Velocity and tight groups

[boltfluter]

My friend tells me that the 6.5 cm bullet needs to achieve 2750 fps. to accurately shoot out to 1000 yds. If my loads are around 2600 fps., but with 1/2 inch 100 yard groupings, can I expect to accurately shoot out to 300 yards deer hunting? I haven’t tried shooting groups that far.

Based on the accuracy of the rifle you should be good to go. Figure out how to compensate for bullet drop by dialing the turret or a specialized reticle. Holding dead on for the shot is much easier than trying to hold over. Practice like you are hunting and figure out any issues before the hunt. Good luck with your adventure.
Paul

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Just something to think about besides accuracy is killing power. Sierra’s manual always gave the best found accuracy load and hunting load for each bullet, the hunting recommendation was always the faster powder charges.

 

[Doom]

My friend tells me that the 6.5 cm bullet needs to achieve 2750 fps. to accurately shoot out to 1000 yds. If my loads are around 2600 fps., but with 1/2 inch 100 yard groupings, can I expect to accurately shoot out to 300 yards deer hunting? I haven’t tried shooting groups that far.

I'm a little concerned about where you are getting your info from. Shooting at 1000yds is vastly different than shooting game at 300 yds. Your friend isn't correct about needing to be at 2750 for 1000 yds even at sea level.

Your rifles accuracy at 100yds should be more than adequate at 300yds. Your groups at 100yds are primarily a function of the quality of the components and barrel harmonics being repeatable. At 300 yds your grouping is becoming more dependent on the consistency of the ammunition's velocity and your ability to read the wind. You probably won't shoot a 1-1/2" group (.5 MOA) at 300yd but you should be able to keep it to 3" easily unless the wind is excessive.

You do need to become proficient with a ballistic calculator such as JBM (on-line) or Basslistic AE (free app).

 

[Doom]

Just something to think about besides accuracy is killing power. Sierra’s manual always gave the best found accuracy load and hunting load for each bullet, the hunting recommendation was always the faster powder charges.

Just a comment, on this Accurate loads tend to occur at lower velocities than what the rifle can safely shoot at maximum pressure. Terminal velocity is obviously important but killing power is dependent on bullet design and velocity.

 

[jelenko]

Yes - he said he's shooting 1/2" groups at 100 yards - so 1/2 moa @300 brings us to around 1 1/2". Did I miss anything? It is still 1/2 moa at 300, so I guess I should have left it at that.

In your post you had "1 1/2 MOA at 300" instead of 1 1/2 inches.

 

[Jeff Porter]

In your post you had "1 1/2 MOA at 300" instead of 1 1/2 inches.

Minute of Whitetail - 6" kill zone = 2MOA impact area at 300 yards. If the bullet dispersion is 1/2 MOA that leaves 1.5MOA for wind, bad BC etc. and still have a hit in the minute of whitetail spot.

 

[Webster]

The guys in the know say consistent velocity trumps higher velocity.

Depends on how for you shoot. Targets or animals.