Range Report BR-derived 6mm and 110-115 class bullets

[BoilerUP]

Currently run a 20" 1:8 Dasher with .105FB and use 107 SMK/108 ELDs a bit over 2800fps, also have a 24" 1:7 6BR barrel also with .105FB that didn't seem to like 107s but I'm planning to try 105 Hybrids and 108s with.

With Berger introducing the 109 Hybrid, Sierra having the 110 SMK, Barnes having the 112 MB and the DTAC RBT out there...is there consensus on using these heavier bullets in a BR/BRA/BRX/Dasher over the "gold standard" 105 Hybrid? Starting to plan a rebarrel and curious about first-hand experiences.

 

[jbailey]

I honestly wasn't that impressed with the 109gr Hybrid. Just a few % pts above the 105gr, why brother with the hassle? If you want a materially higher BC, 110gr SMK or DTAC appears more attractive, although you need the barrel twist.

Like you, I'm interested to learn more however, so good question.

 

[codym]

I’ve ran the the 110 smks and coated dtacs in my 243 win, running the 105s in my BR and in my dasher barrel when my 243 burns up. I really like the dtacs but don’t want to try to push them hard enough to get the advantage out of them in the small case. The smks were way to inconsistent with me. To me the 105 Berger’s consistency and ability to hit good velocity without sacrificing brass life makes them my go to in the br variants.

 

[Tx_Aggie]

I've had good luck with 110 SMKs in a Dasher, out of a 1:7 twist barrel. They've shot well within the same lot, but can vary a bit from lot to lot. I think I've had to adjust seating depth every time I've started on a new lot.

It also seems like they've disappointed a lot of guys shooting them in 7.5 and 8 twist barrels. There are better choices for those twist rates (DTACs).

 

[Hoyt7mm]

IMO 105 hybrids or 107 smks are the easy button when it comes to tiny, consistent groups with minimal load development. The 110s shoot well too, but I had to tinker with them a bit more. My favorite by far is the Barnes 112 matchburners. They're very easy to tune, are very consistent in long strings of fire, and have a significant BC advantage over any other 105-110 class bullet.
I think the 109 hybrid will have more of a niche in the benchrest community than PRS

 

[just browsing]

Lot to lot 110 SMKs are horrible. Have also run into some variation with DTACs lately. 112 MBs have been surprisingly OK, but not as trustworthy as the 105s just yet.

FWIW, in limited testing, the 109 Hybrids shoot the same as my 105 Hybrid load. Minimal POI shift obviously but very reasonable velocity with same charge weight and seating depth.

As with most people, I would not recommend trying to shoot heavies in BR based cases. Plenty of guys do it with decent success, but you are essentially giving up any benefit the BR offers when shoehorning those big projectiles in the smaller case.

I would suggest 6 Creed, 6x47, or even GT if you’re wanting to go heavier than 105.

 

[Sheldon N]

I've got a buddy who's been having good results with 115 RDF's out of his 6BRA, though I'm not ready to go Nosler after the difficulty I had with 105's. I keep hearing positive things about the 112 MB's, am curious to try them sometime. A friend of mine took 2nd place in our regional finale with 6BRX and 112's in the low 2800 fps range. PRS finale was won with 110 A-Tips out of a 6BRA at 2775 fps.

I'm still running 105's for now. I think you need to get up around .310 G7 to have an appreciable ballistic advantage at the lower speed, otherwise you're looking at only about 0.1 mil of wind improvement for a tradeoff of slightly more recoil. When it's that close I would just pick the bullet that you know you can trust consistently and that will give the best accuracy.

 

[Milo 2.5]

I honestly wasn't that impressed with the 109gr Hybrid. Just a few % pts above the 105gr, why brother with the hassle? If you want a materially higher BC, 110gr SMK or DTAC appears more attractive, although you need the barrel twist.

Like you, I'm interested to learn more however, so good question.

I am interested in the 109, how extensive of testing did you do? Or how long did you shoot them?

 

[Milo 2.5]

I've had good luck with 110 SMKs in a Dasher, out of a 1:7 twist barrel. They've shot well within the same lot, but can vary a bit from lot to lot. I think I've had to adjust seating depth every time I've started on a new lot.

It also seems like they've disappointed a lot of guys shooting them in 7.5 and 8 twist barrels. There are better choices for those twist rates (DTACs).

I have shot the 110 SMK's in 6-7 barrels, 2 of those Dasher barrels, all 7.5tw with no issues whatsoever. I can't say for sure, but by your location, I may have quite an advantage in elevation which may make a difference.
On calmer days, hitting an IPSC at 1600 yards is relatively easy with the 2 dashers. Stability is not a factor.

 

[jbailey]

I am interested in the 109, how extensive of testing did you do? Or how long did you shoot them?

not much testing. Same powder charge as my 105s (which is a low pressure charge). 775 yards and I could not tell the difference between the two bullets on the plate. Wind, comeup, etc. all the same. Felt recoil no difference. Precision was good, same as the 105s. Maybe you could see the difference at 1200... maybe. One advantage - you don't need a fast twist barrel to shot them, 8 is good.

Big yawn.

 

[Tx_Aggie]

I have shot the 110 SMK's in 6-7 barrels, 2 of those Dasher barrels, all 7.5tw with no issues whatsoever. I can't say for sure, but by your location, I may have quite an advantage in elevation which may make a difference.
On calmer days, hitting an IPSC at 1600 yards is relatively easy with the 2 dashers. Stability is not a factor.

That's good to hear. I have a 6 Creed in 7.5 twist with some life left in it. I might have to load up some 110s for it and see how they do.

I'm in VA at about 2000 ft elevation, but the places I most often shoot matches are often 1200 ft or lower. Based on that, the Berger calc predicts they'll be on the high end of marginal stability at matches but probably good to go at my home range. That's close enough to make me curious to see if they'll work.