What 6.5 bullet?

[wildfowler.250]

Folks, I’m sure I’ve asked a similar thread before but what is your favourite (lead) 6.5 bullet?

My rifle seemed to shoot 140 grain much better than 120 grain,(prohunters).

I was using 143 eldx . I’m getting low on numbers now and have had to change primer to RWS,(from CCI) so I thought it was a reasonable time to change bullets.

The eldx shot very well. Killed well enough. But were fairly messy/bruising.

I love the carcasses I get with accubonds in the .270. Maybe don’t group the best in the .270,(sub 1” just) but a nice golf ball shaped hole.

I’m tempted to try accubonds but the 130’s seem largely out of stock and the 140’s in stock seem to be ‘long range’ (to me that just means opens up easier at slower speeds / more bruising).


So what do you like and what is actually available in stock these days - another issue!


Thanks!

 

[ColinBr]

Sierra Gamechangers in 130gr shoot well and perform well too.

 

[jthyttin]

I’m tempted to try accubonds but the 130’s seem largely out of stock and the 140’s in stock seem to be ‘long range’ (to me that just means opens up easier at slower speeds / more bruising).

Accubond LR won't necessarily make any more mess than Accubond. You need also to factor in the impact velocity, you don't mention which 6.5 cartridge but I assume MV is less than with your 270?

One thing about ABLR is that they're considerably longer than regular AB. So the 142gr might not stabilize adequately. Keep in mind that on paper they might fly true, but on quarry the bullet might not go on straight line if it's marginally stable. Hornady does list 1-8" minimum twist for 143 eldx, and they have identical BC with 142 ABLR so you might manage it with ABLR. Then again, they're different construction so might act (stabilize) differently in carcass.

 

[wildfowler.250]

Sorry folks! Quick reply at work but it’s a 6.5x55

Thanks for the quick replies!

 

[shezza87]

I’m in the same boat as you atm think i’m going to give the 130gr sierra gamechangers a try!
I liked the sako factory ammo loaded with these bullets but can’t get them anymore.
Struggle to get any factory stuff for the swede these days!

 

[User00057]

Sierra Gamechangers in 130gr shoot well and perform well too.

I agree these are great and shoot fallow out too 200 with them so far.

 

[Rutland lad]

Sako Gamehead 130 grain. One ragged hole at 100m out of my Mauser. Would’ve stayed with them had my permission not insisted on copper.

 

[Heym SR20]

If you want a nice clean carcass you need a bullet that stays in one piece.

 

[gixer1]

 

[Hook'N'Bullet]

Sako Gamehead 130 grain. One ragged hole at 100m out of my Mauser. Would’ve stayed with them had my permission not insisted on copper.

Out of sheer curiosity, in that situation, whos going to find out if you shoot lead or copper?

 

[bullet chucker]

Norma ballistic tip 120grn. Tikka T3 Stainless Lite L/H. 6.5X55. Fallow mainly.

BC.

 

[Pete6.5]

Out of sheer curiosity, in that situation, whos going to find out if you shoot lead or copper?

Nobody but a man is only as good as his word and if you promise to use lead free to keep a permission you should.

 

[Foxyboy43]

Just contact Richard at Yewtree - for copper he is the man for uk made bullets and he freely supplies powder loads for them!

 

[wildfowler.250]

Sierra Gamechangers in 130gr shoot well and perform well too.

I agree these are great and shoot fallow out too 200 with them so far.

Cheers folks. I’ve heard good accuracy and performance out of them. Are they messy? Appreciate the jacket makes a big difference but that ballistic tip look has put me off before

 

[wildfowler.250]

Accubond LR won't necessarily make any more mess than Accubond. You need also to factor in the impact velocity, you don't mention which 6.5 cartridge but I assume MV is less than with your 270?

One thing about ABLR is that they're considerably longer than regular AB. So the 142gr might not stabilize adequately. Keep in mind that on paper they might fly true, but on quarry the bullet might not go on straight line if it's marginally stable. Hornady does list 1-8" minimum twist for 143 eldx, and they have identical BC with 142 ABLR so you might manage it with ABLR. Then again, they're different construction so might act (stabilize) differently in carcass.

Thats interesting. Certainly the 143 eldx shot very well. I always thought these longer range bullets were constructed a little thinner so they opened up at long range. My worry for shooting usually inside 200 yards..

 

[wildfowler.250]

View attachment 381753View attachment 381754

The classics. Are they harder construction than the prohunters? Had a prohunter 130 grain not exit a fallow buck with the .270 and that put me off slightly. Dead deer though but no trail!

Norma ballistic tip 120grn. Tikka T3 Stainless Lite L/H. 6.5X55. Fallow mainly.

BC.

I couldn’t find them for love nor money for a while. Do you find them messy?

 

[wildfowler.250]

Just contact Richard at Yewtree - for copper he is the man for uk made bullets and he freely supplies powder loads for them!

I only ever use copper if it’s an estate day and now it’s easier to use a hire rifle than trial boxes of ammo at the cost of the damn stuff. Appreciate the suggestion though!

 

[precision_stalker]

I’m personally not a 6.5 shooter but know a fair few who are, and they are all using theses with great results and can’t recommend them enough. UK company and well developed.

I’m just about to get some in 308 to try.

Lead Free Copper Bullets Testing and Evaluation

www.virtusprecision.co.uk

 

[jthyttin]

Thats interesting. Certainly the 143 eldx shot very well. I always thought these longer range bullets were constructed a little thinner so they opened up at long range. My worry for shooting usually inside 200 yards..

Accubond and Accubond LR are bonded. Like really bonded, not like Sako/Lapua "mechanically bonded" BS (ELD-X also specs InterLock "bonding" that's no real bond between jacket and core, just mechanical/dimensional attempt).

Your fear on LR bullets at shorter range is not unfounded, be they bonded or not. I don't have enough data to really say yay or nay, but as friend has used 129gr 6.5 ABLR for few years and terminal effect has been very acceptable. I've used the same bullet (and same chambering, 260Rem) but I had previous disappointing accuracy results that tracked down to virgin brass. So haven't shot it in anger yet. And we fall gravely behind (semi)professional UK stalkers in numbers taken per person, so I'm careful in passing on the experience.

 

[malmick]

I was using 143 eldx . I’m getting low on numbers now and have had to change primer to RWS,(from CCI) so I thought it was a reasonable time to change bullets.

The eldx shot very well. Killed well enough. But were fairly messy/bruising.

Try 147gr ELD-M, in my rifle they shoot to the same zero as 143gr ELD-X and have pretty much the same terminal effect (dead deer) with a little less bruising and mess. The 140gr ELDM are in the same ball park in respect to terminal effect and shoot marginally flatter.