Hunting & Fishing Choosing the right ammo.

[JC_Tikka6.5]

So I finally zeroed in my Tikka t3x 6.5 creedmoor 24" . I chose a few boxes of ammo to zero in my rifle . My Tikka liked the Winchester Match 140 grain BTHP the best. I'll be hunting this season for some deer, but now I need ammo for hunting as I cant use the ammo I zeroed in my tikka with as it is target shooting ammo , assuming, with lead. I googled winchester 140 grain match ammo for hunting but not really coming up with much. Maybe I'm missing something? I'm new at this and I'm still learning. What do you more experienced people recommend? I greatly appreciate your help.

Ps. Dont pay any mind to the numbers on the box that's just labeling the ammo to targets. Picture shows ammo I shot. They all shot relatively good. The Winchester was the consistent group just under 1" at 100 yards

 

[UpSideDown]

Match ammo isn't for hunting. You want hunting ammo. What are you hunting, and at what ranges? Are you new to hunting itself?

 

[YotaEer]

I use soft points for everything. Yea they are “slow” but I only shoot out to 500 yards and they drop every animal I’ve hit.

tikka 6.5 CM CTR cut down to 17.5” with a suppressor.

 

[ShooterwithNoName]

Soft points are pretty common for hunting ammo. I load 165gr GameKings in my 308 and 168gr Accubonds. Same for my 6.8 SPC I like the 110gr Accubonds for hunting. I use match ammo for punching paper.

If you don't reload, here's a good factory load for your 6.5 when it comes to hunting ammo:

20 Round Box - 6.5 Creedmoor 140 Grain Bonded Soft Point Federal Fusion Ammo - F65CRDFS1 | SGAmmo.com

20 Round Box of 6.5 Creedmoor 140 Grain Bonded Soft Point Federal Fusion AmmoFactory SKU number: F65CRDFS1Velocity rated at 2750 FPSEnergy Rated at 2351 Foot Pounds

www.sgammo.com

140gr Bonded Soft Point, should be a good hunting load. Federal Fusion Line, Winchester Expedition 140gr Accubond, Federal Premium 130gr Edge TLR, Hornady Superperformance 120GMX, etc...

Hornady Precision Hunter 143gr ELD-X may be a good one too. Your going to want to shoot a bullet that expands, match ammo typically is at the bottom of the pole when it comes to expansion. I've made kills with match ammo in the past. But there's much better tools for the job.

 

[duckhunter175]

The Hornady 140 ELDM has been one of the more consistent factory choices I've seen in terms of accuracy and performance on Deer (assuming that is your Quarry).

I'm not a fan of Hornady BTHP on game only because I've seen mixed results.

The Bergers would also be a good choice.

 

[JC_Tikka6.5]

Match ammo isn't for hunting. You want hunting ammo. What are you hunting, and at what ranges? Are you new to hunting itself?

Well that explains why I couldn't find the hunting version of the ammo I shot. Yes I'm new to hunting. I'll be hunting deer. I'd say around 200 yards.

 

[JC_Tikka6.5]

Soft points are pretty common for hunting ammo. I load 165gr GameKings in my 308 and 168gr Accubonds. Same for my 6.8 SPC I like the 110gr Accubonds for hunting. I use match ammo for punching paper.

If you don't reload, here's a good factory load for your 6.5 when it comes to hunting ammo:

20 Round Box - 6.5 Creedmoor 140 Grain Bonded Soft Point Federal Fusion Ammo - F65CRDFS1 | SGAmmo.com

20 Round Box of 6.5 Creedmoor 140 Grain Bonded Soft Point Federal Fusion AmmoFactory SKU number: F65CRDFS1Velocity rated at 2750 FPSEnergy Rated at 2351 Foot Pounds

www.sgammo.com

140gr Bonded Soft Point, should be a good hunting load. Federal Fusion Line, Winchester Expedition 140gr Accubond, Federal Premium 130gr Edge TLR, Hornady Superperformance 120GMX, etc...

Hornady Precision Hunter 143gr ELD-X may be a good one too. Your going to want to shoot a bullet that expands, match ammo typically is at the bottom of the pole when it comes to expansion. I've made kills with match ammo in the past. But there's much better tools for the job.

