Sierra 6.5 bullets

[Dougan]

Quick question: When the Vhitavuori loading manual states a Sierra 140 gn HPBT bullet...does it mean the Matchking #1740 ?

Many thanks in advance :cheers:

[saddler]

...and the other HPBT 140-grn bullet that Sierra makes would be?

[ovenpaa]

The 1730 maybe? That is 140 grains as well.

[Dougan]

...and the other HPBT 140-grn bullet that Sierra makes would be?

Alright...Sarcy! :P

I'm having a few problems getting my loads right for my Swedish Mauser - I have more questions (and pics of cases from the last few tests...still tumbling the last lot..), when I have all the evidence - but I wanted to make sure I wasn't making some error with the bullet...the Vhit manual shows big differences in load for the same powder but with a different bullet...e.g: there is 3.5 gn difference between the starting load for a 140 Scenar, and a 140 SMK; so I was making the assumption that the length of bearing surface is quite significant for this load...so wanted to make sure I wasn't using the wrong bullet (there is a 140 gn 'Gameking' you know...)

Anyway, one thing's for sure - the one bullet that will never be going down my baby...is one of your bleeding tracers! :lol:

[saddler]

The 1730 maybe? That is 140 grains as well.

The 1730 is a SP bullet

[Dougan]

The 1730 maybe? That is 140 grains as well.

I think that's the 'Gameking', and I'm sure it's not that (balistic tip) - The 'sarcy one' is probably right...but I wanted to make sure....

[ovenpaa]

...and the other HPBT 140-grn bullet that Sierra makes would be?

Alright...Sarcy! :P

I'm having a few problems getting my loads right for my Swedish Mauser - I have more questions (and pics of cases from the last few tests...still tumbling the last lot..), when I have all the evidence - but I wanted to make sure I wasn't making some error with the bullet...the Vhit manual shows big differences in load for the same powder but with a different bullet...e.g: there is 3.5 gn difference between the starting load for a 140 Scenar, and a 140 SMK; so I was making the assumption that the length of bearing surface is quite significant for this load...so wanted to make sure I wasn't using the wrong bullet (there is a 140 gn 'Gameking' you know...)

Anyway, one thing's for sure - the one bullet that will never be going down my baby...is one of your bleeding tracers! :lol:

Ignore him Dougan, he is a foreigner

Have you tried the 142SMK? They seem to go well in the 6,5 and I shoot the 139 Scenar which is rather nice. I have QL if you want to email me your OAL and barrel length I can look at a few test loads for you.

[Dougan]

Have you tried the 142SMK? They seem to go well in the 6,5 and I shoot the 139 Scenar which is rather nice. I have QL if you want to email me your OAL and barrel length I can look at a few test loads for you.

Thanks mate, but I'm going to put all the info (several tests, and several problems, some of which I just can't figure) on one post, when I've got all the photos...so probably not until the weekend...

...I'll include OAL and barrel length...and would then very much appreciate your opinion

[saddler]

...and the other HPBT 140-grn bullet that Sierra makes would be?

Alright...Sarcy! :P

I'm having a few problems getting my loads right for my Swedish Mauser - I have more questions (and pics of cases from the last few tests...still tumbling the last lot..), when I have all the evidence - but I wanted to make sure I wasn't making some error with the bullet...the Vhit manual shows big differences in load for the same powder but with a different bullet...e.g: there is 3.5 gn difference between the starting load for a 140 Scenar, and a 140 SMK; so I was making the assumption that the length of bearing surface is quite significant for this load...so wanted to make sure I wasn't using the wrong bullet (there is a 140 gn 'Gameking' you know...)

Anyway, one thing's for sure - the one bullet that will never be going down my baby...is one of your bleeding tracers! :lol:

What is the difference in MV for the two 140gr bullets with a difference of 3.5gn powder?
Viht & Lapua are the same company - it may also be a subliminal marketing ploy...though it may also be a mix of surface bearing area AND jacket thickness/material type

Are you seating just off the grooves?

[Dougan]

What is the difference in MV for the two 140gr bullets with a difference of 3.5gn powder?

The MV (starting load) for a 139 scenar is 33.5 gn of N150, giving 2208 fps - for a 140 Sierra HPBT is 36.3 (just less than 3 gn diff), giving 2306 fps.

As I've just said to Ovenpaa; I'd like to give all the info (including burst primers, ejector marks and some work done on the bolt) in one go, in a logical and non-rambling way (so not after a long day at work...)...so that I can draw on the excellent experience available here to solve the problem...

Edit: Oh, and you can be as sarcy as you like...I did laugh