First test of the Berger 144 gr Hybrids in the 6.5 PRC

[@NoOnesWatching0_0]

Excellent groups!!!

[@Halfmilesniper]

Thanks, I think there might be something to these Berger bullets...maybe that's why the long range competitors seem to all run them...hmmmm

[@Rushshooting67913]

I've been watching your 6.5 Prc series since the beginning. Learned a lot of valuable info that saved me a lot of time and money. My bergara has been a real crap show.if you know what I mean. Been getting 1.5-2 inch groups consistent. I put a new stock on it from greyboe that made it a 12 pound rifle but I gave the berger 156eol bullets a chance and tried h1000. Finally 1/2 groups at 2880-2900 fps. I was very close to sending it down the road but I'm gonna see what else I can get to shoot now. Keep up the good videos and info.

[@Halfmilesniper]

Some times you have to hunt to find a load that the rifle likes. I've been lucky, found a number of tight shooting loads but they were slower than I wanted...best thing is I can always go back to them if I don't find the speed I want. Sounds like you are right there in the ballpark.

[@visiter127]

Sorry to jump on Ur comments, but my bergerra is a tack driver but wasnt always the case , I played with the torque setting on the stock and like magic it was fixed , also a 131 bullet of any kind was the load , hope this is of some use

[@Shagggyyy_]

Love these bullets. So does my rifle. 6.5 creedmoor Starline brass 41.5 gr H4350 CCI SRP 101 thou of the lands (seated to mag length with a binder plate) 23 ES 6.7 SD - 10 rounds Avg velocity 2714 Two sub half moa groups. One group had 4 shots in one hole. Taking these out to 1000 this weekend to get some dope for a match early October. I expect nothing but great things from it 👍🏻

[@Halfmilesniper]

I have a batch built with 59 gr of StaBall HD that I will be taking out to the mountains= for our long range play day. I expect good results from these, hoping better than the 147 ELDs.

[@YellowHammer26]

👍👍 good shooting Halfmile, those are two pretty good groups.

[@Halfmilesniper]

Thanks and thanks for watching.

[@cervus-venator]

I'm looking forward to this one. Be safe in your travels Mike and I'll see you this evening.

[@Halfmilesniper]

We'll see you in a little while. Made it to Pearly without any issues, now it is looking like the storm will pass directly over us here...they are actually going to push the match back a day so we'll hunker down in the hotel.

[@Thousand_yard_King]

Hey Halfmile 👋, Ever tried Sierra match King projectiles? Best group I ever shot in my 300 win mag was Sierra MK's. Some nice looking groups you have there..

[@paulcupach8196]

I tried StaBall HD with my 6.5PRC using 147grain ELD Match with Lapua brass and Remington 9 1/2 Magnum LRP. I have a 28 inch barrel and I couldn't get the velocities to go over low 2900s. I switched to 4831SC and the velocities are over 3000fps. I backed my charge down to 55grains of 4831SC, and my velocity is stable at 2975fps with SD of 10 to 12.

[@Halfmilesniper]

I recently got some H4831SC and will be loading some of that after I get home from the Nationals, I have heard only good things about H4831SC. I am hoping I'll be able to break into 2900 FPS on my next outing with the StaBall HD

[@paulcupach8196]

@@Halfmilesniper Looking forward to seeing how far you are going to go over the published limits to get 2975fps

[@Halfmilesniper]

@@paulcupach8196 I am hoping we hit 2950 before hitting the max load...but then I always hope to do that, lol.

[@DrMike-64]

6.5PRC has gotten to be my fav deer caliber!!!

[@Halfmilesniper]

This 6.5 PRC does shoot tight with the right loads...now to get the Barnes TSX 130 grainers to shoot this tight. Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it.

[@JCJustice-kv2gy]

Real good 👍

[@Halfmilesniper]

Thanks JC. I plan to test the next batch after I get home.

[@JCJustice-kv2gy]

@@Halfmilesniper Berger all the way. Ask Eric when you see him. His shop has nothing but bergers

[@brinkerhoff8]

If you are able and willing, try 4831SC and N560. I suspect you'll get that velocity up a bit. N565 might work if your barrel is 24 or 26 inches.

