best bullets for long range whitetail hunting from my 6.5 -284

[fordwrench]

wanted to try my hand at a long range shot on a whitetail this year. i will be using my 6.5 284 long range comp gun which is in the light gun category. the gun with hold .250 moa to 600 if i do my part. the load it shoots best is 142 smk and h 4831 sc. i am leary about using the matchkings but have several other choices available. please feel free to voice you opinions. im looking for good terminal performance at extended range. thanks!

 

[Larryh128]

98% of the guys shooting deer longe range are using the Berger Hunting VLD's. Just pick the weight that you want. Probably little difference in impact between the Berger 140 & what you're shooting.

 

[ollie]

Not a 6.5x284 but out of my 260AI running 2900fps im using 140gr a-max's with excellent results.

 

[SEB-USA]

Two bullets I have used with good success is the 140 A-Max and the 130 Berger

 

[dennisinaz]

I like the 130 Berger and the 130 Norma. I like the extra 150 fps that I can get with the 130s over the 140s. My buddy uses 140 JLKs with excellent results. I don't like the 142 SMKs for hunting. I had erratic results.

 

[xeduk8r]

I may be wrong but I have always thought that matchkings are designed for target shooting and the gameking is for game.

 

[fordwrench]

thanks guys! i was kinda afraid of the smk s i have all other bullets you guys listed so i will work with those. i like the smk s on paper though. good luck this season.. pat

 

[SEB-USA]

I have used SMK's several times with good results, but I like the 140 A-Max and the 130 Berger better

 

[WyleWD]

I have a 6.5-06 which I consider "kin" to a 6.5-284 for hunting purposes. I've been really impressed with the good ole 140gr Gamekings from Sierra for long range hunting. It performs well on game, and shoots well within minute of a deer's vitals at a quarter mile. WD

 

[squirrelduster]

I just started hunting with my 6.5x284. I am shooting the Berger 140 hunting bullet and smacked an antelope with it a few weeks ago and it did a nice job. Right behind the shoulder, not too much meat lost and vaporized the insides. Couldn't find the lungs just a bunch of jello.
I taking it to Wisconsin for whitetail in a couple of weeks. We shall see how it does short range.

 

[coupalr]

I used the 130 Berger on 3 mule deer last tear with excellent results. Closest was 120 yards and furthest was 460 yards

 

[Jim G]

Plus one for the Bergers.

 

[Roe]

Approaching 200 deer(?) with the Amax now, makes the deer very dead. PM me your email if you want some pictures of what the Amax does to the deer.

I've only shot one deer with Berger. First bullet pinholed, followup saved the day. Never tried Berger again.

I believe Berger and Hornady both will get the job done. My favorite is Hornady.

 

[Nodak7mm]

+ 10 to the Amax!! Serious Whitetail medicine!

Rod

 

[Roe]

I'll put out a few pictures Amax/Vmax through deer. (The wound channels give the same effect but are smaller with the Amax. I only shot some 25 deer with Vmax in a 243). As you can imagine, all of these deer dropped on the spot.

CAUTION: Contains blood & gore, hiding the picture behind links. Do not click unless you are prepared for dead deer.

Bullet damage
Bullet damage
Bullet damage
Bullet damage
Bullet damage
Bullet damage
Bullet damage
Bullet damage

 

[dennisinaz]

You sure like to shoot 'em high, Roe.

 

[mr45man]

You sure like to shoot 'em high, Roe.

Thats what i thought too.
do you shoot for the spine?
Just asking.
John H.

 

[Roe]

Yes when I don't have a dog along I shoot high to drop them on the spot.
When I have a dog I go for the heart. Generally same result (drops on spot) with Amax.