I just started all this great madness back in November 2020. I've been reloading a long time, but only pistol calibers. So this is my first rifle reload. I acquired a Sako TRG 22 in 6.5 Creedmoor. The first bullet I grabbed to reload with was the Lapua 139 gr Scenar. Did my chrono homework and came up with a SD of 9.2. Seemed pretty darn good, so I ran with it ever since. BUT, seeing that other projectiles have a better G7 BC out there, would it worth chasing another bullet? Or if you figure your SD is that good with your rifle, would it be best to just hammer away and practice, practice with the that developed load? I just don't want to get carried away and lose myself. God knows when I chase something, I get very stressed and irritated if I know something out there could be better. But is that "better" worth all the wild goose chase? I must add that I do want to reach out to 1000 yards and beyond and eventually compete.
How to know when to try another bullet?
- Thread starter RaptorAddict
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It's hitting 1/2 moa at 100 and grouping 1 moa at 200. Been a few times sinking right through the same hole one after another. I haven't gone past that yet, so there's nothing to really judge at the moment.
Don’t chase BC unless you absolutely need it.
Consistency is more important and scenars has a good reputation in that department.
Now that I’m not shooting a mile regularly with my 260 I went to a lighter and lower BC bullet because it fits it’s new role better.
Consistency is more important and scenars has a good reputation in that department.
Now that I’m not shooting a mile regularly with my 260 I went to a lighter and lower BC bullet because it fits it’s new role better.
Nothing wrong with the 139 scenar especially if they group an honest 1/2 moa at 100 yards.
I run the same issue with my DTA 223 conv. The 80 SMK is a 1/4 moa load and the 80 Eld-m is a 1/2-3/4 moa load and it’s only really past 900 yards that the Eld-m catches up with its superior BC.
I'm with @Steel head on this. I've shot quite a few of the 139 Scenars and they've always performed well for me. I've also used bullets from Berger, Barnes, Hornady, Nosler, Sierra, you name it. I chased BC looking for the "bigger and better" until I realized the cheapest bullet I was shooting (Hornady 140 BTHP) was grouping just as well and giving me just a many impacts downrange. I just have to dial a couple more clicks of elevation and hold a little more for wind. If the Scenars shoot well, and you have enough to shoot out a barrel, just stick with them!
Your replies have given me good food for thought. I think I'll stick with and train with the loads I have. If it starts to group a bit big out at much further ranges, then I'll do some experimenting.
Went out yesterday and shot what I had left of my loaded 139 Scenars. I noticed in my dope that my developed SD was actually 7.2, not 9.2. So even better. I have another 300 rounds of 139's left to reload and another 200 123gr Scenars left. I was thinking of trying some development on the 123's just to see. But knowing the 139's are heavier, will they actually reach out further than the 123's? Or will there not be that much of a significant difference?
If you are constantly shooting in low wind conditions, say 8mph and under, not sure how I came up with that number, lol, but the 123 may actually outdo the 139. In wind, the heavier higher BC bullet usually rules.
Out of curiosity, why have you not looked at the 136L scenar? The bullet has considerable less bearing surface than the 139, and with the velocity gains, the BC will be higher too.
Friendly advice, being you have not shot to 1K, I would recommend keeping this simple, learn to reload and shoot all the while learning as you go. Your barrel could very well be toast by the time you become proficient at even 800 yards<, make note I did not say not to stretch things out, cause it is fun.
Makes sense about the wind. I haven't really looked at anything else like the 136 cause the 139 is lieterally the first one I loaded up and developed. I'll try to get my hands on the 136's and check it out. Just want that solid all-around load to progress with out to distance. But, I know I have a long road ahead of me as I am just starting out and lots to learn. I can see where this is gonna get very addicting. LOL!
Have fun in the journey! Of course bullet availability may be an issue at the moment, but the 6.5 creed case has the capacity to shoot 140gr class bullets. There is no reason not to take advantage of that.
If you were shooting a 6.5 x 47 Lapua and wanted the extra speed, the 123 scenar or the Berger 130gr hybrid are logical choices. Unless I am assuming too much here, you never did mention what powders you have to test with.
I have a Howa 1500 in 6.5 Creed with an Preferred Barrel on it and starting load development with 130 Bergers. Out the 10 charges i ran only 1 or two had single digit SD's. Then i tried 140 Bergers and there i had three charges that were single digit Sd's. I am now testing 142 SMK's and the in first 10 charges I ran 8 of them were single digit SD's. So i feel like that was a signal for me that 142 SMK's were the right bullet. I am starting another thread this morning called "help is my barrel junk" because after goign out to validates those high performing loads and to test a different primers i got some varying results. So check it out
Oh yeah, the only powder I am using is Vihtivouri N555. Haven't used any other as of yet due to limited availability.
In less than 5mph wind, varget + scenar 123 is pretty close to the 140s. My scenar 123 loads push 3000 FPS with SD of 5 as opposed to the 140s at 2840fps with SD of 10. Even the 147 Eld-m (when it doesn’t blow up) is only 0.1 mil better at 4mph than the 123. Sure as the wind picks up it gets clear who’s the winner but 600-800 and closer, the 123 is pretty good, especially when it’s easier to find varget than 4350.
I use the same powder with acceptable results. However, I prefer Bergers to Scenars. I am chasing BC. Putting a Scenar next to Berger VLD on the table is like putting Kara del Toro next to Tanya Mityushina.
