Question on 156 Gr. Berger EOL

[Bang4theBuck]

I'm thinking of building a lightweight rig in 6.5x284 using 156 grain Berger EOL. I already have a 6.5x284, and I love it, but it is a heavy rig. Who has experience with this bullet in this cartridge? What sort of velocities are you getting with what powder? Thanks.

 

[Wedgy]

Just under 3,000 fps with retumbo, most can get to or above with reloder 26 but I have found it to spike pressure at ~86F so I can't shoot it all summer long. I couldn't get enough N570 in the case to get over 2,800fps and didn't try N560.
Drops were almost identical to the 140 but the 156 carried a lot more energy.

 

[Bang4theBuck]

Great feedback Wedgy. This is exactly what I was looking for. My other 6.5x284 is going 3080 with 140 VLD using RL26, so your numbers confirm what I was thinking. Thanks.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

That is what I bought that Savage barrel for.

I couldn't get them fast enough to justify the change from a 140.

 

[codyadams]

To reiterate what wedgy said, in a 24" savage using rl26, I was running them around 2930 for accuracy, max was a shade under 3000 in this gun. With suitable powders and a 26" tube, somewhere in the 2900 range is probably where you will end up with a good accurate load, maybe a little over 3000 with rl26, if it likes it on the upper end. Retumbo, H1000, or imr7828ssc types will probably be mid 2900's, maybe a little less, h4831sc or other powders similar that are suitable, accurate but not always the best velocity will probably be low 2900's to upper 2800's. Figure about 25ish fps per inch of barrel length, roughly.

In my 29" .260ai, I have used the 140 Berger, 147 eld-m, and the 156 EOL. I like the 156 EOL for my uses, running them at 2940 fps with a conservative load of RL26, got them up to right at 3000 fps before any pressure signs, very similar to a 6.5x284. This load has been used to take everything from pronghorn at 200 yards up to cow elk at 910 and a tanker mule deer at 940, and has worked well, though not optimal for elk. I also haven't used it under 500 yards on anything heavier than pronghorn, so I cannot comment on that. For lighter game or longer range though, I love it. More energy, slightly less wind drift than the 140.

 

[highdrum]

I'm running the 156eol in a CA ridgeline long action, seated 45k off lands 156s @ 2985 w/ rl26 in peterson brass from a 26" barrel. Shoots very well. Load was developed in 50-60° weather, have shot in mid 90s last summer and vo went up to 2990s but never had the big spikes some folks report.

 

[codyadams]

For reference, I was shooting the 140's at 3040 with a pretty stout load of rl26, 2930 with H4831sc in my .260ai. The 140 vld's were picky for me, needed to be .015" or closer to the lands, which wasn't a big deal. The 156 shot pretty much the same from touching out to .090" off. If that matters.

 

[Bang4theBuck]

Great Feedback guys. Thanks.

 

[BrentM]

I have owned multiple (7) 6.5-284's and I assume when you mention light rig you also mean a shorter barrel. If that is the case, I'd say 2800-2900 will be your target speed with reasonable pressure. I'd likely choose a lighter bullet though. The 156 will produce a little more energy but it's not a lot more than a 135 A tip considering the velocity difference. It's just something you need to look at and decide tho. Everyone has their preferences. I did find the 153 A Tip to be a contender as well. Impressed with the performance of that bullet so far.

 

[BThhr]

6.5-284--H1000, 58.0 gr, 156 Berger, 2992fps no pressure signs, jump .02, BR2 primers, lapua brass, thru a 24" , 8t, carbon6 barrel

 

[Gibbshooter43]

For reference, I was shooting the 140's at 3040 with a pretty stout load of rl26, 2930 with H4831sc in my .260ai. The 140 vld's were picky for me, needed to be .015" or closer to the lands, which wasn't a big deal. The 156 shot pretty much the same from touching out to .090" off. If that matters.

Another vote for the 140 AND for the 260AI. Love that 260AI

 

[Wedgy]

This load has been used to take everything from pronghorn at 200 yards up to cow elk at 910 and a tanker mule deer at 940, and has worked well, though not optimal for elk. I also haven't used it under 500 yards on anything heavier than pronghorn, so I cannot comment on that. For lighter game or longer range though, I love it. More energy, slightly less wind drift than the 140.

Perhaps Cody can comment on the difference on bullet performance, the 156 seemed to be a bit more explosive than the 140

 

[Roninco]

I have had good results using N565 with that bullet in a 6.5 PRC.

 

[BThhr]

I shot a good size doe and it dropped in its tracks with the 156 Berger