24hourcampfire.com
24hourcampfire.com
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Hop To
Page 3 of 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 59,910
M
Campfire Kahuna
Offline
Campfire Kahuna
M
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 59,910
I would guess some 6.5 Creedmoor shooters are using lighter bullets at higher velocities than the heavier, high-BC bullets the cartridge was original designed for because of the tendency of even "affordable" 6.5 Creedmoor factory rifles to be very accurate, and and the traditional obsession with high muzzle velocity. Not everybody buys a 6.5 Creedmoor these days to shoot 500+ yards.

I would also guess they do this with Creedmoors rather than 6.5 PRCs or 6.5-.284s or 6.5-06s because of those affordable, accurate factory rifles--especially compared to custom rifles. Longer barrel life and lighter recoil might be other reasons.

But apparently that's not the Campfire Way, at least for some members.


“Montana seems to me to be what a small boy would think Texas is like from hearing Texans.”
John Steinbeck
BP-B2

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 799
6
Campfire Regular
Offline
Campfire Regular
6
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 799
I have a 260, and would never have bought it, but my wife wanted a pig gun and I had a buddy that practically gave me a Ruger Compact in 260. She changed her mind on shooting pigs, so I took it over and really liked the cartridge. I never once considered needing high BC heavy for caliber bullets. For hunting, I didn’t need that, so I went with the 120 gr Ballistic Tip. Then, along came the 6.5 CM, with a case designed to better handle the high BC bullets. Well, the fact that it will better handle the high BC bullets didn’t change my needs or thinking at all. Fact is, if you aren’t shooting long range, but are a hunter, why shoot slow heavy bullets? I grew up with a 270 and 130 gr Nosler bullets at 3000 FPS, and that trajectory is hard wired into my brain after 40 years with the 270. So that’s what I wanted from the 260, and a 120 gr BT gets me close in my 20” barrel. That said, I did mention earlier that I sometimes use the 100 gr Ballistic Tip, and that bullet hits like a lightening bolt, and I’m not sure there’s any advantage in using the 120 gr version. And recoil is very low.

If I just had to have a 140 gr bullet, I’d go back to my 270 (@ 3000 FPS).

Just my opinion...

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,071
D
Campfire Regular
Offline
Campfire Regular
D
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,071
Before I'd use 120gr bullet's in a 6.5, I'd use 120gr in a 25-06! The standard 6.5's have little if any advantage with their light bullet's over a 25-06. On the other hand, nobody I know of makes either a 130gr or 140gr bullet for the 257 cal! Difference between the 120gr 6.5 and 130+gr 6.5 is velocity. The higher velocity could make the light bullet fail. If you simply want to get to 3000fps, my 25-06 shoot's 117gr Hornady's at 3079fps measured! Stepping up in cal so you can drive a light bullet faster doesn't register with me. My favorite bullet in my 6.5x06 and my 6.5x55 is the 140gr bullet but I do have fit's about the 129gr bullet now and then.

Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,029
Campfire 'Bwana
Offline
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,029
Originally Posted by Mule Deer
I would guess some 6.5 Creedmoor shooters are using lighter bullets at higher velocities than the heavier, high-BC bullets the cartridge was original designed for because of the tendency of even "affordable" 6.5 Creedmoor factory rifles to be very accurate, and and the traditional obsession with high muzzle velocity. Not everybody buys a 6.5 Creedmoor these days to shoot 500+ yards.

I would also guess they do this with Creedmoors rather than 6.5 PRCs or 6.5-.284s or 6.5-06s because of those affordable, accurate factory rifles--especially compared to custom rifles. Longer barrel life and lighter recoil might be other reasons.

But apparently that's not the Campfire Way, at least for some members.


