6.5 Bullet options

[tomatz]

Let me start by saying Hello!
I've got a custom built 6.5-284 built on a Rem 700 action and I am going to start working up loads for it. I've tried Nosler factory loads, and a couple different HSM loads during break in. 129g accubond long ranges, 140g accubonds, and 140g Berger vlds. They all shot well.
I was thinking about trying some other bullets though, just wondering if anyone has any recommendations?
Want to stay around the 140g mark and pretty much use it for deer sized game.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[stwcattle]

First of all you picked a great all around cartridge in the 6.5x284. I built one last summer and I'm very pleased with the decision.

l I have worked with is Berger 140 vld's and have a sub .5moa load so have not experimented with other bullets.

I have had 100% hunting success with Hornady 143 ELD-X in a 6.5 creedmoor and giving some serious thought to trying that bullet in my 6.5-284.

Some very knowledgeable 6.5-284 shooters here at this site, so I'm looking forward to what others have to say on this subject as well.

 

[tomatz]

I am always open to hearing what others have to say. I just don't wanna spend time and money screwing around, there is a lot of knowledge and experience to be had on this site.
I've heard good things about the ELD-X bullets.

 

[Zen Archery]

Hunting, target, Plinking? What is your goal?

 

[Canhunter35]

I've been having great success with the eldx and eldm line. That said I would like to try some hammer bullets, especially after watching zens video

 

[tomatz]

Mostly hunting, I have other guns for plinking and practice for the most part. Deer sized game out to 500 yds for now.

 

[Zen Archery]

Mostly hunting, I have other guns for plinking and practice for the most part. Deer sized game out to 500 yds for now.

Any SP bullet will do just fine.

 

[lancetkenyon]

124 Hammer Hunter
127 LRX
136 Scenar L
137 Hammer Hunter (1:7" twist recommended)
139 Scenar
140 HVLD
140 Hybrid
140 Elite Hunter
140 ELD-M
140 SGK
142 SMK
143 ELD-X
147 ELD-M
150 SMK

 

[Wachsmann]

what twist rate did you go with on your barrel. If 1-8 or 1-8.5 should be good on the 150 grn and lighter. If 1-9 then you may have some issues with the 140 to 160 range bullets. It sounds like you tried the 140 and they were ok. For the size of cartridge I would say the 140 and 143 grain or possible the 147 and 150 grain will be the best due to not enough velocity for the return on the higher BC of the bullet. From what I have seen the 140 and 143 seem to be the sweet spot for this size of case. I have one that is shot out. It went to about 4000 rounds and then started opening up in groups. I could aggressively clean it up and do some lapping in the throat and it may get another 200 rounds out but it time to rebarrel. Funny thing is this gun only killed a few thousand or so rocks and some steal but its been fun doing so.

 

[CaptnC]

IMO...130's and 135's is about all you need BC wise if you have a self imposed limit of 500yds.

I've recently built one as well. It does shoot 140's quite well, but I like a bit more speed that a 130gr bullet can provide...very soon I will be getting some 124gr Hammer bullets up and running in time for deer season.

I too am limiting the bulk of my shooting of game to 500ish yards. So high BC bullets are not a necessity for me. I will take a little flatter shooting bullet because that is all I really need.

Now for pounding steel, yes I like higher BC if airing out some lead.

But for hunting...I feel the need for speed!

 

[Trnelson]

The last couple of deer seasons I've taken a deer with the 130 berger AR hybrid from my 6.5 Grendel. The muzzle velocity is at 2,400 FPS from that rifle. I have taken deer out to just short of your 500 yard limit cleanly with that bullet and as close as 35 yards.
Your 6.5/284 would certainly be able to push that bullet easily beyond 3,000 FPS, possibly 3,100fps with IMR7977, Retumbo MAGPRO, Norma 217 or a couple of VV powders. 3,000 FPS MV at 500 yards you should see ~2,231fps and 1,437 ft/lbs of energy with 2.1 MIL of drop from a 100 yard zero.
I will be testing it myself in one of my 6.5/06 and 264 win mag rifles this summer with the goal of a flat shooting, light recoiling load for hunting deer inside of 500 yards. I'll also be testing a couple of the Hammer bullets as well

 

[BEEMAN]

The 130 Berger hunting performed excellent for me this year out of my 6.5x47. Muzzle velocity is 2975 fps out of a 26" Broughton. The 130 Accubond performed really good as well out of my other 6.5x47 at 2900 fps. This one wears a 25" Benchmark. These or a140-147 class bullet is what I'd run in the 6.5-284. Being larger than my x47 I'd lean towards the heavier bullets.

 

[tomatz]

Thanks for the advice! I hear a lot of good stuff abou the hammer bullets, and made in the us! I believe I'll be giving them a try myself!

 

[jbrimhall]

I would try the 140 Jlk or 139 Scenar. both are excellent bullets and easy to load for. The 140 Bergers also get it done.