looking for a 6.5 varmint bullet for 1-9 twist

[RonSuttle]

I have a 6.5-284 with a 1-9 twist. I want a varmint bullet that is devastating on groundhogs. I have been shooting the 123 Lapua bullets for accuracy, they kill, but they zip right through. I have ordered some V-max 95 grain bullets but I am not sure if the twist is right for that bullet. Plus I already have a .243 and a 6br to shoot those "weight" bullets, so I really wanted something explosive in the 120g-140g range for the long shots.

The 139 Lapua and the 140g Berger also give me accuracy, but don’t expand as much as I would like.

Anybody got any recommendations.

 

[2644ever]

You'll need more speed and a lighter bullet, try the Sierra 100 grain varminter or the Nosler 100 grain Ballistic Tip,this one for incredible accuracy and explosive results)

 

[RonSuttle]

Thanks for writing.
I suspected I needed more speed. I am getting 3230fps from the Lapua 123g. and they don't expand, but they give me super accuracy. I dare not push them any faster. How fast do you recommend with the lighter bullets?

I checked the Nosler web site, and they don't show a ballistic tip "varmint" bullet in 6.5 caliber. They do have ballistic tip "hunting" bullets in 6.5 caliber, which is probably for larger game. If the 100g ballistic tip expands, as you suggest, then the 120g ballistic tip, hunting bullet might expand too, and they would be a little bit better for my 1-9 tiwst? Have you tried the 120g "hunting" bullets on groundhogs, and if so how do they do?
http://www.nosler.com/index.php?p=3&bullet=2

The Sierra 100g varminter may be a good choice, and work well. I ordered some 95g Vmax bullets and was going to give them a try. I didn't know how fast I could push them to get the desired results. Do you have any idea what velocity I could get out of them? I suspect the 100g Sierra would work a little better with my gun having a 9 twist. I will certainly try them if the 95's don't work out.

 

[jalonen]

My favorite 6,5 mm bullet for my Lothar Walther 1-9 barrel is the 123 Lapua scenar driven by 53,5 grs of Norma MRP.
The 108 grs Lapua Scenar,57,0 grs of Mrp) also gives me a great accuracy with top speed. Its a great varmint load.

 

[2644ever]

I wouldn't use the Nosler 120 BT on varmint, it might fail to expand past a certain distance. The 100 BT will expand no matter what just as the Sierra 100 will. There's no risk of having them blow up in flight if you got a 1 in 9" twist, just try them on 1/2 gallon jugs filled with Jell-O,yecchh!) at any distance and watch them vaporize the stuff, you'll become a believer.

 

[Forum Boss]

The Sierra 100gr FB Varmint bullet gave excellent results in my 260 Rem and also was the most accurate bullet I tried. It has a pretty big hollow point so it expands reliably. I also got great accuracy with the Nosler 120s, but they are quite a bit more expensive than the Sierra 100s.

 

[jalonen]

I would not suggest lighter bullets than 108 grs for the 6,5-284.

 

[BoydHeaton]

140gr A-Max

 

[RonSuttle]

Thanks guys for the comments.
Moderator: What about the expansion of the Nosler 120? Ever shoot a groundhog with one?

Boyd: Do the Amax bullets have good expansion?

For long range I started with the 139 Lapua and the 140 Bergers, and at about 2980fps, they gave me accuracy but no expansion. I dropped down to the 123g Lapua, and picked up speed to 3230fps, but still got no expansion. I was really looking for a varmint bullet with a high BC, that is ideal in the 1-9 twist,something in the 120-140 grain range). Even though I ordered some 95g Vmax bullets, I really do not think they have the wind bucking BC that I was looking for. I just did not want them floating all around on a small puff of wind. The less I have to worry about, the better.

My Winchester 243 w/1-10 twist, and my 6br, with 1-8, already shoot bullets in the 80-107 grain range. It is a bigger heavy varmint bullet I want to shoot for the 600+ yard shots, that is why I had this Nesika 6.5x284 built.

 

[Forum Boss]

Can't speak of groundhog but it was devastating on a fat ground squirrel.

 

[vmthtr]

My friend is shooting the 6.5X284 Sheheane and is using the 95vmax. At 500 yards it still rips the dogs apart and scatters them about. He is having his remaer reground to move the throat back for this bullet exclusively.

Mike

 

[RonSuttle]

Cool, Do you know how fast he is pushing the 95g vmax?

 

[vmthtr]

No. Never chronied it.

Mike

 

[okie]

in a 26 in.bbl 9 twist shilen select match the 85 sie hp 3633 fps this load devestates all critters ive shot with it. this is hodgen load,or sierra??) 2grns of H-380 less than max load plus it really throws well in my Harrell. killer load but my throat might be gone already !! the 100 gr. sie is just as great. I have chronied it.

 

[BR]

Do the Amax bullets have good expansion?


They get the job done