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Posted By: aalf New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/15/19

For those that haven't seen this yet:

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2019/12/berger-releases-new-6-5mm-144gr-lr-hybrid-target-bullet/
Posted By: Ackleyfan Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/15/19
Will have to try some...... thanks for sharing aalf
Posted By: Calvin Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/15/19
Looks good. Did I read right that guys are drilling them for more consistent expansion?
Posted By: xverminator Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/17/19
Answers to questions nobody asked.......Knowledgeable shooter, none the less..!



X-V
Posted By: fredIII Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/17/19
Originally Posted by Calvin
Looks good. Did I read right that guys are drilling them for more consistent expansion?


It works. Try it. I bought a little handheld pin drill and just clean the tip up a little on each one.
Posted By: fredIII Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/17/19
I’ll post a pic of it when I get home
Posted By: Calvin Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/17/19
Originally Posted by fredIII
I’ll post a pic of it when I get home



Thanks
Posted By: cast10K Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/17/19
From what I understand, Berger's target bullets actually have thicker jackets than their hunting line, and expand a little less violently. Can anyone with first hand knowledge confirm this?

I have a couple boxes of the 6mm hybrids ready to try in my soon to be built 6cm, and I know Scenarshooter's crew cleaned up with that bullet a few seasons ago.
Posted By: aalf Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/17/19
Originally Posted by cast10K
From what I understand, Berger's target bullets actually have thicker jackets than their hunting line, and expand a little less violently. Can anyone with first hand knowledge confirm this?

Correct.....

The original Bergers transitioned into the Hunting lineup, while the new Target versions were made with thicker jackets to better resist "blowups".

My only experience with the Target bullets is on coyotes in the 22 caliber 75 and 80 grain version.....they work quite well.

On a different note, I shot this year's deer with a 6.5 140 Hunting VLD, that I pointed to close up the tip.
Posted By: 805 Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/17/19
I’ve used the Berger Hybrids on a few deer and an elk. They work very well and were still the Typical DRT. They did seem to create a bit more bloodshot and all exited. Wouldn’t hesitate to use them on game.
Posted By: Judman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/17/19
Always had really good luck with the 140's. Never heard of anyone drilling the tips.
Posted By: 805 Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Berger bullets sometimes have media trapped in the tip from the polishing media due to the smaller Meplat. This is a main reason people drill them and also to ensure the nose cavity is opened.
Posted By: fredIII Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
T
Originally Posted by Judman
Always had really good luck with the 140's. Never heard of anyone drilling the tips.


That’s weird I got the tip from your good buddy I [bleep] out of a bear hunting spot. He said it solved some problems he had with the 215 not opening at LR.

Weird how word travels and twist.

He and I stay in touch. 😉
Posted By: Judman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Soooo very weird, “my buddy” hasn’t made me privi to such info!! Have you killed anything with the 140’s?
Posted By: Judman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Wierd I was just chatting with him today🤭🤔
Posted By: fredIII Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Calvin this is what I do might not help but a Berger told a friend it doesn’t hurt. 😉.
Before
[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]
After
[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

The top secret do all tool was 15.99
[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Personally like to load them first gives better grip.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]
Posted By: fredIII Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Originally Posted by Judman
Wierd I was just chatting with him today🤭🤔


Wow I as well. Did you mention how I [bleep] you guys over.
Posted By: fredIII Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
We just discussed a little wing shooting in a few weeks. 🤫😏
Posted By: Judman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
No I just apologized 5 months ago for you inviting 4 guys over to hunt hunt bear, he said , ahhhh no problem they’re just grease pigs, it ain’t my buck huntin spots...
Posted By: Judman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Have you killed anything with 140’s?
Posted By: fredIII Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Originally Posted by Judman
No I just apologized 5 months ago for you inviting 4 guys over to hunt hunt bear, he said , ahhhh no problem they’re just grease pigs, it ain’t my buck huntin spots...


LOL I called him before I went and never went to his place. You should tell Greg the truth.
I tried but the crew was right. 🤪😟.
Posted By: Judman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Tell Greg the truth about what?? Beave told Greg for reasons unknown to me, then I had to explain after Greg texted/or called him!!! Haha
Posted By: Judman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Oh🤭🤫
Posted By: fredIII Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
[bleep] [bleep] no matter how it’s flung. Guess I know where to stand.
Posted By: Judman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
That’s for sure.... just remember, I’ve known mills for 35 years, have NEVER hunted with him, and my brother my whole life.... hint
Posted By: fredIII Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Originally Posted by Judman
Have you killed anything with 140’s?


