Re: Switching 139 scenar HPBT for berger 140 VLD
I have run the 140 VLD, 139 Scenar, 140 AMAX, 142 SMK, and 140 BTHP bullets in my .260s.
Per your comments, accuracy with the Berger 140 VLD was OAL dependent, and I did not want to chase the lands, or run into a load that was over mag length, so I gave up on them quick.
The Lapua 139 Scenars were great, they did not care about OAL and made the jump with no problem. I actually shot my best groups with those bullets. After about a year shooting them, I tried some others and decided to move on because of the cost.
Next came the Hornady 140 AMAX and 140 BTHP, along with the Sierra 142 MK. They all did very well, but I decided on the Hornady 140 BTHP because it grouped better than the AMAX and the cost was less than the Sierras. The performance of that bullet in my rifle was not 100% what the Scenars were but it was close enough in my book.
In reality for me, I could run any of the bullets above, except the VLDs, at mag length and be hard pressed most of the time to see a difference in performance. For me it came down to cost, and having quick and consistent access to the bullets.
I run all of my .260 loads using H4350 somewhere around 42.5 grains. When I switched bullets in the loads, I ran the load development a few grains below and above 42.5 and found the accuracy nodes to be slightly different but very close on each one.
The Berger 6.5mm Hybrid should be out any day, they have been doing the testing on it, and I would expect it to hit in early spring if no problems come up. It should be a good mix of VLD performance with the ability to make the jump and not be OAL dependent. Big issue with them will probably be cost, not sure if the gains in performance will justify it or not?
Best of Luck,
M Richardson
