Tikka 6.5 PRC & bullet selection

[BigGameJames87]

I've been using Norma's 143 gr Bondstrike for hunting in my 6.5 PRC X-Bolt and I'm very pleased with the performance. I've taken 7 deer so far and all have died quickly. There's been good expansion with an exit wound in each case. Most dropped within a few yards but one managed to make it about 20 yards into a thick tree row so the exit and resulting blood trail made it much easier to find her.

So far I have been using factory ammo but they do offer component bullets. I have some to load once my factory stash runs out.

 

[KenLee]

Tikka rifle coming tomorrow in 6.5 PRC. I have shunned the CM in the past, but the PRC has me intrigued. I reload for several calibers, and already have what I need for this project, except for powder and bullets. I have heard that the 6.5 cm sometimes passes through without enough tissue damage and exit hole to leave a good blood trail, and definitely want to avoid that scenario. I am looking at the Berger EOL 156 for an all purpose, and the 130 Accubond for hunting, probably with some H-1000. My favorite deer load is a 7-08 loaded with 139 SST’s. I seldom get an exit wound, but I never have to track a deer. I usually sacrifice a shoulder, which I can live with. It has worked for me for 20 plus years. I have ZERO experience with the 6.5 caliber, and would like to start off right.
I am open to your suggestions. I am listening.

Suggestion: stay with the 7mm-08 and 139gr sst if you have 100% confidence in dead right there.

 

[ssgjpd]

I run 140 Elite Hunters