[@Halfmilesniper]

I recentlt got my hands on some H4831SC...and I have been looking for both N560 and N565 while I've been on my trip. Both of those VV powders have been hard to find. I should be loading up some of the Berger 144s and some 156s that I snagged here in Mississippi once I return home.

[@thebleeb1681]

Good shootin'. Nobody likes that cold bore shot, but that's the necessary POI for hunting, because that's all you get! 2850+ fps is a good velocity for that powder charge. Another 1 gr and you'd be at max pressure. Staball HD is one of my favorite powders for the 7 PRC for heavy bullets. Velocity is not screaming like N565, but it's consistently tight, and readily available.

[@Halfmilesniper]

I am going to try to squeeze just a little more out of it next range trip, then I'll move on to H4831SC.

[@thebleeb1681]

@@Halfmilesniper Do it. Your group may even tighten up.

[@willo7734]

Berger Hybrids are my favorite bullets. I swear they shoot great in every cartridge I load with them. It’s cool to see you using the Staball powders too. I really like 6.5 and HD. Since a lot of the other great match powders are out of stock Staball makes for a really great substitute.

[@Halfmilesniper]

I am really happy with the StaBall HD, but I did get some H4831sc recently that I have to try out. I am liking the way these Bergers are shooting.

[@minigpracing3068]

That Lapua load looks like something that needs to be developed. Neither was shabby.

[@Halfmilesniper]

Once I get home we'll be trying the next batch.set up the same way. I am thinking these Bergers might be the ticket...but I am still considering getting either the 153.5 or the 156 gr Hybrids.

[@nathanaelmartin7795]

Recently purchased a Bergara 6mm Creedmoor and bought 8 different types of factory ammo to test. Best group (four shot, warm barrel) was .272” @ 100 yards with Federal Gold/ Berger Hybrid 105 grain OTMBT. Good stuff! 👍

[@Halfmilesniper]

That is an outstanding group Sir, very good. Thanks for watching, and sharing your experience.

[@mikewebb8456]

👍Thanks Halfmile!

[@Halfmilesniper]

Thanks for watching Mike

[@jamesbromstead4949]

Nice groups. Your rig seems to like both the Hornady and Lapua brass. Thanks for letting us tag along to the range.

[@Halfmilesniper]

It does doesn't it. I appreciate you watching, thanks.

[@lawrencelee9942]

Sir great videos. Question about your reloading. Do you try different neck tension when you reload?

[@Halfmilesniper]

I have not played with neck tension. I am using the Cortina die with a .262" mandrel. I do want to talk with Erik about possibly going tighter or looser.

[@mikesauer7775]

Thanks for shareing and doing videos for us. I love 6.5 prc content. 2 weekends ago did some 300 win mag load development for a friend. I do not enjoy 300 Win mag. Had to dry fire it repeatedly to stop the expectation of recoil and yanking trigger

[@Halfmilesniper]

LOL...I have a couple 300 Win Mag videos on a friends rifle, That first shot I took knocked me hard, in a subsequent video I mounted a muzzle brake and the recoil was mostly gone. I even have a clip of before and after firing on top of one another so you can see the difference. A good brake makes all the difference.

[@jimmyslim1628]

Nice grouping. When are you supposed to pull the trigger, exhale I'm guessing?

[@Halfmilesniper]

I am in the half exhale, shoot, exhale group...but with the location of my mic it sounds like I a blowing all my air out when I exhale, lol. What you don't want to do is hold your breath. I know some who squeeze through the trigger while exhaling.

[@jimmyslim1628]

@@Halfmilesniper okay, thank you. I'm just starting the longer range shooting and don't want to start out with bad habits. I usually hold and shoot.

[@leshampton8858]

Hi Halfmile, great video. I have a question for you ( off topic) i live in west Montana and hunt whitetail and mule deer also elk every year. My gun of choice has been a 7 mm mag, but i really want to hunt deer ( whitetail and mule deer) with my CVA cascade in 22-250 with a 50 grain barns tsx. Do you think I'm an idiot for wanting to do this. I've watched whotee' s videos and loved them. Please let me know what your opinion on this kind of hunt

[@TaedaMFGreat]

Can you do some loads with the 144s in 6.5 Creedmoor

[@Halfmilesniper]

Unfortunately I can't, I don't have a 6.5 Creedmoor. Eventually I do want to either get a rifle chambered in 6.5CM or build a 6.5CM upper for my AR10

[@DrMike-64]

I have 2 6.5PRC’s. About to try some 140gr Burger Elite Hunter through my Christensen and some Sako Blades through my Sako S20 Hunter.

