Author Topic: 6.5 loads (Read 1566 times)

eroyd · « **on:** June 26, 2003, 10:16:23 AM »

I'm new to the centerfire game. What bullet weight/type should I be using in the 6.5 (6.5X55) to knock over rams. What sort of velocities or muzzle energies should I be aiming for?

JimInNJ · « **Reply #1 on:** June 26, 2003, 03:43:19 PM »

142gr Sierra Match Kings launched at 2600fps or more are very popular for rams. The 139gr Lapua Secnar and 140gr Hornady A-Max are also options.

If your rifle wont shoot the high ballistic coefficient jobs try the slightly less aerodynamic 140gr Sierra Match King, but think about giving it an extra 100fps.

For the other animals 107gr Sierra Match Kings are very popular, with the 108gr Lapua Secnar being a more expensive option. If your rifle does not like these try the 120gr Sierra Match King.

- Jim

shootingpaul · « **Reply #2 on:** June 26, 2003, 05:54:49 PM »

actaly I do not agree with JIM as to the price, Lapua is cheaper than Sierra!
compare?
Lapua 108 -- $30 (Hirsh Precision) Sierra 107 --$32 (Wholesale Sports)Lapua 139 -- $33 (Hirsh Precision) Sierra 142 -- $36 (Wholesale Sports)

I also think that Lapua will have more knock out power than sierra
some guys use Lapua 144 gr FMJ, which should be the ultimate for Rams, only depends on your twist if you going to like it. I found that sierra is softer bullet and does not carry over the energy as good as Lapua.
go to my site, follow the links to Hirsh Precision and find for yourself
shootingpaul

eroyd · « **Reply #3 on:** June 26, 2003, 07:13:48 PM »

Thanks guy's for the info, I feel like a dry spunge sucking up this info. Bullet hardness's ex. Facinating stuff I'd never even considered. Hope your sharing my excitement.

As of moments ago I just found out my hopes for hunting season had collapsed so I have a spare week. It also happens that the Canadian Nationals will be within my range this year in August. It would be my first official high power match.

I stumbled onto a great deal on a Sako varmit 308 with a Burris 6x18 scope. This should do for a silhouette class. The hunting class is another story. None of my better rifles would qualify due to magnum and wildcat cartridges. Therefore I'm left with a sporterized 6.5 swed. mauser. I am very close to purchasing a new Tikka 6.5 but it would be some task to get the bugs worked out in time.

This time around I'll just use what I've got, including cheap bulk rem. bullets. I'll have fun, learn a lot and maybe even knock over a few targets.

JimInNJ · « **Reply #4 on:** June 27, 2003, 06:02:17 AM »

It depends where you shop. Here in the US I can usually find a good deal on the Sierras. Current prices in US Dollars from MidwayUSA http://www.midwayusa.com : Sierra 107gr $18.25, Lapua 108gr $23.20, Sierra 142gr $20.18, Lapua 139gr $25.51

Regarding bullet construction, I should have mentioned that I have heard the Hornady A-Max is not tough enough for silhouette. I have not used it myself. I couldnt get it to group out of my hunter gun, and havent bothered to try it in my new 6.5TKS.

Paul, with the difference in hardness you found between Sierra and Lapua did you observe any difference in the velocity you could get before running into pressure signs? Now that I have a rifle with the right twist and throat for the high BC bullets I want to give the Lapuas a try, but I suspect I may have some problems with tough bullets in a seemingly tight PacNor barrel and the tiny TKS case.

- Jim

shootingpaul · « **Reply #5 on:** June 27, 2003, 07:00:10 AM »

no I did not, I know that Lapua will have higher BC than sierra - acording to the manufacturers,
I do not have a chroni, so I do not know what the difference in vel would be, I think that mine are about 2700 fps.
sorry that can not help more than that....
by the way you are right it depends were you shop, but here in Canada Lapua is cheaper.
s-paul

kahuna · « **Reply #6 on:** June 29, 2003, 07:29:39 PM »

Eroyd
You should get a classification match in some where so you don't have to shoot in master class at a national.
See you there.
Larry

eroyd · « **Reply #7 on:** June 30, 2003, 04:24:34 AM »

I'd love to shoot a classification match before the nationals but as it works out, the most conveinient hi-power range to me is Heffley Crk. Where abouts in NW Washington State do they have matches and how much of a hassle is the border?

Campbell River on central Vancouver Island is hopefully going to have HP silhouette on there new range. A lot of folks bought gear in anticipation. (or at least used it as an excuse to put another rifle in the safe) :wink:

shootingpaul · « **Reply #8 on:** June 30, 2003, 06:24:13 AM »

you will need ATF form 6 approved, follow links to read about it ...
to get it approved you will need an invitation frothe shoot in the US, waiting time could be 6 weeks, the easier way would be to attend a match in Alberta if they have one, i will check and let you know if you are interested
s-paul

kahuna · « **Reply #9 on:** June 30, 2003, 01:12:18 PM »

Eroyd
Just so happens that PeEll is shooting a high power on
July 6. will be going down.
you are more then welcome to come along.
I'll just load up some extra ammo for you.
Larry
360-734-3348.

kahuna · « **Reply #10 on:** June 30, 2003, 01:17:31 PM »

Paul
Rosebud is shooting there prov high power on july 5 & 6.
Eroyd you can contact Mike Bishton E-mail
bishton@shaw.ca i think