Pressure signs

I'm working on some loads for a 6.5 creed with the 130gr VLD and H4350. while working up I started getting flattened primers at 40.8 grains. It shoots decent but I'm seeing velocities in the 2600 range which isn't going to cut it. Would it be wise to just keep going up until I see substantial ejector swipes or sticky bolt lift, then back off? I know most guys are running somewhere around 43-44gr but was a little leery to keep going.

Flattened primers may or may not mean excessive pressure. I would ease on up watching for all the things you mentioned.

Yup what he said

You can also lower the pressure by seating bullet further off the lands.

Which way is it I also hear a lot of people say you lower pressure seating bullet further out, creating a larger case volume and lower pressure.

It has been my experience that you get lower pressures off the lands. One of the reason I will not jam bullets into lands while working up.

I'm seated .090 off right now. Thats about as close as I can get them and still fit and feed reliably.

You will increase pressure seating deeper once you go for deep enough, but you'd have to decrease the powder space quite a bit to see it happen. Both factors operate simultaneously.

The 2 signs of pressure I watch for are sticky bolt lift and shiny spots on the case head. Primers will flatten out or protrude at the firing pin strike very easily even with mild loads. So, I do not watch for those signs.

With a 130 grain, you should be running about 2850, maybe 2900. Even at 40.8, you are below max charge with a 140 grain, so keep on going up.

I agree with Chad. That is nowhere near close on an "average" Creedmoor. Of course that depends some on barrel length too, what length is your barrel? I love my Creed and have shot all bullet weights extensively using H-4350.

One thing I will say, the downfall of the Creed is the brass. Hornady brass is what I use, and it is kind of soft. If you get your loads too hot you will start blowing primer pockets pretty easy compared to harder brass. In my rifle the high node for 130's was a bit hot, and I wasn't getting the brass life I wanted. With either the 140 class or 123 SMK the high node peaked a bit lower, and was much better for brass life.

I am running a 140 at 2725 (42.3 grains H-4350) in a barrel that has been chopped to 22", with good brass life.