[@Halfmilesniper]

A lot of folks have recommended the 140 gr Bergers, I haven't tried those yet. Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it.

[@charlesmorgan1879]

Nice shootin ! The fall weather switch has been flipped here70's/50's and 60's and upper 30's low 40's...kinda refreshing but soon it'll be to dang cold🥶

[@Halfmilesniper]

I noticed that switch in Childress, TX...woke up to a cool fall morning. It was refreshing.

[@albertlemont5471]

Do you measure outside to outside of your shots? If so subtract .264.

[@Halfmilesniper]

I do measure outside to outside. I set the calipers up on a bullet and zero so the -.264 is already factored in...I usually say something to that effect when I show the calipers, but forgot to this time.

[@eggbert191]

Do you need a smaller decapping pin for the lapua brass? Read that they have small flash holes

[@Halfmilesniper]

I had not heard that. My Lee universal decapper has had no issues with the Lapua brass. I will have to pay closer attention next time I decap the Lapua brass.

[@rustynut1967]

@@Halfmilesniper The Lapua brass has a small flash hole. I hope your decapping pin was the right size.

[@Halfmilesniper]

@@rustynut1967 my Lee Universal decapper worked through those first pieces without issue, I'll keep an eye out for any tightness as I am decapping.

[@brianmazgay9728]

Bro if you get off that crappy bench those bergers have potential

[@Halfmilesniper]

Well, I'm stuck with my bench for now, so I'll keep using it for now. Shooting prone isn't much of an option as the targets can't be lowered due to a ballistic knee wall at the target line.

[@brianmazgay9728]

@@Halfmilesniper I have found 140 Berger hybrids to be more accurate then the 144s in my 6.5 x 284 and 6.5 creedmoor

[@Halfmilesniper]

@@brianmazgay9728 I'll have to see if they have any 140 Hybrids...tough choices, lol.

[@curtishunter6725]

Today's accuracy juice has ice in it lol

[@Halfmilesniper]

LOL, it was hot that da but I was still working on a nice hot cup of coffee, lol.

[@bigal7125]

That's not bad at all in my book.

[@Halfmilesniper]

Thanks Big Al, and thanks for watching!

[@longshooter457]

Is that a oryx chasse in gray?

[@Halfmilesniper]

Yes it is, the MDT Oryx in gray, or Urban Dark Earth for the tactical crowd, lol. I really like it.

[@billdye3530]

Pretty accurate & with over 2,500fpe will do the job on deer or possibly elk under 400yds. Might be right on difference using Winchester instead of CCI primers. Still looking pretty good. Stay safe. 🙏👍🎯🇺🇸

[@Halfmilesniper]

Thanks Bill...I hope to squeeze a little more velocity out of these, I want to be 2950+.

[@billdye3530]

​@Halfmilesniper In ETn velocity isn't as important as accuracy & group size because we rarely get a shot past 200yds unless you're on a farm or sitting under power lines- and they are pretty darn hilly. That's why hillbillies like vacation west of the Mississippi. Look Pa they have flat ground lol.

[@Halfmilesniper]

@@billdye3530 I will say, and I say it every time I come east of the Mississippi...it's strange seeing flowing water under bridges, lol.

[@billdye3530]

​@Halfmilesniper Unfortunately after Francine runs thru it will be running thru the streets. Not looking good for Memphis area but we may only get 2in of rain on this end. Looking like this is going be a rough winter. Signs of it are already there.

[@Halfmilesniper]

@@billdye3530 she looks to be coming ashore somewhere around Vermillion Bay and aiming right for us. it's gonna get wet, we had light, very light rains from the outer bands this morning. Wasn't bad enough to stop the practice though. Back at the room and prepping guns for the match kick off on Friday morning.

[@anthonyfairbanks2952]

Try to get them 156 gr bullets

[@Halfmilesniper]

I will be heading to the store once the storm passes...we're in what is left of the eye right now so it is very calm but that'll change soon enough. I am leaning towards the 156 gr Bergers.

