So I have a load gives me excellent accuracy, I’m nowhere near max load. So this close to first rifle in Colorado would you all recommend chaining a little more velocity?
I have a Cooper in 6.5 PRC, Cooper sends out a test target with load info on it. The half moa load was a 124 grain Hammer Hunter with 56.0 grains of Magnum. I was able to duplicate that load and accuracy but Labradar showed it at mid 2700 fps and some change. This was Creedmoor speed, and the PRC is a magnum case, so, I went to 61.0 grains of Magnum, got to 3100 fps, and was able to get the same accuracy, which will give me a bit flatter trajectory should I need it. However your load will retain its speed and energy for a decent bit, due to its world-class B.C. and is not speed dependent on expansion. Mine is.
So there's a easy button answer for that one. Assuming 8000 feet altitude and a minimum velocity threshold of1800 FPS per Berger. That gets you to just over 950 yards per the Berger Ballistics Calculators. I prefer a little more velocity to ensure expansion and go with 2000 fps as my mins, that gets you to just over 700 yards.
That's the great thing about the big heavy for cal Bergers, they maintain velocity like a freight train rollin down hill.
Well dang, Mountainrancher and I were on the same page here.
You should be able to easily get 2800. If I can get a load that’s around a moa at higher speed I’ll take it. The wind is your enemy, not .3moa in group size.
I use RL26 in a 18" 6.5 saum and nibble around 2800 fairly easily with the 156 Berger. I also use the RL26 in a 20" Creedmoor and push the same bullet only ~ 100 fps slower with approx 10grains less powder....so the SAUM gets dusty. I wouldn't hesitate to hunt with that accurate load that you already have.
I would hunt with it but if you have the time and want a hotter load anyways why not use the motivation to get it figured out ASAP? You can always fall back on what you have.
Man you should be able to get another 150fps pretty easily. My current load is 2935 with no pressure, I load for my brother's and he is 2900 with no pressure.
Even my Factory Berger 156 ammo gives me 2771 fps from a 24" factory Tikka barrel. You should be able to hand load into a accurate load 250 fps or faster than what you have. UM ammo claims 2950 fps with 565 powder.