I, mostly, load my own ammo in search of accuracy and don't shoot anything except the occasional pdog at ranges over 1/4 mile or so. Within those parameters, I would have been just as well served by my accumulation of 6.5mm bore rifles chambered in 260, 6.5x55, 256 Newton, 6.5-284, and 6.5 REM MAG as by the 6.5 CM. While I've never needed a rifle chambered in 6.5 CM, I'm interested in shooting and being something of a gear guy, I'm usually willing to try something new/different. An undisputed advantage that the 6.5 CM has over my other 6.5mm bore rifles is that there is so much good factory ammo available and so many potentially accurate rifles to choose from all along the price spectrum.

I've shot a lot of 6.5mm component bullets in the 95 to 160 grain range over the past 30+ years and have come to like the balance of accuracy/penetration/velocity of bullets in the 120 to 130 grain range, with particular favorites being the 129 grain Hornadys and 130 grain AB for hunting medium game. Please note that I am not in any way suggesting that my way of doing things is either the best way or the only way, just that it is the way that has worked the best for me within my parameters.

Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,471
S
Campfire Tracker
Offline
Campfire Tracker
S
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,471
Originally Posted by TRexF16
Originally Posted by ShortMagFan
Originally Posted by 260Remguy
I have wondered how a 6.5 SAUM would do within the COAL limits of a short action. I thought that when the SAUM and WSM cartridges were introduced that they would supersede the 284 as the cases of choice to maximize powder capacity in a short action, but they seem to have fallen into disfavor among wildcatters.


My 6.5 Saum comfortably shoots the 129 grain ABLR a little over 3200 fps at a COAL of 2.825”. That’s the only bullet I’ve tried in it and I’ve enjoyed hunting it this fall and have killed 7 whitetails with it ranging from 30 to 200 yards

Given my longest shot opportunity is under 450 I’m considering switching to the 120 ttsx as a I haven’t gotten exits on a couple of the (not particularly big) deer I’ve shot with the 129 ablr (though they all died)

Again not wanting to hijack SRF's thread but how did those 129 ABLRs that failed to exit hold up? I have heard many reports of these being quite fragile. I got 200 of them in .270 to play with before I heard about the "failures", just assuming they would hold together like a normal accubond - I've yet to hunt with them.

Thanks,
Rex


Did not do an autopsy as the deer went straight to the processor without even being gutted. It is worth noting though that I’ve caught other bullets before and found them under the hide on the off side of the deer. Tried to do that in these cases and could not locate the bullet (2 of the 7 - the other 5 exited). Does that mean it was fragmented or didn’t make it there? I have no idea. The deer were very dead so clearly it worked. But it was enough for me to think about a tougher bullet given my land and maximum shot of under 450 yards and most under 250. I’m looking forward to trying the 120 TTSX at warp speed

IC B2

Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 299
Campfire Member
Offline
Campfire Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 299
Quote....

I’m looking forward to trying the 120 TTSX at warp speed



You and me both Brother


Forgive My Sins Jesus, Save My Soul
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 3,987
Campfire Tracker
Offline
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 3,987
It can surely be done. 123 gr. Scenars at 3150 fps. with superformance powder with a 24" barrel.

Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 153
S
Campfire Member
OP Offline
Campfire Member
S
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 153
DonFischer,

I respect your opinion yet think differently. My 270 spits 130 and 140 gr bullets at my goal 450 yard velocity with no strain at all. My 308 is no slouch with the 130 TTSX either. Both of these perform with 22” barrels. So I don’t see much reason for another rifle to duplicate these older hands.

I see the 6.5 mm as the bigger brother to the 243/6 mm/250-3000/257 class. I find it most interesting when throwing 100 gr bullets at 243 speeds and 120 gr bullets near 25-06 speeds. In my mind, the 6.5 mm can replace its smaller siblings. That’s where my interest lies, at least with 120 gr monos. As prm posted above, the 127 LRX is not very far out from here.


Got it covered with the 22 LR, 30-06, and 12 gauge.
The rest are just for fun.
NRA Life Member
Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 12,987
P
Campfire Outfitter
Online Content
Campfire Outfitter
P
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 12,987
Tikka 7mm-08
120 NBT
3126 FPS
Little bitty groups.




