Berger 6.5 / 156 Grain EOL Bullets

[Broz]

They are done! Berger 156 EOL

We have been advised they are rolling off the press and will start shipping Aug 1 2019.

We will have test bullets on Monday and post some first impressions.

 

[Broz]

Here are my measurements from the test 155's I have had a while for easy comparison. This is not for the new 156. I just thought it would be good to have the gen 1 / 155 info here too.

Ok, here is what I did. Using the same Hornady comparator bushing tool (#5 -26) . and average oal bullets from a sample of 140 H VLD's and the new Elite hunter 155's, I mathematically came up with a figure to compare bearing surface length of the two. Please remember, these numbers are from my tool and yours could vary, but I hope this is a decent comparison as to the difference in bearing surface of these two bullets.

So the number I came up with for the 140 H VLD bearing surface using these tools was .572"

The number for the new 155 Elite Hunter bearing surface was .614"

This shows the 155 having longer bearing surface by .042"

Other numbers some may find useful on the 155 gr.

OAL average 1.478"

using the comparator with #5 -26 bushing.

Base to where bushing stops over tip .792"

Tip to where bushing stops over boat tail 1.300"

The computed length of the boat tail on the 155 gr using the comparator is .178" . I got .180" for the 140 gr H VLD.

 

[NEMTHunter]

Very good! Way to go Berger. This is good news!

 

[Broz]

Got this from Berger for those wanting their measurements on the New 156 EOL's

 

[Ladd]

They are done! Berger 156 EOL

We have been advised they are rolling off the press and will start shipping Aug 1 2019.

We will have test bullets on Monday and post some first impressions.

Awesome. You have my address. Send me a box, I’ll test some for you. I lie. I’ll straight up use them this fall. Love Berger.


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[Broz]

Awesome. You have my address. Send me a box, I’ll test some for you.


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I only got 200 from the first run, and I am sending 100 to Ryan Furman to help me test and he may use them on a sheep hunt. But I appreciate the offer.

 

[Broz]

If I get them tomorrow I will get some down range with these components.

ADG 6.5 PRC Brass
Fed 210 Primer
Vihtavuori N-565
Berger 156 EOL

Rifle:

Christensen Arms Traverse 6.5 PRC
24" 5 groove 1 in 8 twist
Nightforce ARACR 4~16

 

[Gillettehunter]

If I can get some soon enough then I'd take them to Africa this Sept. Need to decide which rifle I'm taking soon. I'd love to use these on some of the smaller antelope over there. Vaal Rhebuck is one for sure. My PH wanted me to have a bullet that would buck the wind and be accurate for these skittish little guys. Good to see they are out!
Bruce

 

[68FormalGT]

I only got 200 from the first run, and I am sending 100 to Ryan Furman to help me test and he may use them on a sheep hunt. But I appreciate the offer.

Is he doing load development for a PRC also?

 

[Broz]

Is he doing load development for a PRC also?

Yes, we are working together and likely with N-565 or maybe H-1000

 

[68FormalGT]

Yes, we are working together and likely with N-565 or maybe H-1000

Going to be good! I can't wait to see the results

 

[FURMAN]

I’ll be using a 26” proof screwed onto a Fierce action. .188 freebore. I’ll use 210ms with H1000 and/or rl26 unless I can scrounge up some n565.


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[threethirtyeight]

If got a fresh 6.5 wsm just waiting for these bullets....

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[Broz]

Well UPS not only missed their scheduled deliver date for 2nd day air, then rescheduled them for Saturday delivery, but they marked them as "Out for Delivery" then later gave them a "Destination scan" Something tells me I am not going to see these until Monday now. Darn and I have powder in the measure, prepped and primed brass, a Case drilled and tapped to check seating depth, and was already to make them sing. I have to work Monday, but hopefully I can send a few at some point.

Jeff

 

[Buxndiverdux]

Sounds like fun.

 

[Ladd]

Yes, we are working together and likely with N-565 or maybe H-1000

What do you think about loading these for the 6.5 PRC using Retumbo or RL26?

 

[Buxndiverdux]

What do you think about loading these for the 6.5 PRC using Retumbo or RL26?

I've seen several people using RL 26. I'm sure some have tried Retumbo. I plan to start with RL26, N570 and H1000, but it will be later in the year before my build is finished.

