|
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,304
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,304 |
I’d skip the TSX myself. The Scenar, SST, Eld are all great at those speeds. It’s not your 300 Ultra, none of those bullets will likely crest 2900, and the 140’s will be around 2700 or less. You’ll be golden. I’d rather have the lead for deer and quicker kills myself.
Semper Fi
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 22,918 Likes: 2
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 22,918 Likes: 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8,845
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8,845 |
Now that we've traveled down the rabbit hole of other bullets, my two top choices for all around 6.5 bullets are either the 147 ELD-M (1st choice) and the 139 Scenar (2nd choice).
_________________________________________________________________________
“Montana seems to me to be what a small boy would think Texas is like from hearing Texans.”
John Steinbeck
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,203
Campfire 'Bwana
|
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,203 |
I like the 130 grain AB in my 6.5 CMs, 260s, and 6.5-284s as it does the 3 things that I need a bullets to do, shoot accurately, penetrate into the vitals or break bone, and expand reliably.
I also shoot the 129 grain SST for practice, as it shoots to approximately the same POA as the 130 grain AB with my loads in my rifles. 2 of the Hornady factory loads with 129 grain bullets have also worked well for me, the Superformance 129 grain SST and the American Whitetail 129 grain Interlock.
I have a couple of 6.5 CMs that shoot good enough with factory ammo that I haven't bothered to load for them, a situation that doesn't come up all that often.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,066
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,066 |
never a complaint outta my 260 rem is the 120 ballistic tip. always been a killa..
Big Ed
"Only accurate rifles are interesting"
Col. Townsend Whelen
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,621 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,621 Likes: 1 |
I haven’t tried the TSX in 6.5, but the ELD-X and 129 SST (and interlock) have worked well at typical deer ranges. My favorites are 140 and 147 ELD-Ms…but up close, they can tear up more meat than others. Past 100 and as far as I’ve shot them into deer (365), they’re about perfect….seems to me. I’ve got no qualms with 120 Nosler stuff, either.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,059
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,059 |
I've used the 143 ELD-X on some hogs one coyote and this Scimitar horned oryx. Crushed this guys shoulder and found the bullet under the hide on the other side. ![[Linked Image from hosting.photobucket.com]](https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ww235/JohnnyLimbo/IMG_2742_2.jpeg) This is what was left of the bullet. The factory load only scoots at 2600 fps out of my CTR and the shot was at 110 yds. This is the only bullet I've caught in an animal. [img] https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ww235/JohnnyLimbo/E0986442-DC31-420B-BAA3-FB4FB37135FB.heic[/img]
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,959
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,959 |
For 150 and in, any of them will work just fine.
I've used all the bullets listed through the years and I'd probably choose the TSX on the chance you will have more tolerance to off-angle shooting.
"Full time night woman? I never could find no tracks on a woman's heart. I packed me a squaw for ten year, Pilgrim. Cheyenne, she were, and the meanest bitch that ever balled for beads."
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,599 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,599 Likes: 1 |
130 tipped game kings.
They shoot true and flatter compared to the 143/147
All of them do something better than the 30-06, but none of them do everything as well.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,082 Likes: 5
Campfire 'Bwana
|
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,082 Likes: 5 |
130 tipped game kings.
They shoot true and flatter compared to the 143/147 They don't do anywhere near as well as the 147 in the wind either. If that is a concern. It all depends on how far you intend to shoot though.
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,959
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,959 |
130 tipped game kings.
They shoot true and flatter compared to the 143/147 I've killed four whitetail with this bullet, three from a 6.5 PRC and 1 from a 6.5 Creedmoor. Only one had an exit hole, but all were DRT besides one that scooted about 100 yards. Closest was 100 yards, furthest 420.
"Full time night woman? I never could find no tracks on a woman's heart. I packed me a squaw for ten year, Pilgrim. Cheyenne, she were, and the meanest bitch that ever balled for beads."
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,599 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,599 Likes: 1 |
130 tipped game kings.
They shoot true and flatter compared to the 143/147 They don't do anywhere near as well as the 147 in the wind either. If that is a concern. It all depends on how far you intend to shoot though. I think that can be said for any heavy for caliber bullet. I don’t shoot past 500-600 yards or high wind. I like 130s at 2900 fps vs 147 at 2600
All of them do something better than the 30-06, but none of them do everything as well.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,508
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,508 |
I haven't had reason to run anything but 140 Amax's thru all my creeds. 200 and in, thru the boiler room. Past 200 crush bone..... I’ve got a pile of 123gr Scenar bullets. Don, what’s your thoughts on them for this specific use? The 143 out of those you listed would be my choice Beav.
It’s been pretty great on deer for us back here. Never have shot an elk or seen one with the CM, but I’m imagine it’s not too much to ask for the little fella! Scotty, the main bullet I’ve used in my older 6.5 CM, is the 143 eldx. No complaints. Accuracy has been excellent! Today, I picked up that Fierce Carbon Mini Rogue rifle for the UTV and property. Being that I’ve got a few bullet options I can try, and since I’m lacking in first hand experience killing at close distances with each of these bullets. I’m hoping to minimize the disappointment I might have on things not dying quickly, or having a lot of meat damage that shouldn’t have happened with good shot placement If it's close range and varied shot angles, on something I'll eat, I'll take the TSX (I prefer the 127 LRX for this kind of work).
