No idea how good the new 156 grain Berger hunting bullet works on bigger animals like elk, but that is one option to get the energy number up on a short barrel. Has a very good BC, so should retain velocity better than other options. Berger claims a 1:8 twist is OK, but testing will have to confirm that.
Have used Reloder-17 on the Sierra 150 grain SMK, and managed to get around 150 fps more than H4350. But it is rather temperature sensitive. Might want to carry the loaded rounds in an inside pocket to make sure they are close to body temperature, or you might lose quite a lot of speed and hit low.
Primer will also be temp sensitive to an extent, and the cold barrel will affect MV too. Probably not the dominant effect here.
Superformance also gives higher speed than other options, but can cause problems on hot summer days like blown primers. I have stopped using it for accuracy / target reloads. Texas gets hot by August! You will need a winter and a summer load.
Superformance is mostly OK for factory hunting ammo. (The Hornady’s Superformance blend that they use in their factory ammo is a different blend from what you and i can buy). Each caliber has a unique blend. All are called Superformance, which is causing a lot of confusion.
Matrix also makes a super heavy 160 grain high BC hunting bullet. Believe it is a Canadian company. Seems to have a good reputation. Will work for long shots, as ling as you
Has anybody tried the new Berger 156 grain hunting bullet?
Heaviest i know about is the 160 gn Matrix solid copper bullet. Small company in Canada, but they have a good reputation.
I have achieved good speed with Reloder 17, but it is temp sensitive. Carry in an inner pocket in snow to keep the powder at body temp.
