Optimal bullet/weight for 6.5 Creedmoor

[Jack3]

Hugely subjective question I appreciate that...

But here is the context: I've always used factory ammo in my Sauer 100 for stalking and target shooting; usually Hornady 143gn ELD-X. However, I'm starting to think about reloading and looking for a bullet weight (and bullet recommendations for bonus points) for everything from muntjac to reds (and target shooting). The simple reason for this is I don't want to have to re-zero for multiple loads and also keen to really get my head around the ballistics and drop etc.

So ultimately looking for the 'do-it-all' bullet!

Any recommendations?

 

[palo]

Just stick with your 143eldx

 

[MarinePMI]

Hugely subjective question I appreciate that...

But here is the context: I've always used factory ammo in my Sauer 100 for stalking and target shooting; usually Hornady 143gn ELD-X. However, I'm starting to think about reloading and looking for a bullet weight (and bullet recommendations for bonus points) for everything from muntjac to reds (and target shooting). The simple reason for this is I don't want to have to re-zero for multiple loads and also keen to really get my head around the ballistics and drop etc.

So ultimately looking for the 'do-it-all' bullet!

Any recommendations?

Over here the general consensus is that 130gr bullets are a happy medium of trading off some BC for higher velocity with a lighter bullet. 130 Sierra TGK (aka Gamechangers) are my go-to for 6.5 Creedmoor these days. If you're hunting and not target shooting past 1100-1200yds, than IME the 130gr seems to work best.

 

[takbok]

130gr Gamechanger would be a good one, or 100gr TTSX / lighter Yew tree option.

 

[Cottis]

I loaded 143gn ELD-X for a while. It's a decent killing bullet and at serious range it really becomes even better but it is on the slow side unless you use barrel burning powders.

The 130gn Sierra TMK (Gamechanger) is a superb bullet. It is harder so damages less whilst still expanding and is a superb killer. You can also get it to 2700fps by using single base powders. It is not as good as the ELD-X at serious distance but for most UK deer scenarios, i believe it is a better bullet and suits the 6.5CM better for me.

It is a more fashionable looking 6mm Pro Hunter which is another bullet I really rate.

So i agree with the above. 130gn for me.

 

[baguio]

Just stick with what you have. I doubt you will be stretching the ranges too much so speed isn’t really important. In fact, low speed will probably benefit you on the muntjac.

 

[longrangepete]

Only ever used 143gr eld x
Regular out to 1100 yards

Well 1096 actually
Fantastic bullet /cal

 

[Jack3]

And can I ask your powder of choice for the 130gn Sierra TGK (Gamechangers), and for the 143g ELD-X respectively?

 

[longrangepete]

For 143gr eld x
Stayball 41.9gr
Reloader 19 was unreal
But cant get anymore
Lovex so70 was good aswell

 

[25 Sharps]

For 143gr eld x
Stayball 41.9gr
Reloader 19 was unreal
But cant get anymore
Lovex so70 was good aswell

Which staball as there are several, 6.5?

 

[MarinePMI]

And can I ask your powder of choice for the 130gn Sierra TGK (Gamechangers), and for the 143g ELD-X respectively?

I'm running 42.5-43gr of H-4350 for 130's. Yes, I know H4350 is unobtainium in the UK, but wanted to throw it our there, since you probably have a powder that's pretty close to the burn rate of H4350.

 

[jockey]

RS62 is a good alternative for H4350 , i use it with 130 sierra gamechangers , in my 6.5 creedmoor, it performs very well.

 

[NullMac]

So ultimately looking for the 'do-it-all' bullet!

Well that would be an eld-m. Target shooting and culling.

IMO they expand better than ELD-X. I think some guys from Ultimate Reloader have a video on yootube where they "proved it" a bit more scientifically than me.

Don't shoot factory, Hornady ammo is soooo slooooooow. Accurate though

 

[CastleStalker]

130gr Sierra Game-changer with N555 powder working well for me at the moment.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Well that would be an eld-m. Target shooting and culling.

IMO they expand better than ELD-X. I think some guys from Ultimate Reloader have a video on yootube where they "proved it" a bit more scientifically than me.

Don't shoot factory, Hornady ammo is soooo slooooooow. Accurate though

Funny you say that, I can't get on with the eld-m. I find them too explosive and unpredictable. Ironically, the complete opposite end of the scale to the earlier amax which I found to be way to hard!
The sierra gamechanger is the ticket though

 

[Dave_45]

I loved 120gr pro hunters in mine.

I use them in my 6.5 284 ,RS70 , very very good velocity.