6mmGT loads for prairie dog hunting

[Jimmy76]

Hello,
Does anyone have any suggestions for a good load using my 6mmGT for PD hunting? I’m currently loading Berger 105s and Varget but interested in lighter bullets such as the Sierra 70gr SBK or similar. I have a 26” 1 in 7.5” twist rate barrel.

My buddy and I are in the beginning phases of planning a PD hunting trip for 2023. This will be the first time for either of us hunting prairie dogs so we’re trying to read up on everything we can…Any added info would be much appreciated!

Right now we are looking at South Dakota guide’s websites but are open to other places. Coming from South Louisiana we’d like to stay with a 20 hour drive one way. I have a good .223 load with Sierra 55gr SBKs and Nosler 55gr BT so I plan on carrying my 6GT, .223 bolt, and a AR.223.
Thanks for any and all suggestions!
Jim

 

[Beiruty]

If you go 70-80gr class bullets, do not load near max, or the bullet jacked would disintegrate.
Load mid-level power loads and stay below 3000 fps

 

[Hotshot]

I shoot 75 vmax in my 9twist 6CM. Accurate in my rifle and very destructive on prairie dogs.

 

[Beiruty]

Try this load

 

[Beiruty]

70gr SBK

 

[Beiruty]

Point blank range +3" - 3" max

 

[Jimmy76]

Wow those are some fancy screen shots! New to me and I like it. Thanks for the loads and suggestions guys.
Jim

 

[urbanrifleman]

Sierra 80 blitz
Sierra 85 hpbt
87 vmax
70 speer TNT
80 Berger fb
88 Berger fb

You can run them as fast as you want.

 

[Clancy]

I’m shooting 88s as my do all load with N140. My barrel is a 7.5 so I can’t push them super hard but 3210 is where they like to be. Accuracy is very good, especially for a hunting rifle. Alpha OCD cases.

My friend just finished his 9 twist and is almost done with his 88 load development with varget. After that, we are going to try 70 varmageddons with N135 and H4895. I will report.

 

[urbanrifleman]

I’m shooting 88s as my do all load with N140. My barrel is a 7.5 so I can’t push them super hard but 3210 is where they like to be. Accuracy is very good, especially for a hunting rifle. Alpha OCD cases.

My friend just finished his 9 twist and is almost done with his 88 load development with varget. After that, we are going to try 70 varmageddons with N135 and H4895. I will report.View attachment 1367330View attachment 1367331

Have you shot the 88s on varmints?

 

[Clancy]

Have you shot the 88s on varmints?

No I got them for the range and for hunting game. If I shoot coyotes, it’s with a 6BR and 68 Avengers, although I wouldn’t expect any trouble with coyotes. I’ve heard a few guys had some trouble with them on prairie dogs, but I’m not a prairie dog guy.

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

70gr BT is a very strong bullet, if you want to push it hard in your 7.5twist id have a look at them