STABALL 6.5 SMOKELESS RIFLE POWDER Reviews & Ratings

WINCHESTER STABALL 6.5 SMOKELESS RIFLE POWDER

Winchester's StaBALL 6.5 is a ball powder optimized for high-velocity rifle cartridges like 6mm Creedmoor, 6GT, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08, .270 Winchester, and similar rounds. It provides the best load density and burn speed to maximize performance from those already high-performance cartridges. In addition, StaBALL 6.5 is a "temperature insensitive" powder, meaning it's performance remains the same in extremely hot OR cold weather conditions (yes, sometimes it is good to be insensitive!). It also includes additives that minimize copper fouling, so you can shoot more rounds between cleaning sessions without suffering a reduction in accuracy, something competition shooters will certainly appreciate.

Excellent for high-velocity rounds like 6mm / 6.5 Creedmoor & .270 Win
Burn rate unaffected by extremes of ambient temperature
Easy-flowing ball powder
Measures precisely for consistent charges
Helps prevent copper fouling
Available in 1 lb. & 8 lb. containers

Like all ball powders, StaBALL 6.5 meters smoothly through your powder measure, so you can throw very precise charges for excellent consistency in pressure AND velocity. This helps ensure your loaded rounds offer the best possible accuracy potential. There will be variances from one cartridge type to another, but overall, rounds loaded with StaBALL 6.5 produce velocities 30-200 fps FASTER than other propellants in the same class. Load up some ammo with Winchester StaBALL 6.5 and enjoy more consistent performance from your rifle AND fewer trips to the cleaning bench!

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5 Stars

71%

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

29%

1 Stars

Reviews Summary

STABALL 6.5 smokeless powder receives mixed reviews from users. Some achieve excellent accuracy and velocity, comparable to H4350, while others report significant inconsistency and poor performance in precision applications. Many praise its ease of measurement and affordability, but those seeking precision might want to consider alternatives like H4350 or Varget.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Accuracy and Precision

50%

Reviewers' experiences with STABALL 6.5 vary widely in terms of accuracy. Some achieved outstanding results with sub-MOA groups, while others reported disappointment and struggled with larger groups and extreme spread. This theme highlights the powder's inconsistency for precision shooting.

Velocity and Consistency

40%

Several users noted that when the right load was found, STABALL 6.5 produced good velocities, though some experienced erratic performance. The overall perception of its velocity performance is split between satisfied users and those struggling with inconsistencies in their load testing.

Ease of Measurement

60%

STABALL 6.5 is praised for its metering capabilities in powder measures with little deviation. Many users appreciate that it allows for quick and efficient reloading, providing an advantage when creating match-quality ammunition.

Value and Affordability

55%

The affordability of STABALL 6.5 is a positive highlight among reviewers. Users feel they are getting good value for the price, especially when achieving satisfactory results in hunting loads, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious reloaders.

Comparison to Other Powders

45%

A common thread in reviews is the comparison of STABALL 6.5 with established powders like H4350 and Varget. Many users suggest that for precision shooting, these alternative powders may be more reliable, indicating that STABALL 6.5 could be better suited for hunting rather than match shooting.

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Great powder for my Creedmore

My grandson got a 6.5 Creedmore for hunting we looked around an found staball 6.5 after a few loads we found a load that works in his rifle and my AR10

by Roy Edgington on April 28, 2024

Verified Purchase

Was this review helpful? 1

Great ball powder in 6/6.5

I've used this powder for 260Rem w/153.5 LRHT, 150SMK, 147 ELD-M & 6CRD 110ATIP, 112 MatchBurner w/ really good results. Produced velocities matching or above H4350 w/SDs below 10, several below 5. Accuracy is superb, as well. Consistently shot less than 0.5MOA when dialed in. It meters great and had good case fill. It does like to be at or near max for best performance, however, and I'm not completely convinced of its temp stability. It's definitely more stable than the usual balls (H335/BLC2/CFE223/etc), but I haven't shot it enough in various Temps to say how stable it is. It is very easy to push it to far looking for best performance and end up with a little case head expansion. I would recommend for 260, 6/6.5CRD, & similar cartridges.

Getting Fantastic Results

Getting excellent results with this in my 6.5 CM loads. ES of 6 and SD of 2 and groups the size of my thumbnail. I'm not sure what the negative review is about, but it is clearly possible to get great results with this powder, at least in my rifle. Given that this is also a relatively inexpensive powder, I'm going to keep using it.

Outstanding

Meters exceptionally well out of a Dillion powder measure with very little deviation. Fastest way to make match quality ammo. To date, the best grouping powder from my 6.5cm out of every combo I have tried with hornady 140g eldm projectiles.

Outstanding for 6.5 CM

I dont understand the negative review on this powder. I dont chronograph but Ive been using this powder for over a year and its very good. Accuracy equals H4350 in 6.5 CM. I shot a 300 yard group of .650 for 5 shots with a 142 SMK last weekend. A personal best in my RPR.

Could not get a consistent load

I bought this powder back before the shortage hit. Unfortunately I bought 8 pounds. My hope was that it would be a good alternative to H4350 for my 6CM and 6.5CM rifles. Was very disappointed. Velocities were all over the place and group sizes were large. Couldnt find a stable node during ladder testing. Tried all kinds of seating depths to no avail. This powder may be ok for hunting loads, but if youre looking for precision you should look elsewhere.

Wild velocity SDs; stick with H4350

I bought 8# of StaBall after reading how it was the greatest thing ever for 6 Creedmoor and 6 Dasher. I think for hunting accuracy needs it would be fine, but I have lost all my hair trying this powder in my precision rifles. I typically load in the 8-9 SD range with 6 Creedmoor and 3-5 SD range with 6 Dasher using H4350 and Varget and shoot 0.2 - 0.35 MOA groups. With Staball after ma$$ive amounts of load development/testing my best groups are 0.88 MOA and have SD=45 and ES of >110! Needless to say, major fru$$$tration for precision rifles. Stick with the tried and true H4350 and Varget!