Berger 6mm 87gr Bullet Test

[Long Time Long Ranger]

I just completed initial testing of the Berger 6mm 87 grain hunting vld bullet. I tested the bullets in four of my top 6mm hunting rifles with 1-10 twist on target and hunting performance. The rifles were chambered in 243 AI, 240 Weatherby, 6mm-06 AI and 240 Gibbs. To save bullets and time in initial testing I loaded known accuracy charges of powder with bullets seated to lengths known to produce accuracy in these rifles. I was very pleased with these initial results. From the results I am certain with further load developement these bullets could be incredibly accurate in 1-10 twist barrels. Following are targets shot at 100 and 400 yards. G1 BC .412. G7 BC .211, product #24524.

From left to right: 243 AI, 240 Weatherby, 6mm-06 AI and 240 Gibbs.

100 yard target: The top target is the 240 Weatherby measuring 5/16" and the bottom target is the 6mm-06 AI measuring 7/16".

This 100 yard target is the 243 AI measuring .25". Two in same hole.

400 yard target: top left is the 240 Gibbs measuring 1 1/16", top right is the 6mm-06 AI measuring 1 7/16", bottom left is the 240 Weatherby measuring 1 3/8", bottom right is the 243 AI measuring 11/16".

It started snowing very hard and I didn't get to shoot the 240 gibbs at 100 or finish the 6mm-06 AI at 400. All shot well under 1/2 MOA at 400 yards and most nearer 1/4 MOA. Overall I was very pleased with the initial results of this bullet. I am satisfied it will perform well in 1-10 twist barrels.

I shot two coyotes with the 240 Gibbs through the lungs behind the shoulder. They were complete pass throughs with minimal pelt damage not hitting bone. They were in the 400-500 yard range. A friend borrowed my 240 Gibbs and shot a whitetail deer through the lungs at 300-400 yards. The bullet passed through without hitting bone with a 1" exit wound. I did not see the shot or the deer so can not give detailed info on performance other than the shooter was very pleased wth the results. Bullet performance obviously did the job. I think this bullet will be a great hunting bullet providing target accuracy for guys with 1-10 twist factory barrels in 6mm.

The 243 AI is a 28" no taper 1.25" Pac-Nor barrel on a Howa action. The 240 Weatherby is a 27" #4 Hart barrel on a winchester model 70 action. The 240 Gibbs and 6mm-06 AI are both 26" #4 Pac-Nor barrels on Sako actions. I built all out of my shop several years ago.

 

[alf]

Job well done. Thanks.

Wouldn't you know these would show when I don't shoot any factory tubes any more.

 

[strombeckj]

Thanks for the input, how fast were they being pushed? I have heard stories of the 95 and Up VLD's falling apart at high FPS. Could jut be to tight of a twist too?

 

[Loner]

It looks like you neck turn the Ai and the Gibbs. They also were your best targets
at 400. Do you neck turn for the other two or no?

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

243 AI 46.5 grains H-414=3577 fps
240 wby 58 grains wmr=3651 fps
6mm-06 imp 61 grains wmr=3729 fps
240 Gibbs 65 grains wmr=3842 fps

The 243 AI and 240 Gibbs are .270 tight neck match chambers. The necks are turned on those. I usually turn all my necks whether tight neck chambers or not. I just hadn't got around to it on the ones pictured.
Hope this answers your questions.

 

[Loner]

Thanks, you do like your 6mm's fast!

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

Speed Kills, I like the point and shoot theory out to 400 yards.

 

[CHARLIEDUECE65]

LTLR,


If you were loading for 90-115 grain bullets for your 240 gibbs or a similiar large capacity case would you still use wmr powder or something like re22 or h1000?

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

When they quit making the WMR powder I bought all I could find of a specific lot number. Quite a few cases of 1 and 8 pound cans. Most burn rate charts show it to be basically a ball 4831. However this batch is a little slower than 7828. In ball form this allows me to use it in cases that I just can't get enough 7828, h1000, etc in the case. I have shot wmr with 107 matchkings and it does very well. Also did well with 7828. Originally it was bought back in the 90's when I was doing quite a bit of work with the 338 lapua case and improving it. WMR is awesome in the 338 lapua and improved versions of it.

I don't think you could get enough h1000 in the case. re22 and 7828, etc are right in there along with some of the vihtavouri powders. I have also had good luck with magpro in this size case which is also a ball powder.