 

[Broz]

What do you think about loading these for the 6.5 PRC using Retumbo or RL26?

From what I can gather H-1000 is the go to in the 6.5 PRC with heavy bullets. N-565 needs to be fully examined as it seems to fit well. RL 26 seems to work in a large variety of cartridges and gets good ES. I am not a Retumbo fan so I don't have much to say there.

I really want to try the N-565. I know anything I have used n-570 in was accurate, very low ES, and temp consistent. So thats my driving force here.

Jeff

 

[68FormalGT]

From what I can gather H-1000 is the go to in the 6.5 PRC with heavy bullets. N-565 needs to be fully examined as it seems to fit well. RL 26 seems to work in a large variety of cartridges and gets good ES. I am not a Retumbo fan so I don't have much to say there.

I really want to try the N-565. I know anything I have used n-570 in was accurate, very low ES, and temp consistent. So thats my driving force here.

Jeff

Was the n-570 as temperature stable as Varget?

 

[Broz]

Was the n-570 as temperature stable as Varget?

I don't use varget as I mostly load magnums. But 570 was probably one of the most temp stable powders I have tested. And when I test it, its out in the cold, loads and rifle for, at least 1 hr. Then a cold bore and follow up are recorded. With 570 I found the contraction of the steel in the barrel had a larger effect that the ambient temp did on the powder.

 

[Ladd]

From what I can gather H-1000 is the go to in the 6.5 PRC with heavy bullets. N-565 needs to be fully examined as it seems to fit well. RL 26 seems to work in a large variety of cartridges and gets good ES. I am not a Retumbo fan so I don't have much to say there.

I really want to try the N-565. I know anything I have used n-570 in was accurate, very low ES, and temp consistent. So thats my driving force here.

Jeff

What's up with Retumbo? Not as good, too sooty, or just better suited for something else? I ask because N565 is out of stock everywhere I look but I have N570, RL26, H1000 and Retumbo. Hornady listed Retumbo right up there with RL26 in velocity for their 153 before maxing out.

 

[Broz]

What's up with Retumbo? Not as good, too sooty, or just better suited for something else? I ask because N565 is out of stock everywhere I look and I have N570, RL26, H1000 and Retumbo. Hornady listed Retumbo right up there with RL26 in velocity for their 153 before maxing out.

I used Retumbo is big magnums years ago. It was very spikey. Good today, hot tomorrow, and yes it is dirty too. Lots of people really like it, I guess I just prefer other choices personally.

 

[Ladd]

I used Retumbo is big magnums years ago. It was very spikey. Good today, hot tomorrow, and yes it is dirty too. Lots of people really like it, I guess I just prefer other choices personally.

Good to know. I'm sure N565 will turn up soon. I back ordered two boxes of Berger 156s yesterday so if they are released Aug 1 then I should have some time to get ready. From what I've seen in my 6.5 PRC I think it will like the heavier option.

 

[Broz]

Good to know. I'm sure N565 will turn up soon. I back ordered two boxes of Berger 156s yesterday so if they are released Aug 1 then I should have some time to get ready. From what I've seen in my 6.5 PRC I think it will like the heavier option.

Good Plan, we back ordered a bunch too. I am pretty confident the PRC's are going to play well with this bullet. Cant wait to get started testing.

 

[HuntnPack]

Good Plan, we back ordered a bunch too. I am pretty confident the PRC's are going to play well with this bullet. Cant wait to get started testing.

I’d like to try these in my PRC, where might I back order these from with a good chance of getting them as soon as possible.?
Thx.

 

[Ladd]

I’d like to try these in my PRC, where might I back order these from with a good chance of getting them as soon as possible.?
Thx.

I was thinking Brunos since they are in Phoenix but they didn’t offer back order so I went through Midsouth Shooters Supply. If someone has in stock sooner I’d order more if my back order isn’t shipped.


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[HuntnPack]

lbirch, thx. Just backordered 2 boxes.

 

[Ladd]

lbirch, thx. Just backordered 2 boxes.

I don't know who will get them in faster but I placed and order with Graf & Sons as well since they take back orders. I'd prefer Brunos if they took back orders since they are close to me and the last order only too 2 days to get here but at least I'm on a couple lists out there. I'm just happy they're being released within a month. It has been a long time coming.

 

[Broz]

OK, they are here. Just grabbed some initial pics and will load and shoot some tonight when the mirage settles.

