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Because I can't leave well enough alone, I want to try some 120 grain Speer Gold dots in the 6.5 PRC.
I'm struggling to find load data specific to these bullets in this cartridge, plenty of data for Barnes and Hornady bullets.
From what I have read they are a bonded bullet and perform quite well on game. Are there any caveats to the Gold dots?
Do I treat them as a cup n core bullet?
Interested to hear anyone's experience with Gold dots in this or other calibre.
Treat them like a cup and core. Hornady data will be a good starting point. They do have quite a long bearing surface, so my guess is you will not quite reach as high a velocity. Heaps of rave reviews online of their performance on game.
I believe the 120gr is made a little softer for Grendels. So those in a PRC up close might be pushing their limits. That said, I've shot roos up close with the 75gr ones out of a 22-250ai (which are usually used by the yanks in short barreled 223's) and even with pretty insane impact speeds they held up no problem.
I used Gold dots in my 223 - the 75grainers bloody awesome stop animals in their tracks and with 2206h got them to shoot well at .5moa or better and groups very very consistently.
The only problem is supply - I've had them on order at Reloaders for 2 years now so have left them behind and moved onto Bryn's 69Gr and 80Gr Targex projectiles and am in the process of working up a couple of loads there.
But I do have a box of 6.5 - in 143gr that I've had sitting on the shelf for a few years now. It was originally a back-up if i couldn't get any 130gr TGK for my 6.5 Creed but i've managed to keep stock of those so these are sitting around un-used. Reach out if they would be of value to you and your 6.5 PRC journey. I have nothing but good things to say about the Gold dots. They definitely do what they say on the tin and the BC data was bang on in trials.
Cheers CD.
I use the 120s in my 260 and 140s in my 6.5prc.
I can't get any more 120s, but would be keen to swap you pkt for pkt of 140s?
I use the gold dots as my bush hunting bullets as they are bonded and hold up great going through brush etc.
Slower kills than eld-m bullets after 100m.
I have killed quite a few reds and sika in the bush with them now.
One shot on a sika hind at 60m went through a 50mm branch 12m before her and still blew the top of her head off (yes I was aiming there).
Delta Mike kave them in stock, don't buy them all please :XD:
Awesome didn't realise!Quote:
Originally Posted by Rated M for Magnum
I'll see if they shoot alright, looking for something for spotlighting/night vision so lower recoil and flat shooting.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pommy
All part of the journey, reloading is a passion for me occasionally it's a practicality as well ;)
Sorry just re read their website, in stock with supplier but you can buy them, I just bought some last night.Quote:
Originally Posted by Roarless20
So as far as load data goes, I have found data for monos with the powder I have on hand but not for cup n core.
2217 is the powder of choice that I have on hand.
After cross referencing 120 grain mono and cup n core data on Hodgdon website, Hornady app, Barnes data and Speer 140 grain god dot data, it looks like I can treat it as a regular 120 grain bullet.
Greetings,Quote:
Originally Posted by Rated M for Magnum
I believe that you are right there. The gold dot jacket is similar to a standard cup and core and nothing like a mono. It is the method of putting the jacket on by that differs and bonds the jacket to the core.
GPM.
I have had good results with 2213sc in the 6.5prc with 140gr, so it would be usable/better for 120gr.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rated M for Magnum
I've got them loaded with 2217 so will see how they go on Sunday
So to report back, 2217 is not the optimal powder for these bullets. The ladder showed accuracy potential but speeds were waaaay low at the top end of the powder charge tested. May end up just leaving these in the cupboard to try with another powder some other time.
Yep no surprise there.
Try the 2213sc or 2209.
Or reloder (expensive as fck) or Superformance (temp sensitive) if you have the $.
Spoke with the Speer agent last week about Gold Dots, none on the horizon plus no date for next Speer Shipment.Quote:
Originally Posted by Carpe Diem
Oh my god, face palm moment. I've got loads of 2209 :psychotic:Quote:
Originally Posted by Roarless20
Why I couldn't (didn't search for?!) load data using 2209 is beyond me. That seems like it would be much better suited.