6.5 Hunting bullet choices for mule deer and elk

[Sam Millard]

It seems that the Berger HVLDs are pretty effective across a broad velocity swing. My 260 is only pushing the 140s to 2750, and all four critters shot with them, from 125 to 590 yards, had exits just like those!

 

[pyroducksx3]

I'm surprised at the guys recommending target bullets, the scenar and berger hybrids..... everything I've read is that the scenar are questionable at best with better result after trimming the meplate. The bigger calibers can get away with using target bullets because they carry so much energy, like the 300 smk Out of an edge or lapua. But in a 6.5 you aren't coming with a bunch of overpowing energy. There are many really good hunting bullets for the 6.5 no need to run a target bullet, especially on a big elk. Shoot what your rifle likes. I usually try berger hunting vlds first, then accubonds, then hornady ssts. If you are not concerned about surpirior bc, which if you aren't shooting past 500 yards bc really should matter much, you can look at bullets like speer gameking and nosler partitions.

 

[brushape]

I don't think a pig is going to blink an eye at the 140 bergers, the majority of the large amount of pigs I've shot have been with 150 grain winchester power points out of a 30-06 and I can't think of any that lived more than a couple seconds after being hit with one including the big boars with the notorious shield that stops the bullet. Ya it stops the bullet but 150grn at 3000fps. still hurts

 

[brushape]

I haven't researched much about the scenar but from everything I've read the 140 hybrid is an absolutely proven hunting bullet, I will be testing them along with the 130 ar hybrid, 130hvld 140hvld and shoot whatever is most accurate

 

[pyroducksx3]

The hybrid has been tested with heavier caliber bullets. They have a thicker jacket and won't open up as easily as the hunting bullet. I believe they are almost as thick as the target bullets. It all depends on what you are looking for. You shoot far enough and velocities get so low that you won't get expansion no matter how thin the jacket. This is where mass trumps all and 300 gr bullets bullets even targets bullets still kill animals. You take a smaller caliber and you won't be able to overcome the failure of the bullets expantion, I the 6.5 this range is substantially shorter and margin less. At ripping velocities of closer range shooting this is less of a concern. I know lots of people are running 7mm 180 hybrids, 230 gr 30 cal and 300 gr 338 but you will get away with less in the 130 gr 6.5. I'm sure they will still take animals and you never mentioned long range. In fact I didn't even realize the original post had started a year ago. But given that the 130 hybrid gives no measurable benifit over the 130 hunting And given that the two bullets have all the same bc and weights I would take the one designed for hunting is all. I'm really more worried about guys using the scenar as that is firmilly a target bullet. The hybrid is well a hybrid and has some track record of success, although that's with heavier and larger calibers

 

[KMD]

ChrisA and Sam M., great to hear you've enjoyed the same positive experience with those HVLDs in 6.5mm. Thanks for the input!

 

[North61]

I run a 6.5 Rem Mag and with it's 2.825 Magazine box can't run VLD's. Not sure I would anyway, largely because of the accubond. I now run 130 grainers which shoot well and expand and penetrate almost as well as partitions with a much better B.C. They will expand at long range, they will penetrate at close range. The 140 Sierra Gameking is no slouch either but the Accubond is a bit more reliable. The only advantage of a Berger might be found at extreme long range (past 700 yards) but anything shorter I'd go with a bullet that is a more traditional game getter.

Here is a 140 Sierra to wet your appetite to 6.5 hunting. Range only 170 yards but it was a DRT!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHIp3M8j68U&index=3&list=PLs47Tr0OabKwHbQ2yjoSfgT-pY7FggKK2

 

[brushape]

Nice shot, the new ar hybrid berger is actually in their tactical line and according to berger themselves can be used as a hunting bullet

 

[6mm Remington]

I think the 130 or 140 gr. Accubond would be a great bullet and I believe Nosler is also making a 129gr. LR Accubond that is even sleeker. The Accubonds are true performer's that will hold up and yet expand nicely at all ranges.

 

[luke moffat]

I got 100 129 grain ablr that I am hoping work out well for the 260 rem. in the mean time I will keep using 140 bergers as they are always sub Moa which is plenty good to get my little nephew on a bear at sub 200 yards.

 

[cuerro viejo]

I got 100 129 grain ablr that I am hoping work out well for the 260 rem. in the mean time I will keep using 140 bergers as they are always sub Moa which is plenty good to get my little nephew on a bear at sub 200 yards.

They shoot awesome in my creedmoor, hope to have some piggy tests soon.

BC held to 500yards no idea past that yet though.

 

[bhylton]

im sure people are waiting for the 142gr accubond LRs as well. if the BC's are accurate that would be a good long range bullet. especially expanding down to 1300 fps.

 

[spar32862]

What's your load for the 6.5 rem mag and 130 accubond? Can't get my Rem Mag to shot them
Thanks in advance

 

[North61]

I use IMR 7828 SSC. It works the best with this bullet in my 660 rebarrelled with a 23" Pacnor Super Match barrel. I stopped adding powder at 3100 ft/sec and sub MOA to 500 yards.