ABLR at close range

[The_Whitetail_kid]

For those who have used this bullet at short distances >200 yards, how has it done? Wanting to test it out this year but wasn't sure how it would perform up close. Already got a solid load worked up with it. 6.5 PRC, and 150 ABLR going 2830. I won't be using it for elk or anything too large just mature whitetail and hopefully a muley this fall.

 

[ZReed85]

I have had fantastic luck with 129 ablr on whitetail in a 6.5 creed from 30 to 450 yards. Bullet performance was wonderful with nice golf ball exits.

Currently running the 142 in a shorty 6.5prc on whitetail at 2860fps. 4/4 so far with excellent performance from 70 yards to 470 yards.

ABLR are one of my favorite all around bullets for whitetail specifically.

 

[Buckskinner]

IMO ABLR are a target bullet masquerading as a hunting bullet. The ABLR while bonded are thin skinned and meant to open up at low velo, so do the math. Why they call them Accubombs at short range.

 

[Roughrice]

For those who have used this bullet at short distances >200 yards, how has it done? Wanting to test it out this year but wasn't sure how it would perform up close. Already got a solid load worked up with it. 6.5 PRC, and 150 ABLR going 2830. I won't be using it for elk or anything too large just mature whitetail and hopefully a muley this fall.

I think you will be fine even at close range because at your given velocity the 6.5mm 150 ABLR has a tremendously high sectional density and should hold up well and get really good penetration.

 

[captrjc]

IMO ABLR are a target bullet masquerading as a hunting bullet. The ABLR while bonded are thin skinned and meant to open up at low velo, so do the math. Why they call them Accubombs at short range.

Buck, what launching speeds did you experience the blow ups? What cal?
I used 6.5x284 142 gr on hogs under 200 yards and they performed great as I had holes on both sides.
Maybe I'm running them slower than you.

 

[Eric_F]

I've used 129 ABLRs super slow (2300 fps or so at the muzzle) from my 6.5 Grendel on ~10 whitetail and 7mm 168's at 2850 fps from my 284 Win on 3 elk. In all cases they've passed right through, never recovered a bullet, but he animals dropped well.

Ranges were 20 - 200 yds.

 

[KNOTFERSAIL]

Can't comment personally on the performance of the ablr, but the one thing I look for is a tough bonded bullet (CNS shots) that doesn't blow up and make a blood shot mess.

Not sure if the ablr fits this description?

 

[Eric_F]

It's bonded but soft, opens up quick it seems but that hasn't been a problem in my experience. To me it's a great all around hunting bullet as it's got a good BC, wide velocity window, and kills well. The usual knock is that it isn't very accurate, can confirm it's not too accurate in my Grendel but my 284 does really well.

 

[Pdvdh]

I wouldn't wanna get hit by one at any range.

 

[Roughrice]

I second a few earlier posts!
The 168 ABLR in the 284 Win is like cream in the Oreo! They work together quite nicely!
I'm willing to bet the 150 ABLR in the 6.5 PRC will perform as well for you in that velocity window.

 

[MagnumManiac]

I have done extensive testing in 6.5, 7, 30 and 33 since the inception of the ABLR, including less than 100 metres and well passed 1000 metres.
The less than 100 metres in 129g and 142g 6.5 resulted in about 55% weight retention, expanded jacket segments stayed close to the shank and penetration was adequate at 22-24".
Bullets looked lopsided in every case, but no tumbling could be seen in the media. The only one that looked 'normal' were the 150g ABLR, 65% weight retention and the mushroom didn't look odd at all.

I have had no qualms using them up close out of a custom 264WM, 8" twist and 29.5" barrel when hunting Sambar deer here.
I also use them in 260AI, 6.5-300WSM and 6.5-300Weatherby, so that should tell you something, they hold together…

Cheers.

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

What he said- ^^^^^^^^^^^^^.

The 150's at your fps should do very well.

 

[Jester896]

I have been trying to use the 142s in a 6.5WSM without luck. Trying a bigger jump next. I also have the 129s for my 260 but can't stop shooting the 127LRX. I can use al the info I can get so I'm tagging in on this one

 

[The_Whitetail_kid]

I have been trying to use the 142s in a 6.5WSM without luck. Trying a bigger jump next. I also have the 129s for my 260 but can't stop shooting the 127LRX. I can use al the info I can get so I'm tagging in on this one

I think I'm jumping mine .050 or .060 can't remember for sure