6.5x.284 load data for lighter bullets?

[188MULE]

I bought a new rifle in 6.5x.284 not really intended for real long shots and I would like to shoot some lighter stuff with it. Any data on any thing lighter than 140 would be great. Thanks

 

[johnnyk]

Got great accuracy with 100gn Ballistic Tips, 54.5gn of AA3100 and BR2. Accuracy ran .327" from a stock Savage, however, don't think AA3100 is being made anymore .

Also tried 120gn SMK's with 50.0gn of AA3100 and BR2's. Accuracy was .452".

Loaded some 100gn Sierra HP's with H4350/BR2's...Best accuracy was at 53.5 and 54.0gn's. Groups were .204" and .257", respectively.

120gn Ballistic Tip, 52.0gn IMR4831/BR2, 3145fps @ .381" (100yd).

120gn Ballistic Tip, 58.5gn RL25/BR2, 3225fps @ .3445" (100yds) current deer/target load.

130gn Berger VLD Hunting, 50.5 & 51.0gn of RL17/BR2, .474" & .426", respectively.

The only 140's I have shot in this rifle were the 140gn AccuTip and accuracy was so so.

Hope this helps. JohnnyK.

 

[188MULE]

Thanks, what is the barrel length?
What was the velocity for the 130's?
How did the bullets perform on game?

 

[johnnyk]

Barrel length is 26". Didn't chrono the 130's. Couldn't find a spectacular load that I wanted to call my own and I have only tried the 120gn Ballistic Tips on deer and hogs. Everything they touch keeps dieing! JohnnyK.

 

[blipelt]

The 130 berger vld will perform well. Took out a cow elk @400yds. with one out of my 260. It didn't exit, but it hit the off shoulder.

Brent

 

[188MULE]

Thanks guys, I have a couple hundred 130 vlds that I plan on using. Thought of using something in 120s also. I'll see how the rifle shoots.

 

[tjmasker]

I have attached a list of loads from shooting times magazine for the 6.5X284. There are some excellent loads in there.

I have a Cooper Firearms of Montana Model 22 in a 6.5X284. It has a 26 inch barrel and I shoot pretty consistent 1/3", 3 shot groups from a benchrest.

I like the Barnes 120gr. TTSX with 53.5 grains of Alliant Reloader 22 for hunting whitetails.

I hit a Whitetail Buck at about 50 yards with this round and he did not get very far. I also nailed a 130 pound doe at about 125 yards and knocked her over like a bowling pin. She did not get up.

The 120gr. Nosler balistic tip, with 44.0 grains of Hodgdon Varget is very accurate but I will not use it for hunting because I have heard some stories about it breaking up. The Barnes TSX and TTSX will retain there mass and blow clean through whitetail I think out to 600 yards. I do not have the balistic chart handy so I would check on the distance but I am pretty sure that is right.

Tim

 

[65WSM]

I am interested in long range hunting. My top bolt action rig is a Model 70 with a Bartlein 26inch #3 fluted barrel in 6.5X284. With the 130 Accubond or 120 Ballistic Tip bullet I have found the highest velocity and most consistent SD with Vhitavuori N-560 powder. I use Fed 210M primers in Lapua brass. The absolute Maximum is 58.5 gr but I like 56.4 gr the best for 3260 fps instrumental at 12 feet. 120 gr Ballistic tips are routinely at 3400 fps with 58.17 gr of N-560, I have trouble reaching these velocities with the larger case of the 270 WSM necked down to 6.5. There does not appear to be such a magic powder for the larger case but N-560 is magic in the 6.5X284.

I have tried R-22, R-25, 4000MR, Superperformance, IMR 7828SC, Retumbo and Ramshot Magnum. Let me know if you have found higher velocities.

 

[188MULE]

Tried some loads in my new TC venture 24" tube.
All 130 vld target, lapua brass, br-2 primers. @ 25 deg F.
50 gr rl17 2835 fps, 51 gr rl17 2900 fps, 52 gr rl17, 2960 fps.The 52gr load is a little hot even at 25 deg. Gonna get back out and try the from 49-51 gr in smaller grain increments. But while doing my barrel break in I shot a under 1/2" group with the 51 gr cleaning every round. Looks like it will be well under their 1" moa garentee. Will try some rl 19, rl22, 4831sc also.

 

[188MULE]

Anyone shoot the 6.5 123 gr seirra's, if so how do they do on game?