Help choosing ideal chambering/rifle to shoot lead free projectiles.

[geenhead93]

Here is mine with a 3x15 on it.

Looking good! I gave mine a pretty aggressive free float and added a vertical grip. Shot it for the first time yesterday and am pleased so far. The trigger is the best I've felt out of the box and accuracy seems promising. Mine seemed to like the 80gr TTSX quite well. Didn't get to shoot it as much as I'd like as I was setting up some rifles for family members and friends as well.

 

[Jason Snyder]

I'll admit I've not used those bullets, but what I have read is their BC is likely inflated enough that you may easily be at 1900fps at 500 yards not 600 using your muzzle velocity. Youd really wanna do your own validation before trusting that information. Just an FYI.

Yes, I’ve validated with muzzle drops. I personally give myself about 100 fps cushion as well.

 

[SDHNTR]

6.5 prc with a 127 LRX or 124 Hammer going 3000fps+ and zero worries.

 

[Bluefish]

I have also looked into the .25-06 some. The lack of factory rifles with adequate twist is an issue. The 6cm has a lot going for it but there isn't many quality and affordable rifle options outside of the custom route. Pretty much only the Ruger American and Howa 1500 unless I'm mistaken? The 1:8 twist tikka in .243win would be nice but doesn't have the best factory ammo options (no lrx). I was hoping to find something with lower recoil but something in 6.5 PRC or the Browning X-bolt Speed LR with the 1:7 twist in .270win seem like front runners atm. Reloading is looking more and more like a necessity.

I just ordered a 7.5 twist 25-06 for my Tikka. Should work fine with the 80g ttsx or the new 130+g from Hornady and Berger. Barnes data with the 80g is 3700+, plenty of speed to make copper work.

 

[Caseknife]

I just ordered a 7.5 twist 25-06 for my Tikka. Should work fine with the 80g ttsx or the new 130+g from Hornady and Berger. Barnes data with the 80g is 3700+, plenty of speed to make copper work.

101 LRX would probably be in the 3400 range.

 

[SouthPaw]

I'll admit I've not used those bullets, but what I have read is their BC is likely inflated enough that you may easily be at 1900fps at 500 yards not 600 using your muzzle velocity. Youd really wanna do your own validation before trusting that information. Just an FYI.

True. Don't just believe what a calculator spits out.

I just loaded and trued three rifles with Hammers, two 6.5cm/124g and a 7rm/143g. All three the BC was far lower than advertised. 124g waterline around .208 g7 and the 143g was .190 or so. They are not good in wind and I wouldn't advise shooting game at distance with them. I'm up to ten or eleven rifles I've loaded hammers for, all have been severely optimistic on the manufacturer's "estimated BC".

 

[Bluefish]

True. Don't just believe what a calculator spits out.

I just loaded and trued three rifles with Hammers, two 6.5cm/124g and a 7rm/143g. All three the BC was far lower than advertised. 124g waterline around .208 g7 and the 143g was .190 or so. They are not good in wind and I wouldn't advise shooting game at distance with them. I'm up to ten or eleven rifles I've loaded hammers for, all have been severely optimistic on the manufacturer's "estimated BC".

I agree, they have been optimistic in my testing as well. Almost seems like they forgot to account for the hollow point. I have wanted to test the tipped versions to see if they run truer to published BC. when I tested, the small HP was much closer to actual that the large HP version.

 

[TeaGull]

In CA, DRT will require to ship boxes of component bullets (Not Loaded Ammo) to an FFL, FYI.... At least last year when i ordered a couple hundred.

 

[philcox]

DRT Technology Terminal Shock.

79gr .224
95gr .243
135gr .264


Loaded ammo in 223, 243, 6.5cm. Those are the best performing lead free bullets right now.

Any thoughts on the 79g Elite Series of TS? They are all out of the non-plated, so I can get the 62 non-plated or the 79 plated/Elite. Also, no 79 projectiles to even hand load with. Might have to go with Barnes if I want to hunt with the 223 in CA ...

 

[philcox]

In CA, DRT will require to ship boxes of component bullets (Not Loaded Ammo) to an FFL, FYI.... At least last year when i ordered a couple hundred.

Yep. I have family in Nevada ... I do that ...

 

[iamthenick]

Barnes 130 grn .308 is shooting 3125 fps right out the box. Not much recoil with a silencer.

 

[SouthPaw]

Any thoughts on the 79g Elite Series of TS? They are all out of the non-plated, so I can get the 62 non-plated or the 79 plated/Elite. Also, no 79 projectiles to even hand load with. Might have to go with Barnes if I want to hunt with the 223 in CA ...

The 79g elite is a great bullet. I've loaded it in both the 223 and 22 creedmoor. They shoot well, have a good BC (.425 G1) and kill well.

 

[Formidilosus]

Any thoughts on the 79g Elite Series of TS? They are all out of the non-plated, so I can get the 62 non-plated or the 79 plated/Elite. Also, no 79 projectiles to even hand load with. Might have to go with Barnes if I want to hunt with the 223 in CA ...

That is just fine. The 79gr DRT is the best non lead commercially available .224 bullet.

 

[SDHNTR]

In CA, DRT will require to ship boxes of component bullets (Not Loaded Ammo) to an FFL, FYI.... At least last year when i ordered a couple hundred.

What is this nonsense? No one else does this.

 

[philcox]

What is this nonsense? No one else does this.

Yup. Not sure why. It is frustrating, but if you choose to live in a communist state, then you have to deal with the consequences. Grandkids are the glue that keeps me here.

 

[SDHNTR]

Yup. Not sure why. It is frustrating, but if you choose to live in a communist state, then you have to deal with the consequences. Grandkids are the glue that keeps me here.

Yeah, I do, and that’s exactly my point. This has absolutely nothing to do with California. There is no law whatsoever preventing the shipping of bullets directly to a resident in California. I have bullets shipped to my door regularly. This is an absurd policy of the bullet company, not the state of California!

 

[philcox]

Yeah, I do, and that’s exactly my point. This has absolutely nothing to do with California. There is no law whatsoever preventing the shipping of bullets directly to a resident in California. I have bullets shipped to my door regularly. This is an absurd policy of the bullet company, not the state of California!

Yep. This is yet another thing that I have zero control over ... sure wish I understood why they don't. I am guessing it may have something to do with sales tax and government meddling. I am not sure.

 

[TheGDog]

Long Story Shorter? The 6.5cm is essentially today's version of the .308 win. Even EXCEEDS it in retained energy, past 400yds. Just go look at how many rifles are being pumped out for that cartridge now. That will help guarantee it'll continue to be available as a chambering by ammo manufacturers for good long while to come.

Last year picked up that Howa SuperLite 6.5cm to be my "son's" rifle. But I'm falling in love with the light weight of this thing! (The place I've been focusing on learning, has a horrible long climb to get there. so that 4Lbs 7oz is appreciated!)

Was shocked at the accuracy w just a Federal loading of Barnes 130gr TSX.

EDIT: Shooting a .308 Win w/ a 130gr loading would give you a very comparable example of what the recoil is like on a 6.5cm. Only, even a little tiny bit softer than that even! Totally doable by anybody.