I ran across a box of100gr 6.5 bullets gathering dust in a gunshop the other day. Curious if anyone has used these bullets on deer sized game? In specific I am used to Nosler Partitions having a reputation for full penetration but 100 gr seems a bit light. My history with partitions is that the front 2/3 wipes away and that would leave a 30-40 gr bullet to plow on through? Opinions, experience, and stupid statements are all welcome.

I've only recovered one Nosler Partition but it's my understanding the front half of the bullet accounts for about 40% of it weight, so the penetrator usually runs 60% of original. Seems to me a 100 gr 6.5 would make a fine bullet for most deer.

Between my grandson,son in law and self we've taken a bunch of whitetails using 100 grainers in .243 and this was not premium bullets but cheap winchester bulk packed. Don't see where there would be a problem with those 6.5's.

I did a little research on this topic months ago here on AR and was given the thumbs up by many. Since then I have worked up a load for the upcoming Antelope season for the 100 grain Partition powered by my 6.5x55 Swede.
I've found one particular load that is going pretty fast to be very accurate and about tied for accuracy with a 120 grain Nosler B-tip load going quite a bit slower.
In the next week a two I'll be loading some of both and figure out which one gets taken for the Antelope hunt. (Antelope season Oct.6 thru 12th).

Snellstrom, care to share load info? PM or just reply. Thanks

All of the standard cautions apply, I've worked up to these loads in my sporterized old Swede but in my rifle these loads are safe.
All in Sellior&Bellot brass fired about 3-4 times and trimmed, CCI primers:
100 grain Nosler Partition 43.5 grains of IMR-4064 is shooting very nice for my rifle.

120 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip 43 grains of H380 is also shooting very nice for my rifle.

Both are grouping the same size so far the Partitions are printing 1.5" to the right and are grouping slightly vertical. The Ballistic tips are grouping slightly horizontal about 1" left of the bullseye both at the same elevation. Some of this info is not pertinent but I included it as I have been noting it at the range.
Both of these are shooting 5 shots inside of 1.25" but the frustrating thing is they will put 3 shots in and around .5" to .7" then I bomb the next couple to make it a 1.25" group.
Good luck with yours

While a partition fan, I have used it and the other 100 grain bullets on the market and have taken deer with all of them...

the worst performer was the 100 grain Partition...the deer made it 100 yds or better into some brush before it went down...

So I don't use it any more.. they also make a 105 grain Semi Round Nose Partition for the Euro Market.. which is loaded in some German Ammo...The Shooters Pro Shop sometimes has some.. the difference in the shape of the end, makes a big difference in my book...

I still think the best 100 grainer, without a lot of meat damage is the 100 Grain SP Hornady...

If you can live with some meat damage.. the 100 grain Ballistic tip is the most lethal of the batch...

Seafire, everytime I hear '100 gr ballistic tip 6.5mm' it brings back memories of my buds MOA BRAND carbine set up, 22" rifle barrel and stock combo.....in 6.5 Benchrest, that rifle shot ONE hole all day for 3 shots with that bullet.

Had the sweetest trigger pull ever, but to load that darn MOA gun was a pain, the safety lever(s) etc, so being somewhat awkward/slow I passed.

Another one of those I wished I would have taken home! Always meant to build a 6.5BR but been shooting the 6 and 7's BR's too much to get around to it.

Seafire, any new bbls lately for you? I agree that Hornady looks hard to beat, never had bad accuracy/results with Hornady. Better price than others often as well.

Take some 0ne gallon milk jugs and fill them with water and line them all up. Ten jugs ought to be enough to begin with from about 25 yards, and shoot your 100 grain 6.5 Partition into the center of the first jug. Then count how many jugs were penetrated and recover your bullet from the last jug penetrated. Don't be surprised if the front of the partition bullet is missing, this is more like shooting into solid bone than it is like shooting into soft flesh. Anyway, this should give you s good feel for how the 100 grain partition will perform on bone at close range.

You can do the same with your 120 grain bullet load to compare the expansion and penetration characteristics of the two different bullets. Then do another comparison as far out as you intend to shoot any game. Penetration will be more but the expansion will be less at long range, but you pretty well will know the limits of your bullets with your load and your gun. This test will make it easy to decide what bullet to use before you shoot any game with them...Rusty.

Take some 0ne gallon milk jugs and fill them with water and line them all up. Ten jugs ought to be enough to begin with from about 25 yards, and shoot your 100 grain 6.5 Partition into the center of the first jug. Then count how many jugs were penetrated and recover your bullet from the last jug penetrated. Don't be surprised if the front of the partition bullet is missing, this is more like shooting into solid bone than it is like shooting into soft flesh. Anyway, this should give you s good feel for how the 100 grain partition will perform on bone at close range.

You can do the same with your 120 grain bullet load to compare the expansion and penetration characteristics of the two different bullets. Then do another comparison as far out as you intend to shoot any game. Penetration will be more but the expansion will be less at long range, but you pretty well will know the limits of your bullets with your load and your gun. This test will make it easy to decide what bullet to use before you shoot any game with them.

Here is a picture of some 160 and 140 Gr. 6.5 bullets tested as per above at 25 yards out of a 13" barreled 6.5 handgun. Scroll down a little so the bullet identification comments will be visible.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8217678@N08/510905984/

Rusty

quote:

Seafire, any new bbls lately for you?

the only "New' one I have been motivated to order lately is the 17 Fireball for my Savage 12 BVSS...I am also waiting for a new Stock for my 116 Savage, which is taking about 16 to 18 weeks total...

other than that, been busy with other daily life chores... .. we all know how that goes.....