I got match because I was tood to use that to zero in my rifle. Was this information incorrect? Also from there the guy at the gun shop told me to see what my tikka liked best and then from there find the hunting version if it? Maybe I misunderstood him.

 

[JC_Tikka6.5]

The Hornady 140 ELDM has been one of the more consistent factory choices I've seen in terms of accuracy and performance on Deer (assuming that is your Quarry).

I'm not a fan of Hornady BTHP on game only because I've seen mixed results.

The Bergers would also be a good choice.

Yeah I'm going for deer. I keep seeing the hornady 140 ELDM pop up when doing my research so I may try that. Will it say on the box if its hunting ammo? Again I'm knew at this and I want to be informed before I accidentally go out hunting with lead ammo instead of the correct hunting ammo. Thanks

 

[JC_Tikka6.5]

I use soft points for everything. Yea they are “slow” but I only shoot out to 500 yards and they drop every animal I’ve hit.

tikka 6.5 CM CTR cut down to 17.5” with a suppressor.

What ammo you use for hunting deer?

 

[isofahunter]

Try the 143 gr ELDX by Hornady. While not a tough bullet it works well in my experience. In my rifle the 140 ELDM shoot within .1 MIL of the 143 so I avoid dramatic re zeroing, just one click and done.

 

[UpSideDown]

200 yards on deer, you could use any hunting ammo available that isn’t a V-Max. Anything from a 6.5cm will take deer easily at that range. No need for fancy ammo or even that precise of ammo. You don’t need 1/2MOA at that range, and 200 yards is a healthy range for a new hunter.

I suggest Hornady American Gunner for a precision round. It’s the community standard round out of the Tikka, very precise and surprisingly cheap for match ammo.

 

[stello1001]

Hunting deer at 200 yards, all 4 of those boxes are more than good for that...

 

[XTREM HTR16]

What bullet is in that Berger ammo?

 

[JC_Tikka6.5]

Hunting deer at 200 yards, all 4 of those boxes are more than good for that...

I believe those are all lead tho? I think we cant hunt with lead. I looked around on the boxes and non say lead free .

 

[JC_Tikka6.5]

200 yards on deer, you could use any hunting ammo available that isn’t a V-Max. Anything from a 6.5cm will take deer easily at that range. No need for fancy ammo or even that precise of ammo. You don’t need 1/2MOA at that range, and 200 yards is a healthy range for a new hunter.

I suggest Hornady American Gunner for a precision round. It’s the community standard round out of the Tikka, very precise and surprisingly cheap for match ammo.

I just stated 200 yards because I'm new to hunting so I'm hoping I'm able to get that close. Also to make it an ethical kill. I believe we shouldnt shoot past 400-500yards max?

 

[stello1001]

I believe those are all lead tho? I think we cant hunt with lead. I looked around on the boxes and non say lead free .

Are you not in a free state?

 

[UpSideDown]

I just stated 200 yards because I'm new to hunting so I'm hoping I'm able to get that close. Also to make it an ethical kill. I believe we shouldnt shoot past 400-500yards max?

For deer you *could* shoot 500 yards with a high quality 6.5cm round, but I would not suggest it for you. Plan to be within 300 yards, and know where you need to shoot at different angles on that animal.

If you need non-lead rounds, you want a solid copper like a TSX or TTSX or some of the Nosler offerings.

 

[JC_Tikka6.5]

For deer you *could* shoot 500 yards with a high quality 6.5cm round, but I would not suggest it for you. Plan to be within 300 yards, and know where you need to shoot at different angles on that animal.

If you need non-lead rounds, you want a solid copper like a TSX or TTSX or some of the Nosler offerings.

This is why I dont want to go hunt solo. There is so much to learn. I'd like to go with a experienced hunter but I havent had luck , this may sound weird, a more experienced hunter. I've reached out to people but people are not really open to the idea. All good I respect that. I just want to make sure I'm being ethical when killing an animal. Doing it to stock the freezer not for sport.

 

[JC_Tikka6.5]

Are you not in a free state?

I'm in California. That answers that huh ?

 

[UpSideDown]

This is why I dont want to go hunt solo. There is so much to learn. I'd like to go with a experienced hunter but I havent had luck , this may sound weird, a more experienced hunter. I've reached out to people but people are not really open to the idea. All good I respect that. I just want to make sure I'm being ethical when killing an animal. Doing it to stock the freezer not for sport.

