2645 FPS 156 EOL for elk

RussDXT

WKR
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Oct 22, 2018
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542
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Littleton, CO
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?

The gun is an Element 6.5 PRC
 

Woitey

FNG
Joined
May 19, 2021
Messages
78
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.
 
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Slick8

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
May 8, 2019
Messages
221
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.(y)

 

wildcat33

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Feb 17, 2015
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CO
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.
 

mt100gr.

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Jan 29, 2014
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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.
 

180ls1

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Apr 19, 2020
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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.
 

The Guide

WKR
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Aug 20, 2023
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Montana
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.

Edit: UM shows 3015 in a 26" barrel. I calculated 2950 for a 24" barrel.

Jay
 
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lintond

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Mar 17, 2013
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Oregon
I might try to work something up.

I have N565, H1000, and RL26.

Right now I’m thinking try around 58grns of n565

Current load is 55.5 h1000

I just did a ladder with N565 for both 156 & 140 hybrid target. Going to load up 58 with both and see how they shoot. Hit some pressure around 59.

I’m torn between the 156 and 140 as ballistics are close but the 156 wins out a little at distance. The 140 shot a little better in the ladder, although I wasn’t shooting for pure accuracy so I’m discounting the comparison.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Jun 18, 2019
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The Hoosier State
I just did a ladder with N565 for both 156 & 140 hybrid target. Going to load up 58 with both and see how they shoot. Hit some pressure around 59.

I’m torn between the 156 and 140 as ballistics are close but the 156 wins out a little at distance. The 140 shot a little better in the ladder, although I wasn’t shooting for pure accuracy so I’m discounting the comparison.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I went with 58.5 N565 in my 20" PRC. The 156 is averaging 2,825 with F210M primers and Lapua brass. Usually between 2,815 and 2,840 for all shots.

N560 is the powder for the 140 EH. 58.3 gets me 2,970 in the same rifle. It is a hot burning powder though, barrel heats up real quick!
 
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