F T/R Competition F Open bullet choice with a 6.5 Creedmor

[KevinSC]

Hello all,

I've got a custom built 6.5 Creedmor with a 24" 1-8.5" twist Krieger barrel that I'd like to shoot the F open matches with at my local club. I'll also only be shooting at 600 and 800 yards. I've worked up three different loads with it so far, and all have had excellent results which is really why i'm looking for some advice. I've tried the 130g Berger VLD, 139g Lapua Scenar, and the Sierra 142g SMK. I also have some Hornady 140g Amax's available that I haven't toyed with yet. I'm new to the sport and i don't have much experience with any of the above mentioned bullets, so i'm not sure if i'm gaining or losing anything by using one or another. Thanks in advance, any help or advice will be appreciated.

Kevin

 

[Dwdiffey]

Kevin, I just qualified at our club range out to 1000 I used my 27" 1-8 with Creedmoor with Hornady Amax 140, I am also new to reloading so I copied the factory match formula and shot surprisingly well. The 140's were 6 clicks low from the AB suggested settings after one adjustment I was on and the group was all 10's with 3 X, we had worked up from 300 so I had a good feel for the shots, my coach suggested trying a little heavier round if the wind was in play, today it was not. So my thoughts are the 139/140 will make the trip but the 30 Cal rounds will fad the wind better. Now that I can shoot the 1000 I plan on working up some different loads I want to try some of the Hornady match bullets.

Don

 

[gafferq2xl]

Look at the Berger 140gr Hybrid (26414) and VLD (26401). These are their highest BC bullets. Also look at the 144gr Lapua.

 

[Toast]

Look at the Berger 140gr Hybrid (26414) and VLD (26401). These are their highest BC bullets. Also look at the 144gr Lapua.

I just got a 6.5 creedmoor to shoot the 140 Amax'es. I haven't finished the build, but I've heard nothing but great things about it. From what I've researched, I think you're missing out not shooting the 140 Amax and you're going to really be please when you do.

Post some photos of your groups when you finally put some down the tube!!!! I can't wait to shoot mine! (If they're bad, blame the barrel/action/trigger/stock/firing pin/scope/spring/bipod/rear bag/brake/bipod/mount/bolt knob/smith/range master/target puller/pusher/prostitute/accountant/wife/kids/3 stooges/Telemundo/the dog/neighbor/HOA, etc. Just not the 140 amax'es.) Thanks.

 

[Toast]

Oh, crap, and I forgot, number one, blame the spotter!!!! Can't believe I left her useless ass out. I'll post a photo of her.

 

[Toast]

Don't be judgmental or jealous.



Usually a good spotter.

 

[gafferq2xl]

I just got a 6.5 creedmoor to shoot the 140 Amax'es. I haven't finished the build, but I've heard nothing but great things about it. From what I've researched, I think you're missing out not shooting the 140 Amax and you're going to really be please when you do.

Post some photos of your groups when you finally put some down the tube!!!! I can't wait to shoot mine! (If they're bad, blame the barrel/action/trigger/stock/firing pin/scope/spring/bipod/rear bag/brake/bipod/mount/bolt knob/smith/range master/target puller/pusher/prostitute/accountant/wife/kids/3 stooges/Telemundo/the dog/neighbor/HOA, etc. Just not the 140 amax'es.) Thanks.

Really, did I say that I didn't shoot them?? Nope, don't think I did. I actually HAVE shot A-Max's and not in just one caliber. Consistently, of the match type bullets they group the worst. Did I say bad?? NO, the SMK's and Bergers I use just group tighter and more consistent. I load A-Max bullets exclusively for hunting and that won't change. I have total confidence of 500 yard head shots on coyotes with them.

The OP stated he had good luck with Berger and Lapua, I encouraged him to try others that I found good results with of the same brands. Nothing more, nothing less. If you have something to contribute, great if not...I'm not starting an argument here, I'm ending it. Back on topic.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

I've used the Lapua, Sierra, and Hornady with equal pleasure, and now go with the Sierra and Hornady, mainly because of price and availability, although that may be turning into a thing of the past as the market gyrates. In any case, these two are clearly adequate in a context where wind and distance erodes the perceived advantages of matters like cold dimensional comparisons.

At 600 and 800 yards, experience is the only real and true great equalizer. Shoot and learn, and soon you won't need to ask these questions.

Greg