You should go with an experienced hunter. You’ll waste too much life trying to hunt without someone who has done it. That might be tough to find in California, I can’t imagine much good hunting there. Find a hunting group on Facebook for your area and see if someone will show you the ropes

 

[JC_Tikka6.5]

You should go with an experienced hunter. You’ll waste too much life trying to hunt without someone who has done it. That might be tough to find in California, I can’t imagine much good hunting there. Find a hunting group on Facebook for your area and see if someone will show you the ropes

I've been trying to find someone . I've also looked for groups but I imagine no one wants a new inexperienced hunter. I'm definitely not gonna give up. Shoot I'm even willing to field dress their kill just to gain experience. I dont mind lugging meat around for the cardio to. Do you know if any hunting groups I can maybe look up?

 

[stello1001]

I'm in California. That answers that huh ?

Damn, sorry for you...

Look into ammo that uses Barnes bullets. Barnes makes some very very good hunting type bullets, many of them are all copper no lead. The 127 LRX is one of them. Hornady also has a line or two of factory ammo that uses their 120 GMX bullet. That is a non lead hunting bullet.

Look into that and see if you can score any ammo with said bullets.

 

[UpSideDown]

Where are you in California?

Every hunter I know of is happy to bring people along. That’s how I got into it. Last time we went out we even had guys that weren’t hunting that were just there for fun, they couldn’t get tags.

 

[duckhunter175]

Yeah I'm going for deer. I keep seeing the hornady 140 ELDM pop up when doing my research so I may try that. Will it say on the box if its hunting ammo? Again I'm knew at this and I want to be informed before I accidentally go out hunting with lead ammo instead of the correct hunting ammo. Thanks

The 140ELDM is 'match' ammo and will be in a white box with that on the side-- but it is LEAD ammo. If you are hunting in Cali and need lead free I would strongly suggest the Barnes factory ammo- VORTX LR, the 6.5cm is loaded with the 127gr LRX. I've shot this ammo in two separate rifles and was pleased at the velocity. The performance of the bullet is phenomenal on game.

 

[Lexusclays]

Take some time, and adjust for your hunting ammo. Now that you are zeroed for your range ammo, it should be just minor adjustments. You don’t want to have to trail a wounded and suffering animal. It shouldn’t take more than 3 to 5 rounds to set for hunting ammo. Note your scope setting prior, and you can returned to zeroed range ammo, after the hunt.

 

[roggom]

Hornady GMX superformance 120gr should put you at a 300Y point blank with a 200Y zero, and is cali compliant. No dialing, just point and shoot.

https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifle/6-5-creedmoor-120-gr-gmx-superformance#!/

 

[aljones_315]

I believe those are all lead tho? I think we cant hunt with lead. I looked around on the boxes and non say lead free .

if you live in a state that doesnt allow lead ammo for game there are only 3 options i know of barnes 127g lrx nosler e tips unsure on availability for 6.5 cm factory ammo and the hornady gmx also unsure of factory loadings in 6.5 all 3 of theses are copper solids lead free and should provide everything you need for deer even big muleys even through bone as theyre all solids that wont shatter like a match bullet

 

[Brian300]

I'm running the Berger 140g VLD. My rifle really likes them. Just took down a bear with it few weeks ago. Also sorry about your ammo troubles California is the worst.

 

[Bandit31]

I’m pretty sure the Winchester match is a 140smk, at least it used to be some time back.

Since you’re in California and it’s prohibited to use anything with lead for hunting, look for anything factory with Barnes. I know they make the 127gr LRX in a factory option and that will suit you well. The 120gr TTSX in a factory option will be plenty of adequate

You may only find groups for small critters since hunting here is tough as is. Most people are reluctant to give up their honey pots because of it. Depending on what zone you plan on hunting, you may also consider a bear tag.

What zone were you planning on hunting?

 

[EnsEntium]

I'm in California. That answers that huh ?

We have had good experiences both with Federal Premium Trophy Copper and Barnes TTSX/LRX. We have tried the Hornady GMX but they seem to be less consistent. No experience with the Nosler E-tips.

 

[bmash]

I have also had great results with Barnes bullets...