[@charlesmullins3238]

Those ..156eols…and the sierra heavies I need but I’ve bout got everything else…95v max..120burners..130tmk..which is favorite@3220fps..135a tip…record one hole 3rd group with n560 Peterson brass..br-2 primers…143/47eldm/x..and 153a tips with retumbo,h1000,and magpro. 120burners buddie gave me with 3/4lb of hybrid100 and couldn’t do no good in creedmore but I landed under 1” on my first test and there good lookin bullets. 95s run high as 3666fps and incredible on a jug out to 250yrds dead hold..

[@Halfmilesniper]

3600+ is moving, lol. I'll stick to the long and heavy bullets for what I how is a little more long range stability and reduced effect from wind. Can't argue with a 250 yard dead hold, lol.

[@charlesmullins3238]

@@Halfmilesniper l shoot the fn spr with 110s@3500 and they fly straight as an arrow to 520yrds and just as explosive as the .264” 95gr if not more so..I like em all but speed and expansion where I end up every time lol.….if yer ever in Ky out east your welcome here brother anytime..matt

[@Halfmilesniper]

@@charlesmullins3238 sounds like a heck of a load you got there for sure!

[@charlesmullins3238]

53gr N560 135a tip cci400s or br-2s if you can get em Peterson brass I couldn’t measure centers cause it was literally 1 264” hole with my 24” carbon waypoint. Didn’t have razor lht then just 25yr old Walmart simmons mom paid $114 for 2 o’clock in the morning us runnin round so I could have it opening rifle season of 1999/00 ..7mm 700 took a long main tube which was hard to find locally. A buddy likes that oryx too his has a McGowan 6mm in it with 36x razor..always like to chat .5mile.…👊🏻ain’t that what it’s all about…✌🏻matt

[@Halfmilesniper]

I am definitely liking that Oryx chassis, they're pretty nice. I'll have to check here for the CC1400s...They have the Bereger bullets, but no Retumbo or RL26...both of those powders have been unobtainium for a while now.

[@charlesmullins3238]

@@Halfmilesniper haven’t been lucky enough to get any Rl or 8208 for my .223 but now that I’m broke there everywhere

[@Halfmilesniper]

@@charlesmullins3238 I have seen plenty of 8208, keep getting emails saying its avaiable all over, lol. The powders I want/need always seem to be OOS.

[@charlesmullins3238]

@@Halfmilesniper shame my bills increased so much a $3 luckily made me break bout even month to month…hell I was doin better laid off plumbin than doin electrical in the biggest hospital around here..same outfit there just pick n choosey. Jobs so hard to get here mine would be considered a great one..havnt bought a thing other than essentials for 6mons…very depressed

[@Halfmilesniper]

@@charlesmullins3238 man that really says something, doesn't it? Certain politicians are making it near impossible to live (without their {Gov't} help).

[@JeRKII]

Dude I'm willing to bet if you were to take pictures of these 2 groups overlap them they all are less then .8 group. I know you are looking for a specific speed as well but willing to bet with this load using all the exact components the only reason you'd miss your mark would be buck fever or a bear jumped on ya as you were pulling the trigger

[@Halfmilesniper]

I think you're right...even stacking the groups at the center, it would be 10 shots in .8" or so. Not too shabby.

[@JeRKII]

@@Halfmilesniper this is an amazing load for this rifle, I realize you can't stop trying to others as it wouldn't keep the video's coming. I did notice that as the rifle warms up it drifts up and left. But wow it would be awesome to see it as you walk out to different ranges

[@Halfmilesniper]

@@JeRKII my son and I might be able to go to a localish range where I can stretch out a little, It is just such a pain to video at a "public" range between those who are just blasting and not being able to trust leaving a camera out at the targets, lol but I do have the spotting scope now.

[@JeRKII]

@@Halfmilesniper I wasn't really trying to get you to do it but it shoots so well at that range. Man it would be awesome to see ya get some food for your with it. Do what you can keep making awesome video's

[@JamesClark-lw6sw]

ALL SHOTS ON TARGET COUNT!!!!!!

[@Halfmilesniper]

Of course that is why I measured the whole group for size before showing the size of the 4 touching.