Anyone with experience with 140 gr. Berger 6.5mm

[Senderofan]

Good Afternoon All:

Hope Y'all are having a good weekend? I have been searching the options for projo's for my up and coming 6.5mm-08 A.I. build. I know there are a lot of fans of the Berger 130 gr. VLD and the 139 gr. Scenar. But what has the conventional wisdom thought about the 140 gr. Berger?

I've got a long way to go with my project...but I'm looking for clues as to which pill would best serve my long range pursuits?

Again...Hope Y'all are having a great weekend....and, as always, thank you in advance for your wisdom and experience...as a newbie, I greatly appreciate it!

Wayne

 

[rhino]

I shoot the 140 vld out of my swede in 6.5x55 and like it alot. Bob Boch shoots them and set a new F-class record with them..

However your rifle may or may not like them. I either shoot 140 berger vlds or 139 lapua scenars. Scenars print better, but the 140 vld is better in the wind because of higher bc.

Why a 260 AI? You get the same case or slightly larger case capacity with a swede and no fireforming and lapua brass is readily available.


RHINOUT!

 

[Senderofan]

Rhino:

Thanks for the reply...Good to hear the 140 VLD is good in the wind...Also like the scenar option and 130 VLD.

As to why the the 6.5-08 A.I....I'm converting my short action Remington....so...I figured less hassle to stay with the same case, basically. I wasn't sure how the swede would work in my set up. I'm new to the BR scene...so obviously I've got a lot to learn. I really appreciate folks sharing their experiences / knowledge with BR shooting etc.

Thanks Again,

Wayne

 

[rhino]

You can't feed a Swede in the magazine in a short action.

Depending on the bullets you may or may not be able to feed at .260 AI. The Bergers probally not because they are long. Also AI's tend to have trouble in double stack mags from what I have read.

You single load in F-class, so it isn't usually a problem and most use single shot actions. I use a short action, but a swede I can't eject a loaded case, but an empty one is no problem.

Also you'd need your bolt face opened up slightly.

A savage and winchester no, remington yes.

Ever look into the new Savage target action?

RHINOUT!

 

[Senderofan]

Rhino:

Thanks for your observations on the "Swede". I'm trying to work with what I have. Starting with the Rem. Milspec 308...and reusing the factory H-S Precision stock. So, I figured...the 6.5mm-08 A.I. would at least work with what I'm basing off of. I'm trying to keep my costs down as much as possible....would like to have a heavy gun built...hopefully this winter. But, I've got to keep my "Financial Planner" happy:sneaky: if you catch my drift.

The Savage target action is an amazing piece. A friend in Montana built an amazing 6 XC with that action. It is definately a stout platform....would definately consider using it for a future build. Bet they'll be plenty more out there basing builds off of it.

Thanks again for all of your help...Much appreciated.

Wayne

 

[rhino]

You may want to look into the 6x47 lapua or 6 Dasher. They do pretty well and have more pop than the 6br for long range.

RHINOUT!

 

[falconpilot]

While shooting the Berger 140vld, if you have troubles,guess who did) getting them to shoot, just jam them futher into the lands..I had problems getting them to shoot,.010 into the lands) until I loaded them .020+ into the lands..The .010 made all the difference. Went from 1/2-1" groups to a .167 5-shot group..I know that all barrels are different, but try them jammed first, and it might save you alot of load testing....

Jim

 

[Senderofan]

Jim:

Thanks for the info. Have to ask you...Are you pleased with the long range grouping of the 140? Versus say the 130? I'm looking for the best possible results at 1K...especially in windy conditions.

Thanks Again,

Wayne

 

[Dirtball]

I am not trying to rain on your parade, but have you looked at the 6.5X284. There is nothing to dislike, a proven design that has set F-Class records across the county, quality brass, more load info than you can possibly use, no fire forming, no burning out barrel fire forming. It loves 139, 140, and 142gr bullets.
I built one on a 40xb action from a 22-250 that is 40 years old.
The only caliber that seams to have any advantage at all is a 300 winmag with 210gr bullets, almost the same BC but a whole lot more recoil. Mine LOVES 140gr Berger’s and 4831sc about 10thou into the lands. That is something you have to find for each individual rifle. MOST of the time VLD bullets won't shoot well if you try to jump them to the lands.
Food for thought.
IMHO
Dave

 

[SooStan]

I shoot the 140 in my 260 rem. they shoot very well. I also use the 139 lapua it too shoots great. I tried the 130 and they group just as well as the other bullets but at higher velocity. For known distance target shooting I stay with the 139 and 140. For unknown distance I use the 130 which shoot flatter but use more powder and I think give less barrel life. Both are about equal in the wind at these velocities. With my laod of H4350 I get the following velocities and very good accuracy. Of course your mileage may vary.
140 = 2740 fps
130 = 2950 fps

 

[Senderofan]

Soostan:

Thanks for the info. Glad to hear that you've had good results from the pills I asked about. I'm really looking forward to load development.

Dave:

Thanks for the info. on the 6.5-284. Yeah...I had considered it....but thought it best to have something shorter in my short action. Might be a serious thought when I need to have my .25-06 rebarreled though.

Wayne

 

[2RECON]

I´m using the 140grs.moly in my 6,5x25WSSM........

So far the best.

2RECON