animal, I will pack the PRC for game larger than caribou and our large mule deer. Otherwise the CM with this ammo will provide all the performance I will need for game of this size and smaller.
For those who choose to try it, I hope it performs to the expectations.

 

[Heavy Barrel]

Beings one of the FAQ's Federal has mentioned with this product on their website is to check with the manufacture for compatibility with existing rifles. I'm interested in knowing where the gun makers stand on this.

 

[3 Meter Para Bellum]

Well, I decided to take a look at ballistic science in my Encyclopedia Britannica (yes I have a set oddly enough), and I very quickly came to the conclusion that internal ballistics are far too complicated to make nuanced assumptions about. Everything comes into play when considering recoil, not just energy in and energy out, but how that energy is distributed across many factors. How much powder, how fast does it burn, yes, but also how much pressure is it producing in different parts of the barrel at different times during burn. It's a huge mess that is impossible to understand as a layman in any short amount of time. The encyclopedia said that there are a few common, complex algorithms that are used to make predictions, but they are usually run through computers and can only serve as best guesses.

So in conclusion, it is possible through more efficient burn patterns of a cartridge and powder combination to produce more energy out the barrel without noticeable increase in recoil. But as always my favorite solution to any scientific mystery is to just do it. No need to speculate when we can just shoot the thing, which I anticipate many will considering it should shoot fine out of many of the 6.5 rifles people already own. I will be curious to hear what the consensus is as people get the cartridge in hand.

 

[clearwater]

Will the steel cases be good for necking up or down?

 

[Hunter26]

Yes, people have already been doing it.

 

[Ridge_Runner]

what will constant 80K psi do to the throat?

 

[8mm Enthusiast]

what will constant 80K psi do to the throat?

It will certainly burn it up fast especially considering the fact that most likely the high pressure steel + Peak alloy case is harder than brass and won't expand as well to fill in gaps where the hot gasses could creep into leading to further damage to the throat area with heat.

With that being said, for hunting, the added erosion will be completely negligible. It will only be an issue if you are a high volume target shooter. If you are simply sighting in, and taking shots at game, there's no significant added wear to your barrel throat.

 

[GWPS]

I have worked extensively with th 7BC and am now up to 12 firings on the first Box with no case failure

I built a Tikka Custom action with Proof Carbon bbl and MDT HNT26 Chassis supper light weight and tack driver. great results with the 160 Accubonds running 50 FP/s faster than the 155 foctory loads and .45 groups at 100 yards and mild recoil compared to my 280 Rem wit the same bullet This big supra for me is the primers are not flat even with the max load ( My opinion is plus peak will be across most popular cartridges over the next 5 years and a solid choice for the future on modern small arms

 

[Blkram]

I saw in an email from Hodgdon this morning that Accurate has a new powder for the 7mm BC: High Country.

 

[GWPS]

I used N560 with great results

 

[Hunter26]

Great to hear some first hand experience! Interesting that you have used the cases for so many firings. I saw where federal recommended only 3 firings before discarding the brass. Glad to hear that you can get way more out of it. What velocities are you getting with the 160's and with what barrel length?

 

[GWPS]

3160 for 20” with Max book loads

While pressure signs are not relatable to brass case cartridges the surprise for my is the primers are still rounded intact even more so than after the first factory firing !

I became interested in the 7 BC after listening to the Vortex podcast where federal was a guest, on that airing they said to expect 10 plus loadings

I literally ordered the build components on the drive home and love the fist one so much I will be converting 2 280 Remington to the new big brother 7BC

 

[Aussie Wanderer]

Do you have to do much/anything to the standard reloading of brass cases?