P


Obey lawful commands. Video interactions. Hold bad cops accountable. Problem solved.

~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~

Member #547
Join date 3/09/2001
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 153
S
Campfire Member
OP Offline
Campfire Member
S
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 153
All,

Thank you all for the feedback. My takeaway from this is there are max ‘book’ loads that reach my goals in 24” barrels, a factory GMX that is on goal, and a couple of suggested loads that get there. It seems 3000 fps is reasonable, so I am going to get a 6.5 CM.

As a recap, here are the book loads you all pointed out that nominally meet my 120 gr muzzle velocity goal with 24” barrel:
Alliant - RL16
Hogdon - StaBALL 6.5
Nosler - H4350, RL17, Hunter

So 5 different powders. There were several others very close.

As my username suggests, I like short rifles. Looks like I need to make an exception for this project. For engineering margin, I’m going with a 26” barrel.

Thanks again for your support!


Got it covered with the 22 LR, 30-06, and 12 gauge.
The rest are just for fun.
NRA Life Member
Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
IC B3

Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 23,268
C
Campfire Ranger
Offline
Campfire Ranger
C
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 23,268
I will take the better BC 6.5 120 and keep the option of the 140s open.

Originally Posted by Pharmseller
Tikka 7mm-08
120 NBT
3126 FPS
Little bitty groups.




P

Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,036
S
Campfire Outfitter
Offline
Campfire Outfitter
S
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,036
To the OP..Yes

Ruger American 22" barrel
120gr. TTSX
WLRM
44.6gr RL17
2997fps


Extremely accurate.


Your Every Liberal vote promotes Socialism and is an
attack on the Second Amendment. You will suffer the consequences.

GOA,Idaho2AIAlliance,AmericanFirearmsAssociation,IdahoTrappersAssociation,FoundationForWildlifeManagement ID and MT.

Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,029
Campfire 'Bwana
Offline
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,029
Originally Posted by ShortRifleFan
All,

Thank you all for the feedback. My takeaway from this is there are max ‘book’ loads that reach my goals in 24” barrels, a factory GMX that is on goal, and a couple of suggested loads that get there. It seems 3000 fps is reasonable, so I am going to get a 6.5 CM.

As a recap, here are the book loads you all pointed out that nominally meet my 120 gr muzzle velocity goal with 24” barrel:
Alliant - RL16
Hogdon - StaBALL 6.5
Nosler - H4350, RL17, Hunter

So 5 different powders. There were several others very close.

As my username suggests, I like short rifles. Looks like I need to make an exception for this project. For engineering margin, I’m going with a 26” barrel.

Thanks again for your support!


The Savage 10 FP would be an inexpensive way to dip you toe into a 26" 6.5 CM. Generally more accurate out of the box than a 700 ADL Varmint. BPS/Cabela's regularly puts these on sale for around $400.

Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,926
C
Campfire Regular
Offline
Campfire Regular
C
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,926
Originally Posted by ShortRifleFan
All,

Thank you all for the feedback. My takeaway from this is there are max ‘book’ loads that reach my goals in 24” barrels, a factory GMX that is on goal, and a couple of suggested loads that get there. It seems 3000 fps is reasonable, so I am going to get a 6.5 CM.

As a recap, here are the book loads you all pointed out that nominally meet my 120 gr muzzle velocity goal with 24” barrel:
Alliant - RL16
Hogdon - StaBALL 6.5
Nosler - H4350, RL17, Hunter

So 5 different powders. There were several others very close.

As my username suggests, I like short rifles. Looks like I need to make an exception for this project. For engineering margin, I’m going with a 26” barrel.

Thanks again for your support!



Your goal of 3000fps in 6.5CM w/ 120 TTSX is easily done w/ a 22" or 23" barrel. Especially if you are talking about having a rifle built w/ a custom barrel. As has already been suggested, look hard at the 127LRX - 2950 is easily achieved w/ a 23" barrel and it's higher BC means it retains more velovity at 450yds than the 120TTSX started at higher velocity. LRX's seem to open easier than the TTSX's also.

