So I have successfully loaded up my first pounds worth of powder with imo great success. But I'm looking to try to tighten up my groups with my Tikka t3x in 6.5cm. I've got a couple dozen Hornady match BTHP remaining but would like to get some ideas on my next option to be on the lookout for. BUUUT, I'm not trying to pay more than 50¢ a piece. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Best 130-150gr bullet 6.5 CM for Precision Shooting?
- Thread starter TikkaJerry
- Start date
Retired Grunt
F Open Shooter
So what are you doing, Competition, Hunting or just practicing. We all have different means and resources, but you can't go wrong with Berger 140 VLD.s. They cost more because they are better.
I shoot a 6.5-06AI....28" barrel 8 twist. I've tried a lot of different bullets, but the best results I had were with Matrix Ballistics. I see his sight is down for now, and I'm not sure if he can ship to the USA since the trade war started (I had to apply for a permit to get them)....but might be worth a look.
5 shot group @ 100yds.
5 shot group @ 100yds.
Kurz
Silver $$ Contributor
Trying to find excellent Match bullets in 6.5mm is tough enough but trying to find them priced at 50 cents or less is pretty much off the table. However...
You might try switching primers to see if that makes a difference in the group size.
Also check your action screws for proper tightening and your crown for being in the best condition.
Is your scope of sufficient quality to allow for shooting small groups? (you might not realize this)
Was your brass fireformed before attempting to shoot groups?
There are a ton of variables which can affect groups size and every bullet needs to be tested in every barrel.
Enjoy the process!
I enjoyed the 123 scenar with IMR4166. My favorite is the 136L'S, they have shot inside all the Berger's I tried.
Up until this past week, one of the "major" reloading vendors had 130gr Hornady ELD-M bullets in 100ct boxes for under $40/bx, limit = 2 boxes. They didn't last more than a few days. Perhaps a bit lighter in weight than the OP was hoping for, but they're out there. Just got to jump on them quickly when they do appear.
Of course, if nixing the "$0.50/rd" stipulation, there's a ton of candidates up on GunBroker (and elsewhere). Now and then, current buyers have gotten their fill, miss a soon-closing auction, at which point a decent price can be paid. Doesn't happen very often, though, not in this climate. (In the past few months, I've done it with powders and bullets, and on one occasion primers.)
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My best groups from both my 260AI have been with Berger 140 Lapua 123 & Nosler 140 gr. bullets. But the cost is a bit more than your limits.
I have tuned a couple 6.5 Creeds. The 140 Berger VLDH seems to be most consistent, but the Hornady 143 ELDX works well too.
The load is somewhere between 39-41 grains of H4350, but H4340 is unobtainum right now and likely will be that way for at least the next year. Because of that we are looking at IMR 4451 as a replacement for our shop loads.
The load is somewhere between 39-41 grains of H4350, but H4340 is unobtainum right now and likely will be that way for at least the next year. Because of that we are looking at IMR 4451 as a replacement for our shop loads.
I am currently using annealed hornady brass (twice fired so far) , with 41.2g imr 4451. Hornady 140g match bthp .003 off the lands. And cci 200 primers. As for the hardware, it's a t3x tac a1 with factory 22" CHF with about 450 rounds down the pipe. Nikon Black FX1000 6-24x50 with Vortex precision matched rings and a optic mounted bubble level. And Atlas bipod.
I'm thinking I have 2 issues that are holding me back... 1st and foremost is my press isn't helping my cause. It's a Lee Pro 1000 that's basically been converted into a single stage turret press, but I did notice a little slop in the turret, but my rounds are coming out at a pretty consistent COAL. Fyi I'm using Hornady custom match dies and an RCBS Universal Priming Tool.
Second is I think I need to upgrade my rear bag and bipod cuz my bipod does have a little slop but not to much since I popped an o-ring in the swivel part of it. And my bag has been a rolled up t shirt since my last bag popped and dropped all the beads.
But that's my current set up and an currently shooting about .35 at 120y with an approx 8-10 mph cross wind when I shot the groups.
I'm thinking I have 2 issues that are holding me back... 1st and foremost is my press isn't helping my cause. It's a Lee Pro 1000 that's basically been converted into a single stage turret press, but I did notice a little slop in the turret, but my rounds are coming out at a pretty consistent COAL. Fyi I'm using Hornady custom match dies and an RCBS Universal Priming Tool.
Second is I think I need to upgrade my rear bag and bipod cuz my bipod does have a little slop but not to much since I popped an o-ring in the swivel part of it. And my bag has been a rolled up t shirt since my last bag popped and dropped all the beads.
But that's my current set up and an currently shooting about .35 at 120y with an approx 8-10 mph cross wind when I shot the groups.
That’s a pretty warm load for 4451.
If you want the utmost in precision, measure each case after sizing. It's easy to see .001 to .002" variance in most presses. You can account for that by setting the die so that it bumps shoulders as desired most of the time and when it varies they are long. You can resize the long ones, sometimes adding more lube, to get them in line with the others.
And yes, a stable rest is critical.
That's what she likes lol. I did my .2g 3 shot LD starting at 39.8 and worked up from there.
Retired Grunt
F Open Shooter
I got an 8lber of A4350 last month and stated testing last week end, found a node and went back out today with two 15 rounds loads, this stuff shoots good, I have been using Varget and RL14.
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