6.5 bullet performance

[Potashminer]

I've hunted with a 6.5x55 for several decades, and while never shooting a Berger bullet, have tried almost everything else. The only bullet which didn't perform well for me was a 140gr Sierra Gameking. I shot a buck in the neck while facing me at about 15 yards, and it failed to exit. Now it did result in a dead deer so I guess you could argue that it didn't fail, but the lack of penetration at modest velocity 2600 fps +/- didn't inspire confidence.
I doubt that the Berger is more stoutly constructed than the Gameking.

Is funny how we hunters are - I shot a whitetail doe - say 125 yards away on the go - only deer ever taken with a round from the magazine - spine shot - Sierra bullet 165 SP Boat Tail from 308 Win - deer of course, down right there. But bullet jacket fragments for 12 inches or more up the spine - did not actually penetrate that vertebra - decided then (1970's???) that no more Sierras for hunting for me, even though great groups on targets. Switched to similar, but flat base, Speer HotCor, which have given us no reason to change, ever, including our first two elk and multiple dozen white tail and mule deer. So my example of "one" Sierra on game is like yours - did not go through bone - basically fragmented, so far as I was concerned. Only get to shoot one or two deer a year - was not going to "test" further with Sierra's...

 

[dand883]

I can't even pretend to have as much experience with 6.5 bullets on deer, or just with 6.5 in general as most of the guys here. but last years deer i took with a 6.5x55 shooting a 140gr hornady SST. They were fiocchi, advertised at 2625fps.

It was around 100 yards +/- a few, double lung, exited out the other side and left a very noticeable blood trail. She ran maybe 60 yards before stopping and we had no trouble following the trail to her.

I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.

 

[iron cat]

I run 120 ttsx in my .260...

Same here, and my son uses them in his 6.5/284
Cat

 

[hawk-i]

My experience using Berger bullets on game is they are very accurate and kill very quickly.
They work as advertised.