Me yes lots. Had a few fail at LR.
Also use the 210 .308 the
The .248 168 and the
.338 300.
Posted By: Beaver10 Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Originally Posted by Judman
Tell Greg the truth about what?? Beave told Greg for reasons unknown to me, then I had to explain after Greg texted/or called him!!! Haha


That actually/factually incorrect..

Best to leave GW outta this one.

Carry on. 😎
Posted By: Judman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Really? Haha
Posted By: Judman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
“ oh you better tell Greg “!!! Haha I’m thinkin, uh ok wtf?? But no, carry on
Posted By: Judman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Originally Posted by fredIII
Originally Posted by Judman
Have you killed anything with 140’s?


Me yes lots. Had a few fail at LR.
Also use the 210 .308 the
The .248 168 and the
.338 300.


Details? I’ve killed elk deer and bear, from 504 to 757 and never seen one go more than 20 yards... that’s 6.5/06 ai started at 3100...
Posted By: T_Inman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Have you all busted elk shoulders with the 140? (I assume you're referring to the 6.5mm 140 grain hunting berger).

I have had nothing but bad luck with them doing that. They're awesome on lung shot elk, and have been fine on deer shoulders, but I have seen no less than 6 cow/raghorn scapulas stop the 140....and am almost positive I had a 7th do the same on Saturday...resulting in the first big game critter I have hit and lost in 17 years. Solid shoulder hit at 80 yards (my bad shooting, as I wanted to hit behind the shoulder). Next to no blood. No obvious limp, even in 2 feet of tracking snow. I strongly believe she'll survive, but I am going away from the 140 berger for elk. They're too soft for me.

Does anyone know if the 144 is supposed to be thicker jacketed?
Posted By: aalf Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Originally Posted by T_Inman
Have you all busted elk shoulders with the 140? (I assume you're referring to the 6.5mm 140 grain hunting berger).
I have had nothing but bad luck with them doing that. They're awesome on lung shot elk, and have been fine on deer shoulders, but I have seen no less than 6 cow/raghorn scapulas stop the 140....and am almost positive I had a 7th do the same on Saturday...resulting in the first big game critter I have hit and lost in 17 years. Solid shoulder hit at 80 yards (my bad shooting, as I wanted to hit behind the shoulder). Next to no blood. No obvious limp, even in 2 feet of tracking snow. I strongly believe she'll survive, but I am going away from the 140 berger for elk. They're too soft for me.

Does anyone know if the 144 is supposed to be thicker jacketed?

Bummer on the elk.....

I'd assume, beings it's Target Hybrid, it has the thicker jacket.
Posted By: 30338 Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
This one busted a raghorn shoulder at 400 yards. Initial velocity was 2670 fps. Bust onside shoulder and traveled to the other side. He wobbled around a bit and tumbled. 140 vld.
[Linked Image from imagizer.imageshack.com]
Posted By: Judman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Never punched bull shoulders, but lotsa muley shoulders. I love em
Posted By: T_Inman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Maybe that slower impact velocity was the kicker....I dunno but I have absolutely NOT had that experience with the 140 on elk shoulders.
Posted By: 30338 Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Think it had to be. It literally snapped the shoulder bone under the scapula, the really thick part. Not sure how it would have done 600 feet faster though.
Posted By: T_Inman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Originally Posted by Judman
Never punched bull shoulders, but lotsa muley shoulders. I love em


I punched through a big 4x4 mule deer's shoulder this year at 388 yards with one, without issue. He sprinted about 50 yards and crashed.
The two elk I have shot so far this year? Different story. A bull at 365 yards, and the cow at 80.
Posted By: BigDave39355 Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Originally Posted by fredIII


[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]



Not sure about drilling bullets....

But it works great for a smashed fingernail. Just don’t jump when it punches thru..... instant relief. Still lose the nail, no more throbbing.

Tip drill at welding supply....
Posted By: fredIII Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Originally Posted by BigDave39355
Originally Posted by fredIII


[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]



Not sure about drilling bullets....

But it works great for a smashed fingernail. Just don’t jump when it punches thru..... instant relief. Still lose the nail, no more throbbing.

Tip drill at welding supply....


Yes sir been there.
Posted By: pointer Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Originally Posted by T_Inman
Have you all busted elk shoulders with the 140? (I assume you're referring to the 6.5mm 140 grain hunting berger).