Left to right: 140 Berger VLD H, Berger 155 Gen 1 Test Hybrid, New Berger 156 Elite Hunter

Line indicates where the #26 Hornady Bushing sets over the O-Give

155 Gen 1 and right 156 Gen 2

 

[Broz]

Repost of bullet Specs as per Berger site.

 

[Broz]

First 6 are ready to roll.

 

[Broz]

Well, What can we say here?

First 5 shot group after 1 to zero. Increasing 1 grain with each shot. I started .005" off lands.

Bone stock factory Christensen Arms Traverse in 6.5 PRC 1 in 8 twist. 24"
Nightforce 4~16 ATACR SFP
New ADG Virgin Brass
VV- N-565
Fed 210 LRP
Berger 156 Elite hunters.

 

[Broz]

The one out of group was the last shot 57 gr. I promise you there was target panic.

No pressure sign yet. Going to load some more now in .5 gr increments and sneak her up.

Jeff

 

[Buxndiverdux]

Looking good. What is OAL at .005 off?

 

[Broz]

Looking good. What is OAL at .005 off?

3.065" ~ 3.070"

I can load one down and one in the tube if I wanted. But I have no problem if I need to single feed with a two round holder on the side.

Jeff

 

[Buxndiverdux]

Yeah. Thats what I wanted to hear.

 

[NEMTHunter]

Very nice Jeff. It looks like your gun is going to like the 156 Berger!

 

[Buxndiverdux]

Broz, how much of the bearing surface is deeper than the shoulder neck junction at that oal? If any?

 

[Broz]

Broz, how much of the bearing surface is deeper than the shoulder neck junction at that oal? If any?

Here ya go, very close to perfect I say. Case fill should be about 98 to 100% or close when at max.

 

[Buxndiverdux]

I’d say so. Thanks!

 

[Gord0]

Makes me want to run a PRC reamer into my Creedmoor chamber on my Savage. That'd ruin the whole reason I got it though...

 

[MILEPOST]

3.065" ~ 3.070"

I can load one down and one in the tube if I wanted. But I have no problem if I need to single feed with a two round holder on the side.

Jeff

Jeff,

Was this OAL using a .188 freebore?

 

[STX]

Tagging in

 

[Broz]

Jeff,

Was this OAL using a .188 freebore?

It is a factory Christensen Arms Traverse in 6.5 PRC. I should varify, or maybe someone already knows? But I assume it is a SAAMI spec reamer.

Jeff

 

[NVScout]

Great results so far ! I’m curious how these will do at 2.975 mag lengths on a .188 Fb ?

 

[Buxndiverdux]

Great results so far ! I’m curious how these will do at 2.975 mag lengths on a .188 Fb ?

It looks like about a .095 jump for Broz's Chamber at 2.975 OAL.

 

[Broz]

Got to test a bit more today. The first sign of pressure showed up about 58.5 gr at .005" off the lands in virgin brass. Bolt lift is still one finger butter smooth. And I call these "faint" ejector pin marks. No smearing at all and all primer pockets tight as new. 59 gr was 3017 fps and 59.5 was 3047 fps. From 58.5 to 59.5 ejector marks stayed the same, but I stopped there.

 

[Broz]

So next I did my normal deal. Backed off to 59.0 gr. and seated the bullet deeper to .033" off the lands. The ejector marks were lighter or gone. And the groups tightened up actually.

This is one of the easiest bullets to load I have ever loaded. But I feel the N 565 is also awesome powder, the brass is top shelf, and you have to give this rifle a big pat on the back too.

Average Velocity 3013 fps. from a 24" tube with a 256 gr bullet, not to shabby.
ES was 13
3 at 100 yds

 

[Broz]

Now for the next question. Will it repeat from 1X fired brass? Well I am relatively confident. The virgin brass is .003" off the shoulder, and I sized to .002".

I also seated them another .010" deeper than that group at .043" off the lands. If they will shoot good there, they will feed from the mag box too. Is that asking for too much? LOL, I really don't care if they do feed from the mag box, I usually single feed anyway.

Jeff

 

[Ladd]

That's a tight group in all definitions of the word. Nice results so far. Can't wait to hear if the .043" off the lands is as accurate as the .033". Do you think N570 would be good in the 6.5 PRC or not the right application? I wonder how H1000 would compare.