6.5 Sherman Short and the 160 Matrix.

[bigngreen]

Thought I'd just start a new thread for the data and performance of the 6.5 SS with the 160 Matrix so the info stays better organized. I chose to concentrate on the 160 Matrix because it's really the only bullet right now that I'd confidently shoot a bull elk within the capability of my range finder which is in the 1000-1100 yards range.

Rifle specs; Savage model 12 with a Benchmark 5R 1-8 twist light palma contour at 28.5 inches. Set it up with the nut and no muzzle brake, it's sitting in a punished B&C varmint stock and a Vortex HS LR optic. All shooting will be of a harris style bipod with rear bag and all Chrono numbers will come from a Magneto Speed V2.

The first set of numbers I got this morning were the start of getting a load and shot from a fresh clean barrel at 200 yards just for finding my velocity and pressure range to start load development.

Loaded 3 rounds of 55gr of H1000 then one each at 56,57,58 and 59 gr with a BR-2 primer. I got some slight pressure signs at 58 and 59 but not as much as bolt drag just a little bit shiny on the case head, 55gr was mild.

Series 2 Shots: 7
Min 2862 Max 3030
Avg 2932 S-D 63
ES 168

Series Shot Speed
2 1 2862 ft/sec 55 gr
2 2 2885 ft/sec 55 gr
2 3 2875 ft/sec 55 gr
2 4 2925 ft/sec 56 gr
2 5 2953 ft/sec 57 gr
2 6 2995 ft/sec 58 gr
2 7 3030 ft/sec 59 gr

 

[Outlaw6.0]

Man, that's great velocity for that combo. I figure the WSM will top out at 3100-ish.

It should make a fine little elk thumper

 

[elkaholic]

Thought I'd just start a new thread for the data and performance of the 6.5 SS with the 160 Matrix so the info stays better organized. I chose to concentrate on the 160 Matrix because it's really the only bullet right now that I'd confidently shoot a bull elk within the capability of my range finder which is in the 1000-1100 yards range.

Rifle specs; Savage model 12 with a Benchmark 5R 1-8 twist light palma contour at 28.5 inches. Set it up with the nut and no muzzle brake, it's sitting in a punished B&C varmint stock and a Vortex HS LR optic. All shooting will be of a harris style bipod with rear bag and all Chrono numbers will come from a Magneto Speed V2.

The first set of numbers I got this morning were the start of getting a load and shot from a fresh clean barrel at 200 yards just for finding my velocity and pressure range to start load development.

Loaded 3 rounds of 55gr of H1000 then one each at 56,57,58 and 59 gr with a BR-2 primer. I got some slight pressure signs at 58 and 59 but not as much as bolt drag just a little bit shiny on the case head, 55gr was mild.

Series 2 Shots: 7
Min 2862 Max 3030
Avg 2932 S-D 63
ES 168

Series Shot Speed
2 1 2862 ft/sec 55 gr
2 2 2885 ft/sec 55 gr
2 3 2875 ft/sec 55 gr
2 4 2925 ft/sec 56 gr
2 5 2953 ft/sec 57 gr
2 6 2995 ft/sec 58 gr
2 7 3030 ft/sec 59 gr

Good stuff Rhian! I think I am finally going to get some time to shoot my SS pretty soon and my Magneto speed will be here tomorrow 160 grains of .264 with that kind of sectional density and velocity will be a lot harder on elk than many realize. You would have to get into the big bore mags to perform like that, other than the energy difference. All that on a light short action too. With the annealed bullets opening up at 1000 plus yards, I would be nervous if I was an elk

 

[barnesuser28]

Has there been expansion tests done with the annealed 160 matrix at reduced velocities? If so i must have missed it. So now once the 22-250 is burned out, the choice is 6.5SS or 6 BR.... decisions decisions.

 

[bigngreen]

Has there been expansion tests done with the annealed 160 matrix at reduced velocities? If so i must have missed it. So now once the 22-250 is burned out, the choice is 6.5SS or 6 BR.... decisions decisions.

I was waiting for dad to post it up but maybe he's waiting on me Annealing made a significant improvement with the bullets opening in the first jug then hashing the second and the mushroomed bullet ending in the third at 100+gr. I think his impact velocity was around 1830fps at the lowest running a .680 bc at 2860fps. To me it looked like it would do rude things to the insides of an elk chest

I'm going to have to put in a big order for some more 160's and I need to find some more brass so I can get a good run of one load to get some serious shooting done, I'm about done screwing around and am ready to take it out to ranges that are more intersting in preperation for hunting season and get the ballistics nailed down tight.

 

[barnesuser28]

Very nice! How long were they annealed? Lots or little discoloration? I am going to put in an order with Marshal for 200, he said he should have some more jackets by the end of the month. Thanks for the info!

 

[gillettehunter]

I bought 200 of the 160's and was concerned about them opening up properly. Specific details on annealing would be greatly appreciated. Have not loaded any to try yet. Been busy w/ work and some fishing.... Too many hobbies according to my wife! Bruce

 

[Outlaw6.0]

I too would like to know more about this particular annealing process.


Help a brother out!!!!


t

 

[bigngreen]

I think he just spun them with the drill red neck style in front of a torch for a 10 count with just the the tip part out of the holder. We'll come up with a more precise way to do a bunch of them and post it.

 

[elkaholic]

i too would like to know more about this particular annealing process.


Help a brother out!!!!


T

i haven't done the process with the matrix but i do a lot of bullet bonding experience with a torch and i would be very careful not to melt the lead! I think when i try it, i will submerge them in water leaving less than 1/4" sticking out and heat them to cherry red......rich