What Are Your Thoughts on the Berger 156 6.5 PRC Bullet?

Ammunition & Reloading
1

I’ve been doing a lot of research on the Berger 156 grain bullet for the 6.5 PRC and I’m hoping to gather some insights from others who may have experience with it. The 6.5 PRC has been gaining popularity, and I’ve heard some great things about the performance of these bullets, but I still have a few questions.

Looking for Real-World Performance

  • Accuracy: How accurate have you found these bullets to be at various distances?
  • Terminal Ballistics: For those who hunt, how do these bullets perform on game? Have they proven to be effective in terms of expansion and penetration?

Reloading Considerations

  • Powder Recommendations: What powders do you recommend for reloading these bullets? Any specific recipes you’ve had success with?
  • Seating Depth: Any tips on seating depth and how it affects performance?

General Observations

I’m particularly interested in how the Berger 156 compares to other options out there for the 6.5 PRC. If you’ve also tried other bullets, how do they stack up?

Thanks in advance for your input! Looking forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts and experiences.

2

I’ve been using the Berger 156 6.5 PRC bullet for a while now. The ballistics are impressive, with a flat trajectory and great energy retention for long-range shots!

3

Absolutely! I find that with the right load, it performs excellently even past 700 yards. Do you have any specific ranges you like to shoot at?

4

I’ve shot deer and hogs with the 6.5 PRC. The terminal performance is amazing, making quick work of game. It really holds up during penetration.

5

That’s really encouraging to hear! I’ve been considering it for mainly deer hunting. What distances do you typically take your shots?

6

Good question, cody68! I usually stick to around 300-500 yards for my hunting, but the 156 has the capability to go much further with the right conditions.

7

Ballistically, the 6.5 PRC is designed for long-range performance, but some say it has a soft recoil, making it great for target shooting too. Worth considering!

8

I agree with lrogers! It’s impressive to see how it maintains speed and energy downrange. Has anyone done a velocity test at varying distances?

9

I had a friend run some tests. He found that the Berger 156 retains a lot of its energy up to about 800 yards! Definitely a solid choice for serious shooters.

10

I think people sometimes overhype the Berger bullets. They’re good but require careful handloading to truly shine. Anyone else experience this?

11

That’s an interesting take, edwardsdaniel. I actually find them quite forgiving with factory loads. Maybe it’s the rifle or the setup?

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12

A bit of humor here—if the Berger 156 worked as well on a Monday morning as it does at the range, we’d all be on target! :blush: Who else feels a struggle at the start of the week?

13

I’ve been experimenting with the Berger 156 6.5 PRC for a while now. For powder, I’ve had great success with H1000. It’s so consistent and really brings out the accuracy of these bullets.

14

I’ve heard good things about H1000! Has anyone tried Reloader 26 with these bullets? Wondering how they compare.

15

Reloader 26 has worked well for me with the Berger 156. The velocity gains are impressive, but make sure to keep an eye on the pressure – it can spike quickly!

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16

Good point about pressure! I’m curious, what’s everyone’s go-to seating depth for this bullet? I’m finding mixed results.

17

I usually start around 0.020" off the lands and tweak from there. It seems to give me the best accuracy across different barrel brands.

18

Thanks for sharing! Have you done any comparison testing at different depths? I’m wondering if it’s truly worth the effort.

19

Yes, I did a few tests up to 0.050" off the lands. The accuracy difference was minimal, but the bullet jump may affect your consistency.

20

Consistency is key! I’m also keen to know about case preparation techniques – any tips? I’ve heard lap brass can make a difference.

4 Likes