I couldn't find very much online regarding results of testing the new Hornady 100gr ELD-VT. I just so happen to have recently come into possession of a 6.5 Creedmoor. So I thought I would give it a shot. My goal was a sub moa load with good(approaching single digits or better) SD.
The Rifle is a ARC Nucleus with a PVA 26" prefit.
Sig LRP brass. Because it was the cheapest I could get 50 pieces of 6.5 brass. Never tried Sig brass before, overall it seems to be acceptable quality.
Federal LRP's. Trying to use them up.
Varget Powder.
Hornady Dies.
Below is my initial loadings. The Hornady load data suggested 2.775 COAL. I started with 2.800.
It was hot and there was some mirage.
Although the general accuracy was good. I am not happy with the SD's This isn't to blame the bullet or anything in particular. I'm theorizing that either the bullet needs to be slightly deeper closer to Hornady spec. OR possibly the jump is to far. I am willing to dedicate 25 more shots to this combination because the accuracy is already quite good.
Subsequent loadings will be:
I like being 20-40 thou off the lands. I find that to provide good results most of the time. My issue is that there's not much bullet actually in the case with this length... Hence my additional 3 loads will be 2.790. slightly shorter.
Overall the bullet seems to be pretty good.
Now how much does the SD matter in the use case of this bullet? Well anecdotally last time I was Coyote hunting with my 22 250 with 40gr projectiles I had a dog stop on me at 500 yards. If I'm going into a situation where I expect to take that long of a shot. I'd take my 6 or 6.5. So what does a 25 FPS variation mean at 500?
The 6.5 ELD-VT
3200 FPS = 39.96 inches @ 500 yards
3225 FPS = 39.19 inches @ 500 yards
Given all the other variables in a hunting situation. How much does the SD actually matter? Not THAT much in my opinion. Regardless hopefully my further testing and now fireformed brass will improve results. I won't be disappointed either way. I think the importance of SD on this bullet is exasperated by it's intended purpose. Its a varmint bullet that can reach out. To reach out though, a good SD is important.
Should Hornady have gone with a ~115gr bullet that had a little longer body suited for 2.8+ seating depth?
Am I ignoring a potential area around 40.8gr because I like speed? Maybe...
The Rifle is a ARC Nucleus with a PVA 26" prefit.
Sig LRP brass. Because it was the cheapest I could get 50 pieces of 6.5 brass. Never tried Sig brass before, overall it seems to be acceptable quality.
Federal LRP's. Trying to use them up.
Varget Powder.
Hornady Dies.
Below is my initial loadings. The Hornady load data suggested 2.775 COAL. I started with 2.800.
It was hot and there was some mirage.
Although the general accuracy was good. I am not happy with the SD's This isn't to blame the bullet or anything in particular. I'm theorizing that either the bullet needs to be slightly deeper closer to Hornady spec. OR possibly the jump is to far. I am willing to dedicate 25 more shots to this combination because the accuracy is already quite good.
Subsequent loadings will be:
I like being 20-40 thou off the lands. I find that to provide good results most of the time. My issue is that there's not much bullet actually in the case with this length... Hence my additional 3 loads will be 2.790. slightly shorter.
Overall the bullet seems to be pretty good.
Now how much does the SD matter in the use case of this bullet? Well anecdotally last time I was Coyote hunting with my 22 250 with 40gr projectiles I had a dog stop on me at 500 yards. If I'm going into a situation where I expect to take that long of a shot. I'd take my 6 or 6.5. So what does a 25 FPS variation mean at 500?
The 6.5 ELD-VT
3200 FPS = 39.96 inches @ 500 yards
3225 FPS = 39.19 inches @ 500 yards
Given all the other variables in a hunting situation. How much does the SD actually matter? Not THAT much in my opinion. Regardless hopefully my further testing and now fireformed brass will improve results. I won't be disappointed either way. I think the importance of SD on this bullet is exasperated by it's intended purpose. Its a varmint bullet that can reach out. To reach out though, a good SD is important.
Should Hornady have gone with a ~115gr bullet that had a little longer body suited for 2.8+ seating depth?
Am I ignoring a potential area around 40.8gr because I like speed? Maybe...
