with a 1-8 twist, what is the heaviest bullet I might get a hunting load? I was hoping a 140gr berger vld might work

That twist will stabilize any bullet you want to run.

thanks FG, I can't find any reference to powder & where to start

H-4350

A 140 gr. will shoot between 41.0 gr and 42.6 gr. Most dial in at 42.2 or 42.4, that's 23"-25" barrel

thanks, just found some data "hodgdon annual manual" exactly what you have, the only difference 20" barrel

Finished my new 6.5 Creedmoor this morning.


Slapped on a temporary scope and grabbed some ammo from my other CM and went to the range to check function and adjust the gas block.
Two shots got it close enough. Then started adjusting until it was ejecting feeding properly and here is is that 6 shots


Came home and cleaned it I think it will do just fine once I get some proper glass on it.]