6.5 Creedmore vs 7x57 vs 7mm-08 or .270 win using non lead at sub 300m

[Olaf]

Given a choice between a 6.5 creedmore and a 7x57 ; using non lead bullets up to 300 m
what’s your preference? What bullet choice? What MV ? What type of animal? Loads and bullet choices are obviously interesting to hear.
Clearly, by bullet I mean bullet and not the F@@@@@@ cartridge.
Kindest regards, Olaf

 

[hendrix's rifle]

6.5creedmoor, lead free will have to be the yew tree TLR from muntjac+ CWD to reds.

 

[wellywoodie]

I use Virtus 101gr osprey in the creed 3150fps, they are excellent on fallow roe and Munty. I’ve never used the yew tree stuff, but very good reviews online, I will try asap.

 

[shakey jake]

Sorry olaf, Creedmoor not creed more

 

[Drum123]

139 grain hasler , in 7mm08 , ,42.5 grain of n140 @ 2800 will drop anything in this country out to your parameters.
My preference will always be 120 pro hunters in the same calibre though .

 

[billy_boyle_2010]

Anything with a fast twist barrel will give you options.

Everyone says go light for calibre but there's still some debate over this.

You can get lead free that works at 300m. But it won't work equally well at 70m AND 300m......

 

[Mungo]

Given a choice between a 6.5 creedmore and a 7x57 ; using non lead bullets up to 300 m
what’s your preference? What bullet choice? What MV ? What type of animal? Loads and bullet choices are obviously interesting to hear.
Clearly, by bullet I mean bullet and not the F@@@@@@ cartridge.
Kindest regards, Olaf

Doesn’t make enough difference to worry about.

 

[Olaf]

Sorry olaf, Creedmoor not creed more

Ah yes, i do apologise, I should have checked more.
Kindest regards, Olaf

 

[jthyttin]

You can get lead free that works at 300m. But it won't work equally well at 70m AND 300m......

As with all bullets.

But the best bet is to find the bullet with best BC i.e. heaviest (among the ones that otherwise satisfy your needs). That way the velocity window you're dealing with is narrower, and the bullet behaves more consistently at different distances. As an example, in 308 the terminal velocity at 300 meters is about the same for 150gr and 130gr even though MV is considerably faster for 130gr. So if the design criteria is same for both bullets, they work equally well at 300 and at closer distances the 150gr is "more civilized".

I also suspect that bullet designs that are supposed to lose the petals will work more consistently at different terminal speeds, as long as velocity is over the design threshold. Many people on this site have moved away from these designs, since the breaking petals carry somewhat significant momentum and can e.g. hit the rumen even though shot was comfortably in front of from diaphragm. Haven't personally used them at supersonic speeds.

As to the choice of cartridge, 7x57 has small and 270 significant edge over the smaller cases. Meaning they will be faster at 300m if that's the culprit (given that you can find highish BC bullets and they work with your twist).

 

[billy_boyle_2010]

As with all bullets.

But the best bet is to find the bullet with best BC i.e. heaviest (among the ones that otherwise satisfy your needs). That way the velocity window you're dealing with is narrower, and the bullet behaves more consistently at different distances. As an example, in 308 the terminal velocity at 300 meters is about the same for 150gr and 130gr even though MV is considerably faster for 130gr. So if the design criteria is same for both bullets, they work equally well at 300 and at closer distances the 150gr is "more civilized".

I also suspect that bullet designs that are supposed to lose the petals will work more consistently at different terminal speeds, as long as velocity is over the design threshold. Many people on this site have moved away from these designs, since the breaking petals carry somewhat significant momentum and can e.g. hit the rumen even though shot was comfortably in front of from diaphragm. Haven't personally used them at supersonic speeds.

As to the choice of cartridge, 7x57 has small and 270 significant edge over the smaller cases. Meaning they will be faster at 300m if that's the culprit (given that you can find highish BC bullets and they work with your twist).

Interesting and agreed for the most part

IME a lead bullet has a broader working window than lead free. So it would be easier to outperform the lead free at 75m and 300m.

Good point re the bc of the heavier bullet.

I have found a few petals in the liver before. Never clipped the rumen but that's luck more than anything.

 

[Heym SR20]

6 of one, two threes and half a dozen - they all work well with non lead bullets. Any variation in performance will be down to exact choice of bullet and placement of shot and that’s down to the individual behind the rifle.

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

Anything with a fast twist barrel will give you options.

Everyone says go light for calibre but there's still some debate over this.

You can get lead free that works at 300m. But it won't work equally well at 70m AND 300m......

Some wont
Some will

You shouldn’t need to go frangible to get sensible expansion and terminal effect

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Anything with a fast twist barrel will give you options.

Everyone says go light for calibre but there's still some debate over this.

You can get lead free that works at 300m. But it won't work equally well at 70m AND 300m......

I'd disagree with that. The yew tree work well at both 70 and 300 yards. Yes, there's always going to be slightly more damage at closer range but it's a trade off. I do mean only slightly more too.

Like the sierra 130g gamechanger, they work really well at 50 and also really well at 400 whereas the eldm/x doesn't from the ones I've used.

Horses for courses, if you shoot predominantly 200 yards ensure it's got the velocity to expand reliably and you're good to go. If you're shooting further out, look for something that will work well at X range and take the loss with animals real close..

 

[Olaf]

Doesn’t make enough difference to worry about.

I agree, hence my starting the thread. They all have much in common and one could also add the 6.5x55 into the list as well. Likely a few others too. I’m interested in hearing how others get on with their chosen non lead bullets at sensible hunting ranges in these quite similar cartridges. Obviously some of the listed chamberings have a big advantage over others in that they can accommodate longer and heavier higher BC bullets, making them potentially quite different and better for certain hunting situations.
Kindest regards, Olaf

 

[billy_boyle_2010]

I'd disagree with that. The yew tree work well at both 70 and 300 yards. Yes, there's always going to be slightly more damage at closer range but it's a trade off. I do mean only slightly more too.

Like the sierra 130g gamechanger, they work really well at 50 and also really well at 400 whereas the eldm/x doesn't from the ones I've used.

Horses for courses, if you shoot predominantly 200 yards ensure it's got the velocity to expand reliably and you're good to go. If you're shooting further out, look for something that will work well at X range and take the loss with animals real close..

I agree Yew Tree quite possibly the best for such an application.

There's talk of the softer copper bullets expanding in the barrel and causing pressure spikes and significant fowling which sounds interesting.....