Hi Bruce....I have shot a 6.5 for over thirty years now and have killed a lot of game with one including 25-30 bull elk, lots of deer, and a few bears. Oh ya, one moose! I have had some very good results at times with Bergers and some not so hot. I hesitate to be too critical because everyone has their favorites that work for them. With a 6.5, you have to remember that mass is not your companion so the range and game animal being hunted becomes more critical than if you were shooting a 30 with a similar bullet. Having said that, out to 600 yards, I don't think there is a better bullet made for a 6.5 than the old tried and true Nosler partition. They will expand at low velocity and hold together at high velocity. They are VERY predictable and I used them extensively to kill everything that I mentioned. The downside is when you want to extend the range to 800 yards or so, b.c. becomes a problem. IMO, and this is just that, MO based on my experiences, the Bergers do their best work at mid velocities especially with a 6.5. I have seen them explode too fast at high velocity and not expand at low velocity. I think they are great between about 2100'-2700' give or take depending upon what you hit. My experience with the AB's is they are better at high and mid velocity but not so good when it falls off (and not down to 1800' as advertised). I would probably use a ballistic tip with the Nosler if I were going to shoot beyond 600 yards. The A-Max is a good bullet at long range but is VERY explosive close up. I know this doesn't completely help you with your question, but this might give you some food for thought on your most likely shooting distances. As some have mentioned previously, you may find two loads that will work together for close to mid and one for long. At long range, you usually have a lot of time to change loads if necessary. Good luck and good hunting!......Rich
