I have been working up CM loads for the 156gr Berger and am finding this to be a great combination with both accuracy and energy potential (MV 2660 with energy at 500 yards or 1558). This is a small 8lb setup with scope and the accuracy from the 156 Berger as good as I have seen. We had our first experience using the 156 in this CM yesterday when my grandson dropped a nice buck at 440 yards with a great pass through shot on the shoulder; it dropped like a rock. These young kids we are raising don't know it is suppose to be difficult to make longer shots. He just ranged it and figure about 15 mph of wind (Up 4 on the elevation turret over 3 on the reticle from the trusted shooter app). We have been taking Bull elk with 6.5-06 and 6.5 PRC using 140 class for the past few years with great results and the boys want to use the Creedmoor for elk.
I recently heard of a group of fellow hunters suggesting if a 6.5 caliber was being considered a 6.5-06 AI or larger would be required for elk in order to deliver the needed energy (1500 lbs in their book) but wouldn't trust the creedmoor at any distance. Why are some trying to discredit the Creedmoor? It has the same velocity and 1500 ft lbs of energy at 500 yards as the AI does at 700 and many say they seldom take over a 500 yard shot. The success of the smaller caliber, high SD/BC hunting pills has been as reliable on elk as anything we have used at distances out to about 800 yards (we would limit the kids to 500 yards or less for elk). The negative rhetoric toward the Creedmoor is swaying hunters and has essentially become an affront to their manhood in some circles. They won't even pull the trigger on one. Really? Seems those offended by Hornady's marketing and a man bun are effectively swaying the masses. Just wondering if anyone has taken an elk within 500 yards with an 156 EOL from a Creedmoor and be comfortable enough talking about it. Man bun is okay.
I recently heard of a group of fellow hunters suggesting if a 6.5 caliber was being considered a 6.5-06 AI or larger would be required for elk in order to deliver the needed energy (1500 lbs in their book) but wouldn't trust the creedmoor at any distance. Why are some trying to discredit the Creedmoor? It has the same velocity and 1500 ft lbs of energy at 500 yards as the AI does at 700 and many say they seldom take over a 500 yard shot. The success of the smaller caliber, high SD/BC hunting pills has been as reliable on elk as anything we have used at distances out to about 800 yards (we would limit the kids to 500 yards or less for elk). The negative rhetoric toward the Creedmoor is swaying hunters and has essentially become an affront to their manhood in some circles. They won't even pull the trigger on one. Really? Seems those offended by Hornady's marketing and a man bun are effectively swaying the masses. Just wondering if anyone has taken an elk within 500 yards with an 156 EOL from a Creedmoor and be comfortable enough talking about it. Man bun is okay.