6.5 mm 140gr SMK

[Cwoods]

Has anyone used SMK 140's yet? I have been using 140 Amax 41.5gr H4350, 2.810 OAL. The Amax is getting hard to find. I have purchased a box of SMK's as they seem easier to get. I was curious if you guys had any info on a starting load. I am giving serious consideration to using the Amax load with the SMK projectile.

 

[Paulyr450]

I started out using the 140s because they were way easier to find just like you mentioned. Iused the same load data for the 142 matchkings for the 140s. I started uot at 41 grains of h4350 if that helps. I ended up at 42.7 before pressure signs but thats my gun not yours.

 

[robp5t]

Midway had the Amax's earlier today. I picked up 4 boxes earlier today.

 

[The-Fly]

the 140gr SMK has a much lower BC compared to the 142gr SMK. FYI....

 

[K_4c]

as mentioned above, the bc is lower.... but they'll still fly straight and get you to 1k... just takes a little more dope on the glass.

 

[65guys_steve]

What's your favorite cartridge for the 6.5mm 140gr. AMAX?

 

[Cwoods]

Thanks for all the info guys. I am going to try the 142's also. I am still learning reloading, and the 6.5. I have only been 400 yds with mine so far. I was shooting 140 Amax with the above mentioned load, and was .5 moa and better all day. I definitely want to try and improve, and the SMK's seem easier to find in 140 and 142.

 

[raptor99]

I shot them in my last 260 and they shot GREAT!! I was worried about the lower BC but there was surprising little adjustment over the AMAXs. I used 37 or 38grs of varget with mine as I recall. Hpe this helps

 

[Beyschaefer]

Best group I ever shot with my m96 swede mauser was with the Sierra 140 gr.
5 shots I could cover with a Nickle. (won't do it all the time.. But I blame my eyes and the iron sights on that!)
Sierra 140's work fine.

 

[David S]

Hi Cwoods,

I have a .260 Ackley that appears to have a raging hard-on for the 140g SMKs. I'm sure the Berger hybrids will do well, too (once I get around to them), but so far I've been very pleasantly surprised by the SMKs.

Yours,

David

 

[JSTARSZ]

I shot them in my last 260 and they shot GREAT!! I was worried about the lower BC but there was surprising little adjustment over the AMAXs. I used 37 or 38grs of varget with mine as I recall. Hpe this helps

I have to ask what was your velocity with that low of a charge? For a Creedmoor, which is a little different but not that much, I am loading 42.3GR of RL 17 for the Sierra 142 HPBT and getting 2740fps out of a 22.5" Bartlein barrel. Your charge seems really low.

 

[Cwoods]

Hi guys I went today and did a ladder test with the 140's the shoot very well. My rifle liked 41.3gr of h4350 2.735 oal. I started seeing signs of pressure at 41.9. I am goining to load some up and go out to 400 with them my next trip I will keep you guys posted on BC differences I see. I have dopes to 600 for the Amax. We will see if the are the same.