Berger 140gr 6.5mm VLD Hunting. Are they good for twist rate 9 ?

[CCCP]

Berger 140gr 6.5mm VLD Hunting. Are they good for twist rate 9 ?

I'm planning my next hunting rifle in 6.5x55. I know manufacturer recommended twist is 8. Several years ago it was 9. Since I cannot get any new Tikka in this caliber, I plan to get CZ 550. CZs have twist rate 1:9.

Who can share his personal experience with these bullets using twist rate 9 ?

 

[USSR]

I can only tell you that Berger had me test and evaluate a 140gr non-VLD bullet for them, and it performed fine in my 1-8.5" twist 6.5x55. The key will be, how fast you are able to drive them. I am able to get 2925fps with 140gr bullets with my 28" Obermeyer.

Don

 

[CCCP]

Thank you Don. I googled your story from several years ago on another forum. Do you still use N160 powder or do you use something else ?

 

[NCsmitty]

I have not used the Berger brand, but I have a M98 in 6.5x55, with a 1in9" twist, that can run higher pressures than the old Swede Mausers. Your CZ550 can also push the envelope, but IMO, using the Berger 140 VLD might be marginal, even if you could generate enough velocity to stabilize.
Why don't you take a look at the 130gr Berger hunting version, as it should be a great all around bullet for the CZ550.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=265273


NCsmitty

 

[CCCP]

NCSmitty,
From what I learned, bullet weight has little relation to required twist rate. Bullet length is the most important parameter. Both 140gr and 130gr Berger VLDs have the same length. You can push 130gr a little bit faster, but speed difference between these two bullets will be minimal. This is my undestanding, but I may be wrong.

Do you use 130gr VLD you pointed ? If yes, are you happy with bullet performance ?

 

[Kachok]

Why can you not get the Tikka? I saw a couple 6.5x55s for sale the other day, both stainless and hunter.

 

[CCCP]

Kachok,
May I ask you , where can I get NEW Tikka ?
Can you IM this info to me please, or just reply here in a forum where can I get new Tikka ? I hope we will not break any forum rules

By the way, may I ask you , do you speak Russian ? Because your nickname is meaningful in Russian ?

 

[Kachok]

Yes I do speak Russian or did 15 years ago anyway, I have not used it much in a very long time so I am probably very rusty. I will PM you a few links I found.

 

[Kachok]

I have been so thrilled with my Stainless T3 6.5x55 that I have thought about buying another one in in the Huter line. They are THAT GOOD. No handload or factory load I have tried has performed poorly, even my bulk $13 a box Prvi 139gr shoots sub-MOA all day long in that rifle. Egronomics are A+, Trigger is A+ and the as action is A+, super smooth so good I have to look to see if it is chambering a round! Not bad for a $408 6lbs rifle