Thread: 6.5 prc load development - Seeking wisdom

Evening all.
I have been getting help from a mate who is far more switched on with reloading than i am.

With his guidance we have so far managed to get a pretty decent grouping with the combination of

140gr Berger VLD projectiles
ADI 2217 powder ( 56gr, )
Federal large rifle primers
Hornady brass.

I am shooting a Christensen Arms Ridgeline with a hardy magnum suppressor.

We had previously worked a load with ELD-M 147 gr projectiles, which shot really nice groups, however I'm not sold on this as a hunting round. So I have moved on to the Bergers.

Has anybody else worked a similar load, if so what advice would you have.

well that a "how long is a bit of string" question if ever Ive seen one......
if it groups for you..stop pissing around on paper and just use it..end of story.

Don’t over think it. If it’s accurate and you can shoot it, stick it in the engine room and call it dead. With the exception of a full metal jacket, all bullet styles kill. You’re asking an obscene amount of a bullet to do the same thing at close range going fast as you are asking the same bullet going slow at long range. Type the bullet you want use and hunting into google search bar and read up all the forum results, you’re hardly going to be the first to ask the question

If it’s not broke…..

Also FMJ kill really well.

The 147gr eldm kills great...
I prefer bonded bullets at close bush ranges but otherwise the eldm will slay anything.

Both pills will work very well at range, but not really suited to close up. You run the risk of blow up on the shoulder. Choose a projectile like 140gn HotCore or Partition or bonded pill for close up to 300 yds. And save the ELDMS or VLD for 300+.

At 56 grains, guessing speed here a bit like reading tea leaves, you probably won't be in the realm of bullet blow up with the softer bullets.

I would stick with your accurate load and the Bergers, don't get the chronograph out unless you're planning on using it for long range work.

My 2c.

PS I'm using the 143 ELDX in mine, no complaints here yet.

60gr h1000 ,156berger eols in hornady brass doing 2960 out of a 24inch tube

I tested 140vld 61gr 2217 @ 2982av with good grouping. I did not see the benefit of going 140gr in prc so kept going with 143eldx and 147eldm