6.5mm options to use instead of 140 Hybrid

[ToddKS]

I have been shooting Berger 140 Hybrids from by 6.5 Creedmoor. Performance of these bullets is great but I am completely over trying to find them.

I have a new barrel on the way and am looking for a different bullet. I need performance, but I also need the bullet to be available. I am shooting PRS matches so my accuracy requirements are not quite a stringent as some others here.

Currently on the list are:
Sierra 130 TMK
Sierra 142 SMK
Hornady 140 ELD-M (not a big fan of this but I have some so I will test in the new barrel)

What other options should I consider? I want to be able to go to a website (Powder Valley, Grafs, etc.) and know that I am going to be able to order what I need.

Thanks for any input.

 

[DngBat7]

https://www.brunoshooters.com/mm5/m...Screen=PROD&Product_Code=26714&Store_Code=BSS


https://www.brunoshooters.com/mm5/m...Screen=PROD&Product_Code=26414&Store_Code=BSS

In stock

 

[Bc'z]

I picked up some 136 scenars from milo2.0.
Running them across a comparator seems almost like a waste of time.
Only .0015 variance.
Way better than any of the bergers I've measured.

 

[david kieffer]

I shoot several 6.5S and have shot the options you list , I will pay the extra for the bergers. graffs is currently showing 140 hyb in stock both 100 ct and 500 ct . happy shooting dave

 

[CharlieNC]

Shot my 6.5x47 again at 1000yd yesterday. Over the years I have evaluated the123 Scenar and 140gr in Berger VLD, Horn ELD, and Nosler RDF. I always come back to the 123 Scenar; while the BC is lower the higher velocity gives less drop and the 5mph windage is only 0.1mil more. Accuracy is best, such that the bottom line is always more steel hits at long range. I will continue to shoot the others until depleted, but will only buy more Scenars in the future. Depending upon the inherient accuracy and the velocity at your accuracy node, your results may differ. But a couple other guys have switched since evaluating my recommendation.

 

[1shot]

130 or 140 JLK’s would be very tough to beat.
I hope this helps,

Lloyd

 

[Davidb187]

Mine is shooting the 130 ar hybrid great! Can't find the 140 hybrid here in Qc Canada too.

 

[dstoenner]

Grafs has stock of both 100 and 500 of the 140 Hybrid. Outside of a custom bullet they were the best for me for the money. I shot them in a 260 Remington at 2875.

 

[lawman29]

130 vld berger

 

[6MT]

I have been shooting Berger 140 Hybrids from by 6.5 Creedmoor. Performance of these bullets is great but I am completely over trying to find them.

I have a new barrel on the way and am looking for a different bullet. I need performance, but I also need the bullet to be available. I am shooting PRS matches so my accuracy requirements are not quite a stringent as some others here.

Currently on the list are:
Sierra 130 TMK
Sierra 142 SMK
Hornady 140 ELD-M (not a big fan of this but I have some so I will test in the new barrel)

What other options should I consider? I want to be able to go to a website (Powder Valley, Grafs, etc.) and know that I am going to be able to order what I need.

Thanks for any input.

I use 139gr Lapua Scenars. I buy them in 1000 lots.

 

[boltman13]

I have had good results with Barnes 140 gr Match Burners, and actually Hornady 140 gr Match.

 

[Sniper338]

130 vld

 

[MikeMcCasland]

I've shot an extensive amount of all three bullets you listed. I'd go with the 142 SMK out of those. I couldn't get the 130 TMK to shoot out of 4 .260 Rem barrels I have; I really wanted that bullet to work too.

The Berger 130s AR Hybrids are great; not very jump sensitive for a Berger. I shot a few thousand of them last year, and only had one minor hiccup where a new lot had a base to ogive measurement change .035". The newer lot visibly looked like a new bullet; even called Berger about it. After redoing load dev, it worked fine.

The 142s despite being less consistent (in weight or external dimensions) than the Bergers just shot well in 3 out of 4 barrels. It was an added bonus that they're constantly available in bulk, and less expensive than the Bergers.

I know a lot of PRS shooters have good luck with the ELD-Ms, and the 140s shot decently for me (no better than the 142 SMKs), but I've read enough about horror stories with Hornady's that I decided not to chance it.

139 Scenars (or even the 123gr; it's got a great BC for such a light bullet) are another good option; they seem to tune in really easily.

 

[ToddKS]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

For those who noted that the Bergers were currently in stock, I had noted that as well. If they are still in stock when I am ready to start with the new barrel I might consider giving them another shot but I really don't want to have to buy 2500 now without knowing if they will shoot in the new barrel.

Lloyd, thanks for the suggestion on the JLK. My understanding is that they are keeping up with demand these days. I will certainly consider giving them a try.

I will add the Scenars to my prospect list as well.

The Hornady's would be my last resort. I have several boxes already so they will definitely get a try but based on my observations they are not terribly consistent and did not shoot well from this barrel.

Thanks again.

 

[david kieffer]

I picked up some 136 scenars from milo2.0.
Running them across a comparator seems almost like a waste of time.
Only .0015 variance.
Way better than any of the bergers I've measured.

I agree, much nicer than the 139 gr but I can't get them to group, maybe it's the L stamped on the base, why did they do that???? dave

 

[JimSC]

I had really good results using 140 Nosler custom competitions with H4831SC. I shot around 2000 of them through my .260 Remington with a 26" Criterion

 

[Ledd Slinger]

What's wrong with the 140 VLD? A lot of times I actually find that the " Hunting VLD" (original Berger jacket design) shoots better than the new Target VLD.

 

[Bc'z]

I agree, much nicer than the 139 gr but I can't get them to group, maybe it's the L stamped on the base, why did they do that???? dave

I like the ogive being different than the vld's.
From what I can tell more of a "hybrid" design.
Due to magazine restrictions I have a lot of jump with the vld's. Dont get me wrong
" Bergers shoot great."
Running 130 Ar hybrids in wifes 260 as her rifle has more freebore than magazine well, coupled with a 20" barrel directly effects velocity with the heavier bullets.
I still shoot a few 143 eldx I've gotten great results in my 6five.
What I'm learning with the 136 scenars is,
If I do my part loading them they do thier part on paper. Neck tension and seating depth.
Confirming my load last week I got them to repeat .3" groups on 3 different days from 3 different loading sessions.
Before someone squares at .3s, you must realize it's a $400 rifle not $4000.

Now let's look at budget.
I've been buying left over lots of berger when they come up for sale on forum. No complaints there other than I shoot thru them rather quickly, causing me to spend more time and money in load work.
When I saw Milo2.0 had boxes of these I had to jump on them.
Right now he's selling them for
$335 a 1000 and has 6 boxes left.
And by my math a guy would save himself
$75.
And the logo on the bottom, I thought it was
Classy.

What's wrong with the 140 VLD? A lot of times I actually find that the " Hunting VLD" (original Berger jacket design) shoots better than the new Target VLD.

Nothing's wrong with them.
I agree with you on hunter vlds over target.
I noticed this in my 06' as I shoot both there.

 

[Delfuego]

142 SMK

 

[grovey]

What's wrong with the 140 VLD? A lot of times I actually find that the " Hunting VLD" (original Berger jacket design) shoots better than the new Target VLD.

I posted the same question earlier about the 140gr vld and the 123gr scenar. I then deleted it after realizing the 123 gr scenar had been mentioned. I've yet to shoot any caliber VLD mostly because I've read they're hard to tune.