Longer shots or if I'm not eating it, then the 143 ELD-X (I prefer the 147 ELD-M for this kind of work). Hey Jordan, I’ll ask you the same question, I asked Don. What’s your thoughts on the 123gr Scenars for my situation? I was a smidge reluctant to use the Barnes TSX out of fear of them just passing through at close ranges. Then, Mr. Buck takes off and into the deep, thick, and hateful brush to die on me. Head shooting my table meat hasn’t been something I’ve naturally been drawn to do. Lower neck, sure. But braining, not unless it’s varmints. Here’s the Fierce Carbon Mini Rogue. It’s basically advertised as a youth/chic rifle. It came with several shims that will get the LOP close to 13.5. I guess guys are buying them up as their mountain rifle, due to it being extremely light, and having a 20” or 22” barrel. Forgive the Leupold VXi 4.5-14x40 CDS. It’s been sitting in a dust covered box for a few years and needs to be broke. I meant broken in. Grins. ![[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]](https://i.postimg.cc/76ML2jZx/IMG-0359.jpg) ![[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]](https://i.postimg.cc/VvZm9wQc/IMG-0360.jpg) Happy Thanksgiving, to all of you. I appreciate your help. 🦫 I haven't killed anything with the 123 Scenar, so can't opine there. But, I wouldn't worry about the TSX at close range. Don't hesitate to run them through bone at tough angles, either. The 147 ELD-M works great on critters up close from a 6.5 CM, as well, but I prefer to not have lead bits scattered through my meat when I'm sending the bullet through bone and meat. Just a personal preference. At longer range, when I can be specific about placing the bullet between ribs and through lungs, the 147 is my huckleberry.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,134 Likes: 1
Campfire 'Bwana
|
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,134 Likes: 1 |
No Hammer, Cutting Edge or Lehigh stories?
Those seem interesting. I’ve used a Shock Hammer but just on one WT and out of a .358 Win. No 6.5’s with any of those choices.
DF
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,936 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,936 Likes: 1 |
The only bullet I load in my 6.5 is the 139 gr Scenar. It's the most accurate and reasonably priced. My 6.5 is primarily a range toy, but I've seen enough evidence in the "Deceased by Scenar" thread here to have confidence it is as good a game bullet as anything else and better than many.
Most people don't really want the truth.
They just want constant reassurance that what they believe is the truth.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 44,854 Likes: 3
Campfire 'Bwana
|
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 44,854 Likes: 3 |
I was a smidge reluctant to use the Barnes TSX out of fear of them just passing through at close ranges. Then, Mr. Buck takes off and into the deep, thick, and hateful brush to die on me. Why would you think they would just pass through at close range?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 23,437 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 23,437 Likes: 1 |
Barnes mono’s excel at close range shots.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 23,506
Campfire Ranger
|
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 23,506 |
I was a smidge reluctant to use the Barnes TSX out of fear of them just passing through at close ranges. Then, Mr. Buck takes off and into the deep, thick, and hateful brush to die on me. Why would you think they would just pass through at close range? It was just my assumption based on hunting with Barnes 180gr TSX bullets for many years on Roosevelt elk. My experience using them at some fair distances, out to over 840 yards. They seemed to be a stout bullet that rarely collapsed completely in on itself. I thought possibly, at close range, the TSX might not shed much and drive through. I said earlier. I have very little experience killing ungulates at 150 yards or closer. 180gr TSX bullet that killed a good sized Bull at 842 yards. ![[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]](https://i.postimg.cc/bv8L7pCX/95-BCE1-D2-D081-4912-A0-F0-B9-B91758-C491.jpg) ![[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]](https://i.postimg.cc/j2WhH55f/5033-A3-CC-5798-4-A7-E-9746-D9-D868-DB11-B3.jpg) 🦫
Curiosity Killed the Cat & The Prairie Dog
“Molon Labe”
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 8,456 Likes: 2
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 8,456 Likes: 2 |
Writing this post will probably take longer than getting an answer to my question about which bullet in my 6.5 CM is recommended in the situation(s) below.
If you’re hunting/killing range is no more than 150 yards on anything from a coyote to a deer. And I have these bullets available to use. Give me your opinion on which one you’d hunt.
Also, of the 3 bullets, which bullet you’d prefer, if shooting a deer sized animal up to 500ish yards.
Thanks.
Hornady 129 gr SST
Hornady 143 gr Eld-x
Barnes 130 gr. TSX
🦫 If you're not shooting so many that cost is an issue, for the 150 yards or shorter shots, I'd take the Barnes 130 grain X. For deer to 500, 143 ELD X. I don't have any faith in the SSTs hanging together. Decent coyote bullet.
Anyone who thinks there's two sides to everything hasn't met a M�bius strip.
Here be dragons ...
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 44,854 Likes: 3
Campfire 'Bwana
|
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 44,854 Likes: 3 |
I believe you've got it backwards. Bullets expand more at close range because the higher impact speed results in higher collision forces.
|
|
|
|
|
529 members (10gaugemag, 007FJ, 01Foreman400, 10ring1, 1234, 10gaugeman, 65 invisible),
2,397
guests, and
1,385
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,192,162
Posts18,484,397
Members73,966
| |
Most Online11,491
Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|