 

[XTREM HTR16]

I shot a nice cow elk with my 7mm08 and the Nosler factory 140 grain E-tip ammo. 1 hole through both lungs and exited. She was at 370 yards and the muzzle velocity was only about 2,780 IIRC. I’d try their 6.5 creed load with the 120 E-tip.

 

[Jay Ell Gee]

As many others have stated, I have had nothing but positive results with Barnes solid copper projectiles for hunting big game. I hear good things about the Hornady offering as well. Any of them will perform well for you.

Make sure to post here if you have success! Hunting is about the experience, so try to enjoy it... at least that's what I say when I am not seeing any deer.

 

[Contender-1]

The Hornady 140 ELDM has been one of the more consistent factory choices I've seen in terms of accuracy and performance on Deer (assuming that is your Quarry).

I'm not a fan of Hornady BTHP on game only because I've seen mixed results.

The Bergers would also be a good choice.

I’ve taken deer, hogs, gators, coyotes with the 6.5 Creedmoor 140 grain ELDM. Have not had an issue with any of them expiring quickly. Shoot them for PRS on Saturday and hunt pigs on Sunday. I have not found a reason to change bullets

 

[DrakeHunter]

I’ve taken deer, hogs, gators, coyotes with the 6.5 Creedmoor 140 grain ELDM. Have not had an issue with any of them expiring quickly. Shoot them for PRS on Saturday and hunt pigs on Sunday. I have not found a reason to change bullets

I agree with the results on Hornady 140 ELDM. Hunted with them last year and my deer were DRT. Tried the 143 ELDX but my rifle is more accurate with the other. I have a few ELDX left in a box your welcome to if local. I am central OK.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Match ammo isn't for hunting. You want hunting ammo. What are you hunting, and at what ranges? Are you new to hunting itself?

Match ammo in my experience has been excellent for hunting, and if you happen to shoot far like some of us do, it is superior.

 

[UpSideDown]

Match ammo in my experience has been excellent for hunting, and if you happen to shoot far like some of us do, it is superior.

Some match ammo might be great, there’s a lot that are similar to hunting rounds. However the lack of a bonded or locked jacket, and the thickness of the jacket both can be issues at closer ranges.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Some match ammo might be great, there’s a lot that are similar to hunting rounds. However the lack of a bonded or locked jacket, and the thickness of the jacket both can be issues at closer ranges.

How is not being bonded or locked an issue?

 

[UpSideDown]

How is not being bonded or locked an issue?

Bullet fragmentation can mean very poor penetration on large animals, and in a successful kill can ruin a lot of meat. There are far better bullets for hunting than most match ammo.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Bullet fragmentation can mean very poor penetration on large animals, and in a successful kill can ruin a lot of meat. There are far better bullets for hunting than most match ammo.

meh, I've seen hundreds of kills with match bullets, fragmented or not, they work great. Just like the millions of non-bonded or locked bullets people have hunted with for decades, and musket balls before them.

 

[UpSideDown]

meh, I've seen hundreds of kills with match bullets, fragmented or not, they work great. Just like the millions of non-bonded or locked bullets people have hunted with for decades, and musket balls before them.

There’s a difference between being capable, and being ideal. The difference between 1/2 MOA and 3/4 MOA is far les important to me than the difference between a failed shoulder hit and a successful shoulder hit, a 3 hour track or a 5 minute track, or 250 pounds of meat vs 240 pounds of meat.

 

[coldboremiracle]

There’s a difference between being capable, and being ideal. The difference between 1/2 MOA and 3/4 MOA is far les important to me than the difference between a failed shoulder hit and a successful shoulder hit, a 3 hour track or a 5 minute track, or 250 pounds of meat vs 240 pounds of meat.

Ya, I dont usually track animals, they are either DRFT or we watch them drop dead a few hops later. I would much rather have the accuracy and higher retained energy at distance from high BC match bullets.

 

[UpSideDown]

Me too. I’m going to try these Berger 156gr EOL’s. I’d like to have my cake, and eat it too.

 

[Wyzrd]

For 6.5CM, I had good results using the 130gr and 140gr Berger HVLD’s, and the 140gr Nosler Accubonds. This year I’m gonna be trying the 147gr ELD-M’s in my 6.5prc. Just like coldboremiracle, I like the high BC, accuracy, and energy I get with this match round. This one is screaming at about 3120 fps and as long as I put that bullet where it needs to go, I’m pretty sure it’ll do the trick.