I have had nothing but bad luck with them doing that. They're awesome on lung shot elk, and have been fine on deer shoulders, but I have seen no less than 6 cow/raghorn scapulas stop the 140....and am almost positive I had a 7th do the same on Saturday...resulting in the first big game critter I have hit and lost in 17 years. Solid shoulder hit at 80 yards (my bad shooting, as I wanted to hit behind the shoulder). Next to no blood. No obvious limp, even in 2 feet of tracking snow. I strongly believe she'll survive, but I am going away from the 140 berger for elk. They're too soft for me.

Does anyone know if the 144 is supposed to be thicker jacketed?
You plan on switching before NM? I'll be shooting 136gr Scenars out of a 260.
Posted By: T_Inman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
I am deciding.
Barbary are mule deer sized, which they've worked fine on so far but my confidence in them is at an all time low. I really don't feel like figuring out a new load for that rifle right now, with this sub 0 weather.

I could break the .223 out with 62 TSX, I guess. I have no worries about it breaking bone but one instance of those TSXs not expanding correctly, well within normal TSX approved velocities, has me pausing.

My other rifles are not set up for longer range shots...and with this tag I want 500ish yard capability.

I'm so indecisive!
Posted By: Judman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
I’ve seen very unimpressive results with the 210’s outta 300 rum. Zero expansion, antelope, deer and elk
Posted By: 30338 Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
I busted mountain goat shoulders and anchored mine right where it stood with the 140 vld. Can't believe a barbary could take one and feel good.
Posted By: 805 Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
What velocity are you running the 140 Inman?
Posted By: pointer Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19
Originally Posted by T_Inman
I am deciding.
Barbary are mule deer sized, which they've worked fine on so far but my confidence in them is at an all time low. I really don't feel like figuring out a new load for that rifle right now, with this sub 0 weather.

I could break the .223 out with 62 TSX, I guess. I have no worries about it breaking bone but one instance of those TSXs not expanding correctly, well within normal TSX approved velocities, has me pausing.

My other rifles are not set up for longer range shots...and with this tag I want 500ish yard capability.

I'm so indecisive!

Crazy part is that BOY probably doesn't know what bullets he has and I'd not be surprised to see him get the biggest one... wink His luck runs that way, except for bison. laugh
Posted By: aalf Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/18/19

Eight boxes in stock:

https://www.brunoshooters.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=36579
Posted By: T_Inman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/19/19
Originally Posted by 805
What velocity are you running the 140 Inman?


Muzzle Velocity is right at 2880 FPS, so impact velocity in this last case was.....2800ish???
Posted By: T_Inman Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/19/19
Originally Posted by pointer
Originally Posted by T_Inman
I am deciding.
Barbary are mule deer sized, which they've worked fine on so far but my confidence in them is at an all time low. I really don't feel like figuring out a new load for that rifle right now, with this sub 0 weather.

I could break the .223 out with 62 TSX, I guess. I have no worries about it breaking bone but one instance of those TSXs not expanding correctly, well within normal TSX approved velocities, has me pausing.

My other rifles are not set up for longer range shots...and with this tag I want 500ish yard capability.

I'm so indecisive!

Crazy part is that BOY probably doesn't know what bullets he has and I'd not be surprised to see him get the biggest one... wink His luck runs that way, except for bison. laugh




He has a way of doing that, for sure.
Posted By: 805 Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/19/19
Use the 140VLD on the Sheep no doubt. It will definitely get the job done. If you want to switch try the Hybrids next season. They are lethal from my personal experiences.
Posted By: joshf303 Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/19/19
Originally Posted by T_Inman
I am deciding.
Barbary are mule deer sized, which they've worked fine on so far but my confidence in them is at an all time low. I really don't feel like figuring out a new load for that rifle right now, with this sub 0 weather.

I could break the .223 out with 62 TSX, I guess. I have no worries about it breaking bone but one instance of those TSXs not expanding correctly, well within normal TSX approved velocities, has me pausing.

My other rifles are not set up for longer range shots...and with this tag I want 500ish yard capability.

I'm so indecisive!



Can’t help you much on the Bergers. Used a schit ton of them before I started using the Scenars and just never went back.

Have seen plenty Aoudad die with Bergers and am sure there were a few handful of 140s in there over time. Punching shoulders was always recommended as their vitals sit further forward in their chest cavity just like any other African animal. Just food for thought.....

The only Berger I’ve seen “fail” on Aoudad was .284 168gr out of a 7 Mag at 846. Caliber size hole in, nicked a rib, tumbled and was found under the offside hide fully intact.
Posted By: hanco Re: New Berger 6.5 144gr. - 12/21/19
I shot the 140 Berger’s. They were accurate,but I like a pass through bullet.
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