6.5x55 Hunting bullets and loads

[josephberry]

Plan on hunting with a 6.5x55 this year for the first time. Trying to decide on a bullet weight. Probably will not shoot past 300. Maybe the 129 SST, or the new 123 A-Max, or the 140 GameKing. Anyone care to share their 6.5x55 (pet load) for whitetails? (modern action)

 

[Advokaten]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting bullets and loads

Accubond,

SST/GK will make things a bit messier, however if you prefere DRT effect you are on the right path.

Best regards Chris

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting bullets and loads

129 and 140SST's for larger game. 95 V-Max, and 120 NOS BT's for small-medium game; they are absolute shredders. For hunting, Vargay all the way, stay within Hodgdon published load limits.

Greg

 

[josephberry]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting bullets and loads

Yea Varget is definitely on the short list for powders. I want stability.

 

[MLC]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting bullets and loads

The 120 TSX is an excellent performer.
I've been using H-414 as I had it on hand.
39 grains of Varget and the 120 Nosler shot well for me.

 

[Chopaka81]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting bullets and loads

I presume you are looking for a deer/antelope load, go with the 120gr Nosler Ballistic Tip. It would be my choice if limiting range to 300 yds.

 

[josephberry]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting bullets and loads

anyone tried the new 123 A-max?

 

[Mudcat-NC]

Re: 6.5x55 Hunting bullets and loads

any Berger VLD hunting version at a reasonable speed. Seriously, thats all you need. My hunting rifle load development is simple, I pick a powder, a VLD, load to mag length, run over chrono, if its where it should be, and no pressure (wont be usually as I load realatively mild as I aint shooting LR at game, ie, over 500-600 yards) and I take it out, shoot at a 10 inch sq steel, if I ring it 5 times without missing, 1 shot at each distance, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, I am done. Thats using a rifle I know shoots ok and is already "dialed" in. I usually use Burris ballistiplex scopes on my hunting rigs, or a NF RR set up, so I dont have to hold ever, etc. Works just fine for me as I havent lost a deer yet, though I know thats always a possibilty.

I dont shoot 3 shot or any shot groups as I dont shoot groups on deer. One shot is all they normally give me. So dont put too much time and effort into the "magic load"

John