berger vs sierra

[ellagrace]

Hey all

I want to go from the sierra mk 142gr to a berger bullet. Wondered if anyone has any advice to what berger model and grain to go to. Also how many grains of h4350 would be a good stating place. My gun is a 6.5 284.

Thanks
Nick

 

[Klong]

Use the Berger 140 gr VLD.
If you were near max load with the 142, back off about a gr and a half and jam the Berger into the lands. Some rifles will shoot with the Bergers back off the lands at .030 to .100 off the lands, but most will not.

 

[ellagrace]

Thanks klong

The Hodgdon data centre states maxium load for H4350 with Sierra 142Mk to be 46gr. Now last year on this site, someone told me to shoot a maxium of 48.5gr. I seemed to get the best results with that. Should I back off from there or what the manufacture states .

Nick

 

[hardrock6]

Do what the manufacture states for loads and work up from there. All guns are different. Safety first
Gary

 

[Shynloco]

Do what the manufacture states for loads and work up from there. All guns are different. Safety first
Gary

Its not that I disagree with your comment, but I can tell you I've been hammered before by some of the Ace Members on this blog for advocating what you just said. In fact, they went on to go to one of their computer load programs with a combination to try that exceeds the manufacturers recomendation. And while SAFETY ALWAYS come first, consider a few things..
1. The load recommendations compiled by manufacturers covers a wide range of weapons and cartridges in a specific caliber/load.
2. Your rifle is highly unlikely to be the same one the manufacturer used to test his receommended load.
3. There are many tell tale signs that will immediately tell you if you have pressure issues - and I'm not suiggesting you start at max load and go 5 grains over - thats dumb!
4. A friend I shoot with (6.5X55) uses a 142 Sierra and 140 Berger being pushed by VVN160 to get his tightest groups which are in the .150 and below range @ 100 yds.
5. As with all loads, gotta find what your specific baby like the best.
6. Stay safe and don't get crazy with the loads.

 

[alf]

140 Target VLD, no question.

In three different barrels, I've found that the 140 VLD's accuracy was two grains under the 142 Sierra's with H4831-SC, which would almost mirror Klong's advice with 4350.

 

[ellagrace]

Thanks guys

Should I do the COAL test before or after i figure out the best load?

 

[SpencerC]

Yes.

 

[ellagrace]

Thats great guys, thanks for all your help

 

[ellagrace]

Sorry one last thing. Whats the best range to do the coal test at?

 

[kyreloader]

Sorry one last thing. Whats the best range to do the coal test at?

IMO, 300 yards if you have it.

 

[ellagrace]

Thanks Everyone ;D

 

[wapiti25]

I use 300 or more for ladder tests, shoot 3 shot groups with both bullets and see which works for you.