6.5 SHERMAN SHORTS WITH 156 BERGER

[elkaholic]

I thought I would get a thread going which would focus on the new 156 Berger. If you have a 6.5 SS or SST, post your results.
I got out today to test them for the first time and also the first time using N565. I mostly just shot to establish max and try a couple seating depts but am impressed so far with velocity and potential accuracy. I'll have to make another trip to establish max because I hadn't reached any pressure signs yet at 3035' behind 60 grains and that was the top load I had. I'm really liking the way this bullet sits in the case with a coal of around 2.920". Looks like it will be a sweet combo. The top 3 charges at 58, 59, and 60 went into 3/8". Ill try to run a ladder test when I get more time.

 

[westcoasthunter]

So you are getting 3035 fps with the 6.5sst and 156 bergers? What's your barrel lenght?

 

[elkaholic]

So you are getting 3035 fps with the 6.5sst and 156 bergers? What's your barrel lenght?

26". No pressure signs at all yet and good accuracy.
Forgot to mention that was fire forming.

 

[lancetkenyon]

I am running the 156 Elite in my new 26" 1:7.5" 6.5SS. Only 50 rounds down the barrel so far, so it should still speed up.
With H1000 (in AZ, I need temp stable), I got up to 3035 in the first 21 shots down the barrel. No pressure yet.

My load that is going hunting this year is working very well.
ADG fully formed 6.5SS brass
Fed GM215M
58.0gr H1000
156 Berger Elite
2.279" CBTO
3020fps
ES 12
SD 6
.270 MOA @ 200 yards w. 10-15mph winds, 111°F and wicked mirage


Zeroed with 3 more @ 200 the following week and called it good for now, since I have a hunt starting in 7 days.


Other loads showed a lot of promise @ 100 yards, but were a bit slower, so I went with the higher speeds for hunting. Also, this is a new barrel.
56.5gr

57.5gr

58.5gr @ 200 yards

 

[ZReed85]

That's very intriguing guys! I have a new manners ultra classic and was looking for what would handle the 156 at a good velocity in a short action.

This 6.5ss seems to be the only one with room to spare.

Is the adg brass readily available, and no fireforming is required correct? Also any non bushing good dies available for it?

Looking forward to seeing where we end up before pressure with this testing.

Thanks for the info guys!

 

[elkaholic]

The SS needs fire forming, the sst does not. I have Forster dies. Full length sizer with Micrometer seater

 

[Short Case]

26". No pressure signs at all yet and good accuracy.
Forgot to mention that was fire forming.

Rich was that with F210 primer

 

[elkaholic]

Rich was that with F210 primer

I had a brain freeze and I think the first round was with a F210 and then when I ran the Satterlee, I switched to 215's. Im pretty sure thats why I had ,3035 at 60 grains and almost 3100' the next day. I usually mark my strip primers well but the 210 and 215 look the same

 

[elkaholic]

I ran a ladder test at 440 today based on the Satterlee ran previously. I think the node clearly shows that pure velocity data does not read harmonics! note the definite jump with a load that was only 2 fps difference from shots 5-6 to 7-8.
I went back to 755 yards and fired 4 shots with the 59 grain load and the group blew up to 1 1/4 moa. Now I'm wondering if my 8 twist is sufficient for this bullet?? Ill have to check again, but it doesnt look good to me!

 

[ZReed85]

Just out of curiosity, what's your elevation where you shoot?

Thank you

 

[elkaholic]

Just out of curiosity, what's your elevation where you shoot?

Thank you

it was around 3800-4000 today. I was surprised it didnt group a lot better at 755 but dont know what else it would be??

 

[elkaholic]

I just heard from a respected guy that says the 8 twist works fine so I must have been straddling a scatter node with this first try. Looks like a do over is in order

 

[Clucknmoan]

I'm not sure what's up with mine. I can shoot 140's with great speed, but as soon as I try 150 or 156's I get crap speed before I pressure out.

Anyone have any load data for the 156's, SS and RL26?

 

[cjl2010]

I can run faster than my 6.5ss. 24" proof 7 twist and I max out at 2900fps with shiny ejector. Accuracy node is 2840fps with n565.