David

Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 12,987
P
Campfire Outfitter
Online Content
Campfire Outfitter
P
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 12,987
Originally Posted by Calvin
I will take the better BC 6.5 120 and keep the option of the 140s open.

Originally Posted by Pharmseller
Tikka 7mm-08
120 NBT
3126 FPS
Little bitty groups.




P



6.5 120 BT BC is .458, max velocity per Nosler (24” barrel) is 3068

7mm 120 BT BC is .417, max velocity per Nosler (26” barrel) is 3262, I get 3126 from a 22 7/16” barrel.

Do you find a difference of .041 to be significant?

6.5 140 BT BC is .509, max velocity per Nosler is 2731

7mm 140 BT is .485, max velocity per Nosler is 2953, I get 2890 from a 22 7/16” barrel.

Do you find a difference of .024 to be significant?

It would be interesting to run the numbers and verify the distance at which the better BC catches up with the faster bullet. I’ll bet it’s farther than you think.




P




Obey lawful commands. Video interactions. Hold bad cops accountable. Problem solved.

~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~

Member #547
Join date 3/09/2001
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 12,987
P
Campfire Outfitter
Online Content
Campfire Outfitter
P
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 12,987
Plus, I can use a 150 grain bullet, Hornady ELD-X, at 2790, BC .574 for really long shots.



P


Obey lawful commands. Video interactions. Hold bad cops accountable. Problem solved.

~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~

Member #547
Join date 3/09/2001
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,748
P
prm Offline
Campfire Outfitter
Offline
Campfire Outfitter
P
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,748
But the question was about shooting 6.5 bullets. A 7-08 doesn’t shoot them very well.

Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 23,268
C
Campfire Ranger
Offline
Campfire Ranger
C
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 23,268
Haha, don’t cherry pick now. The 6.5 rules the 140s.

If you like your 7-08, keep your 7-08. But the 6.5 Creedmoor can do what it does and more.

Joined: May 2003
Posts: 22,869
V
Campfire Ranger
Offline
Campfire Ranger
V
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 22,869
ShortRifleFan: The Sturm Ruger Company offers a 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle (heavy barrel, stainless) with a 28" (twenty eight inch!) barrel.
You should easily and safely attain that speed with that factory Rifle and that weight bullet.
One of my close friends has one of these "28 inchers" "on order", right now and should take possession within a month.
Good luck in safely attaining your arbitrary goal.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 299
Campfire Member
Offline
Campfire Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 299
do you mean this one..... I for one did not know that....thanks for the information.

https://www.jimsgunwarehouse.com/ru...5-creedmoor-28-laminated-stainless-steel


Even better yet on price...

https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/rug...inless-steel-barrel/FC-736676179800.html

Last edited by DanBrothers; 12/30/19.

Forgive My Sins Jesus, Save My Soul
Page 3 of 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

Moderated by  RickBin 

Link Copied to Clipboard
YB23

Who's Online Now
187 members (32_20fan, 257_X_50, 1minute, 300_savage, 204guy, 10gaugemag, 26 invisible), 2,068 guests, and 977 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums81
Topics1,187,726
Posts18,400,645
Members73,822
Most Online11,491
Jul 7th, 2023


 







Fish & Game Departments | Solunar Tables | Mission Statement | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | DMCA
Hunting | Fishing | Camping | Backpacking | Reloading | Campfire Forums | Gear Shop
Copyright © 2000-2024 24hourcampfire.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5
(Release build 20201027)
Responsive Width:

PHP: 7.3.33 Page Time: 0.095s Queries: 14 (0.004s) Memory: 0.9075 MB (Peak: 1.0653 MB) Data Comp: Zlib Server Time: 2024-03-29 06:12:40 UTC
Valid HTML 5 and Valid CSS