Monolithic reloading

bazzturd

FNG
Joined
Jan 9, 2025
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I'm wondering what is some of the best accuracy you guys are getting out of monolithic projectiles? Specifically 6.5 CM, but I would love any feedback.

I'm running a Tikka T3x action and Proof 24" 1:8.

I just broke the rifle in with factory stuff and have around 60 rounds through it. It will certainly shoot match stuff. It was shoot factory 140gr ELDM at 1/4 MOA with terrible ES (75) and Berger 140gr hybrid target the same accuracy with way better ES (18). Both around 2700 with Berger being a bit slower.

Outfitter 120gr was 1-1.5 MOA with ES in the 90's and fast as hell. Some was 3000fps.

I was going to work up with 120gr CX and was not sure on Barnes either 127gr LRX or 120gr TTSX.

If you are having great accuracy with something like this, I would love to hear what your data is. Even hearing about great accuracy with other calibers would be encouraging. There just doesn't seem to be a lot of good videos or info on specifically loading and shooting monos. Not like other projectiles.
 
I’ve never had good success with Hornady CX bullets in factory ammo. Barnes ttsx/lrx in factory have been very good but they really shine when you hand load.
 
FWIW, I used the 145 LRX exclusively last season out of my 7 SAUM. Very accurate load.

Hammer HHTs have shot well also - they are pretty easy to load. I bought some 118s for my 6.5 CM that I’ll eventually try.
 
I have had lackluster terminal performance from the GMX bullets. Eventually we caught one in 7mm mag. It was a 40 yard shot stem to stern starting in the neck…bullet was bent but never expanded. Took several follow ups.

Anyways I wondered if it was a metallurgy issue, bad batch of copper or something. Shot some deer with a 150gr in my 30-06 and also didn’t like the small wound channels.

Barnes work fine I think, but I do like the performance of hammers on game. Loaded them in quite a few guns, been part of somewhere north of 39 animals killed with them. They don’t kill quite like lead but they seem to work just fine. Literally never had a gun that would not shoot them acceptably, some guns it was the best shooting bullet for that gun. But never had to try two different bullets to get acceptable hunting accuracy.

I’d go 124gr, or depending on what you want from the gun my wife shoots the 110gr and has killed a lot
 
Thanks for the feedback. I'm looking forward to reading more experiences. Maybe I should just do a few loads of Hammer, LRX and CX to see what I can put together.
 
Haven't shot monos in 264 cal yet but I've had pretty good luck with 160 CX in my 7PRC. Here's a 10 shot sub minute group out of my rifle from a range session earlier this summer. Works well in my 280 Ackley as well.

These are jumping about 0.115" to the lands so they seem jump tolerant.
 

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Haven't shot monos in 264 cal yet but I've had pretty good luck with 160 CX in my 7PRC. Here's a 10 shot sub minute group out of my rifle from a range session earlier this summer. Works well in my 280 Ackley as well.

These are jumping about 0.115" to the lands so they seem jump tolerant.
I'd be happy with that. I was listening to a podcast that Seth Swerczek was saying that actually shoot best with some jump. Curious if that is true with most monolithic projectiles
 
FWIW, I used the 145 LRX exclusively last season out of my 7 SAUM. Very accurate load.

Hammer HHTs have shot well also - they are pretty easy to load. I bought some 118s for my 6.5 CM that I’ll eventually try.
You don't think the 118 are a little light?
 
You don't think the 118 are a little light?

With an 18” barrel, I wanted to keep the velocity up a bit more. I’ve had good luck with loading Hammers in the past, so figured I’d give these a go.

The 127 LRX ammo was ~ 2650 out of my 18” barrel. Maybe I could load them a little faster.
 
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