6.5-284 Which bullet for Hunting?

[ShootnMathews]

Hello all. I'm running a Savage Long Range Hunter in 6.5-284. Years ago I worked up a load with Nosler Ballistic Tips 140's and it still shoots that load great, but I'm planning to go on an antelope/ mule deer hunt next year and I thought about working up a higher ballistic advantage load. I'm looking at the Berger Elite hunters 140's. Is there another bullet that you'd reccomend ? What about loads with the 140 elite? Any pet loads? Also what about the 143 ELDX? I have 200 of those to try on hand. How do those work on game? And I have 200 140grain Amax on hand too. Thanks in advance.

Here's the rifle and some 3 shot groups with the Nosler load.

Then the stock started to peel. So I removed all the rubber coating and painted it.

Then savage kindly offered to send me a brand new accustock for it.

 

[Dmagna]

Retumbo and any of the 140s work great.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Retumbo and any of the 140s work great.

57 grains of Retumbo and 140 Bergers to be exact.

 

[FEENIX]

Hello all. I'm running a Savage Long Range Hunter in 6.5-284. Years ago I worked up a load with Nosler Ballistic Tips 140's and it still shoots that load great, but I'm planning to go on an antelope/ mule deer hunt next year and I thought about working up a higher ballistic advantage load. I'm looking at the Berger Elite hunters 140's. Is there another bullet that you'd reccomend ? What about loads with the 140 elite? Any pet loads? Thanks in advance.

Email Berger Tech Support for load recommendations.

I was a longtime Nosler user before transitioning to Berger Bullets as my go-to bullet. I successfully harvested plenty of deer size game and smaller in LRH but my preference is Berger line offerings.

 

[Savagehunter1968]

I have this same rifle and it really likes berger 140 gr hvld with 4831sc I actually use that bullet in all 4 of my 6.5x284

 

[hpmag308]

Why fix what is not broken.

 

[JAYgs8163]

Run the 144 Hybrid if you want to change. It's devastating on game and a perfect bullet for the 6.5-284 Norma.

 

[Hard rock]

That's some very impressive groups , why change bullets to burgers , personally I wouldnt expect much difference in performance on game with range from close to long range . Someone explain the difference if I'm wrong , it depends on what your expectations are if you are looking for more penetration and weight retention go with a mono of your choice , if it's a fast expanding bullet that may or may not exit on shoulder bone stay with the cup and core you have . I have tried most bullets and personally load HAMMERS now with great results , but again it depends on your expectations . Good luck with your choice

 

[Hard rock]

By the way l load for 2 6.5-284s -2 6.5 PRC s and several 6.5 x 55s

 

[med358-boise]

I would not change from the Nosler BT for deer and antelope. I would invest my time and/or money on other aspects of your hunt.

 

[Nimrodmar10]

I've got the same rifle in the 6.5-284. My rifle likes the Berger 140 gr. VLD loaded with 57.5 gr Retumbo, Lapua Brass, Federal 210M Primer, 3.176" COAL. Muzzle velocity is 3057 fps. It shoots bug holes and is devastating on antelope and whitetails.
Remember, all rifles are different, so approach this load with caution.

 

[338 dude]

Another vote for the 140 grain berger VLD hunting!

 

[Lapuatom]

Why fix what is not broken.

this

 

[FEENIX]

Why fix what is not broken.

Kaizen!