The Berger 156 EOL is done

[bigngreen]

The 156 isn't about the numbers on paper it's about what happens when they hit, we've shot a good bit of game with the 150+ gr Matrix 6.5 bullets and it's a next level class of killing from the 6.5 especially from chambering like the 6.5 Sherman or SS, I have zero problems putting this class bullet on any elk out 800+ after seeing it perform in those ranges multiple times!!
The sectional density on this 6.5 bullet is nearly the same as the 215 hybrid which gives me all kinds of warm fuzzy feelings!!

 

[Edd]

For what it's worth Hornady BC's aren't what they claim if you ask Brian Litz

I would believe what Brian Litz says with caution.

 

[JTB]

Comparing a few loads I am currently running in a PRC, and a predicted load with the 156 EOL, and the distance at which energy drops below 1000 ft/lbs, and predicted drop at 1000 yards (sighted in at 300)
156 EOL MV=2950. 1145 yards -207.4
150 SMK MV=2980. 1140 yards -202.0
160 Matrix MV=2935. 1085 yards -215.9
147 ELD-M MV=2990. 1030 yards -209.4
142 ABLR MV=3050. 1045 yards -200.1
143 ELD-X MV=3010. 1000 yards -208.2
For those following the 25 cal 131 blackjack from a 25 PRC
131 BJ MV 3240. 1140 yards -172.7

 

[TXAoudadKlr]

It's not the highest of the 6.5's but.....we're talking an actual hunting bullet not a target bullet.

I mean come on, we all do it. We ask for heavier bullets then we gripe about them taking forever or "well the b.c could have been better"

I mean sure they could turn a 160ish grainier with .72-.75 for B.C but how many would be running a 1-7? Very few I'd imagine.

It better than what we've had for a hunting bullet and should be more welcomed

 

[HARPERC]

.....I mean sure they could turn a 160ish grainier with .72-.75 for B.C but how many would be running a 1-7? Very few I'd imagine......It better than what we've had for a hunting bullet and should be more welcomed.........

....."If you build it they will come"! LOL

 

[Deleted member 25294]

The on game performance has been a massive disappointment with the ELDX and ELDM, all most every guy I personally know, myself included won't run them again for game cause the lower BC Berger way out performed them. The ONLY thing that I like and kept me shooting so many ELD bullet is the price BUT in the end that's not worth it for how they perform.IMO

Don't tell that to the pile of Bulls and bucks that my buddy and I have stacked up with ELDM's and X's in several calibers.
I killed my bull at 940 with the 147 last year, performed perfectly.
I use Berger's and ELDM's regularly, there isn't a dang bit of difference in how well they perform. And both are explosive at close range.

For what it's worth Hornady BC's aren't what they claim if you ask Brian Litz

Hmm.. you think there might be a little bias there...
The .697 G1 has worked for me to 1150 in my 6.5 SAUM, I just don't personally see any benefit in going to the 156. Kudos to those who do.

 

[25WSM]

The hornady bc numbers have been very close in my come ups at 1000yard matches. I mean within a couple of inches. The berger and Sierra numbers are just as close. I don't know why litz down plays the hornady bc when it's so easy to verify your self. And way too many people will tell you that the bc is very very close. I've shot my smallest 1000 yard group ever in competition with 147 eldms. So yes even with plastic tips they shoot very accurate. My 1000 yard 6.5 creed shoots in the zeros consistently at 100 yards. That is benchrest accurate. I don't hunt with them so can't comment on game performance. I normally stick to Barnes for hunting. Shep

 

[bigngreen]

Don't tell that to the pile of Bulls and bucks that my buddy and I have stacked up with ELDM's and X's in several calibers.
I killed my bull at 940 with the 147 last year, performed perfectly.
I use Berger's and ELDM's regularly, there isn't a dang bit of difference in how well they perform. And both are explosive at close range.

I saw a huge performance gap, three rounds into one mule deer buck with a 143 and not one made it more than half way through the chest at 250-300 yards from a creedmore, I've never had a 140 Berger stop in a deer nor have I ever shot one twice with a Berger. I lost a cow but we never could find her so can't say for sure but at the range all I had in my scope was elk, won't be shooting a 180 ELDM and got feed back from another couple of guys on the 180 also and they were not working at all, blowing up on elk in a bad way, I know a couple guys who lost bulls that we found them horn hunting and the hits were good the bullet performance not, a couple customer had some love but over all most are going back to Bergers.

 

[brotherbear67]

I'm pretty excited about the 156's working in a 26 Nosler with an 8t barrel that I've had sitting dormant, waiting for em to be released. Should be pretty interesting to see what guys can come up with in the 6.5 SAUMs, the Sherman's, the PRC and WSM as well as the 264 mag and 26 N. Hell, I think that bullet will make a great addition to the CM and 260 as well. Anytime we can get a heavy for caliber bullet, it is a bonus for shooters and hunters alike. Good luck to everyone out there with load development!

 

[scdogman]

The hornady bc numbers have been very close in my come ups at 1000yard matches. I mean within a couple of inches. The berger and Sierra numbers are just as close. I don't know why litz down plays the hornady bc when it's so easy to verify your self. And way too many people will tell you that the bc is very very close. I've shot my smallest 1000 yard group ever in competition with 147 eldms. So yes even with plastic tips they shoot very accurate. My 1000 yard 6.5 creed shoots in the zeros consistently at 100 yards. That is benchrest accurate. I don't hunt with them so can't comment on game performance. I normally stick to Barnes for hunting. Shep

I'm not a comp shooter. At first, I was happily to hit the target at 1100 yards. the 180 eldm was on the target, so I called bc good. When I needed the vertical to improve, I had to dial down the bc. I'm using , .351 to be spot on from 800 to 1100. 8t barrel. Litz uses .360.

This is down from Hornady.

The 195 flies true in the same gun. Speed verified by magneto.

 

[codyadams]

Out of the 13 animals this year with the 147 eld-m, 4 didn't exit. Out of over 40 with the 140 vld, ALL exited.

The 147 stacked a pile of dead critters for sure, but the berger killed them faster and performed better and more comsistently. Just my personal experience with well over 50 animals.

But this isn't a berger vs. Hornady thread, this is a Berger thread. If you think the 156 is pointless, awesome, more for the rest of us. I'll be reporting my results when they arrive. Hopefully they live up the the experience I have had with the rest of the Bergers.

 

[Deleted member 103481]

If they actually become available I'll try them.

Maybe my 8 twist will spin it

 

[lancetkenyon]

My 1:7.5" 6.5SS barreled action should be ready from Axisworks in a week or two. Built it expecting a 1:7.5" minimum requirement, not 1:8", so it should absolutely love the new 156.

Guess that means my current 1:8" 6.5SS might get to try them too. It sure loves the 140 HVLD & 150 SMK already though, so probably just stick with those in it. 800+ rounds down that barrel, don't need to start another load for it when it is getting long in the tooth.

 

[Elk Hunter 338]

they will make the big 6.5's something to talk about again ….

they'll be ok performers in the smaller stuff not enough to make them better than the 140 gr at a more substantial velocity ..

put them in a 6.5-338 ultra or a 26 nosler @3300 plus and the numbers are ridiculous 14 moa to a grand w/200 yard zero, 2k energy, 2300 fps impact velocity that's a lightning rod!

almost makes me want one over my 30's or 338's not really but It would be fun