6.5mm long range hunting bullet?

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Freyr_255

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So I picked up a 6.5x55 last night (Zastava m70) on a semi-impulse buy. Right now I'm trying to figure out a loading for it and I'm hung up a bit on bullet selection. The plan was to use this rifle as a varmint rifle(wolf/coyote) capable of taking down animals up to caribou in size. So I've been searcing for high BC hunting bullets in the 120gr range. Right now it seems like Nosler ballistic tips are the best I've come across as I was disappointed in sierra, speer, and TTSX offerings. Hornady I'm avoiding due to not really liking their terminal performance. Berger doesn't offer anything in 120gr.

So...field is open for suggestions on a long range hunting bullet. Trying to keep it at 120gr as I like the trajectory more for what I'm doing with it.

:cheers:
 
My thoughts are to consider the twist rate of your rifle. If you have a 1-6 7 or 8, it why not heavier as you get some performance perks from heavies in the wind and higher BC. Even driven a bit slower these will provide exceptional performance on game and great trajectories. I'm thinking 130 or 140 gr depending on your twist rate. Nosler accubond would be a good choice out of those you have listed for larger game considerations in the heavies. The balistic tips should perform like other cup and cores. My 2 cents....
 
elkhuntr said:
My thoughts are to consider the twist rate of your rifle. If you have a 1-6 7 or 8, it why not heavier as you get some performance perks from heavies in the wind and higher BC. Even driven a bit slower these will provide exceptional performance on game and great trajectories. I'm thinking 130 or 140 gr depending on your twist rate. Nosler accubond would be a good choice out of those you have listed for larger game considerations in the heavies. The balistic tips should perform like other cup and cores. My 2 cents....
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Twist rate is 1-9 from what I gather on their website. I'll confirm this in the paperwork when I get home as I believe it says on the card that comes with it.

And in regards to the new accubonds I saw that thread and just kind of skimmed over it. I doubt I'll see the new accubonds any time in the next year up here and I doubt I'll be able to order them reliably either.
 
What is wrong with Berger vld 140 grain. Very high bc. Nosler Partition 140 grain would be ideal for 1 in 9 twist. I going to try both the 125 and 140 grain in the m70. Have the same gun in left handed.
 
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120 berger varmint vld is tuned for the 1-9. But if you go to standard non vld, in 130s you should be fine for larger game (ie shorter bullet length). Best to actually confirm your barrel by measuring it...tight patch and mark your cleaning rod from start to one full rotation then measure.

Best to just match the bullet to the intended target. If your going for bou then I'd say use the 125 nosler partition and get ready for packin. Elky..
 
You want some long range accurucy you'd be better off with a heavier bullet. I have a 6.5x55 in a Steyr and the bullets that grouped best for me were the Berger 140gr, used that bullet last week on my first ever moose and will use it again on wt deer this week. And if I seee a coyote out at 400 he'll be feeling one of these 140's wizzing past him, or into him. Nuttin wrong with Hornady bullets. FS
 
Ok did some googleing and found that the 1-9 twist is for bullets under 130gr. Guess I'll do some more browsing and open it up to 130gr as well. 140 while having a higher BC might not stabilize as well and I really don't feel like opening that can of worms right off the bat.
 
1:9 is good enough with 140 grainers, and I wouldn't bet against 160 neither.
AccuBond 140 are great on whatever you'll try them. Hornady Interbond are not bad neither, but I prefer AB.
TTSX are not so bad, but in my rifles, they need somewhat of a jump to perform well.
If not, then, go with flat bases, such as Wodleigh, Partition or Speer Deep Curl or Lapua or Norma bullets.
 
I really liked the Swift Scirocco 2 in my 260, very accurate and excelent weight retention and expansion. The bad part is availability, they were just too hard to find. I switched over to Barnes
 
Check out the site just posted by spentwad, I learned about these guys a while back and they have a HUGE amount of terminal performance info on a lot of calibers, I've spent way to much time cruising that site. Could help with your decision as their info is based on autopsies of hundreds of animals with just about every bullet out there. Enjoy
 
I saw that you were not keen on Hornady. I encourage you to try 129gr sst for a Varmit load. Dont use them on big game unless you really like hamburger :)
 
130gr , bonded core , expansion as low as 1800 ft/sec , B.C. of 571

I have used these bullets , they shoot well ,carry well , and are well constructed.

They are overlooked and underrated.

CI Distribution stocks a great selection, you won't be disappointed.

They are my do everything bullet in more than one chambering.

lyktohunt said:
I really liked the Swift Scirocco 2 in my 260, very accurate and excelent weight retention and expansion. The bad part is availability, they were just too hard to find. I switched over to Barnes
Click to expand...
 
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