Hornady American Gunner 6.5 Creedmoor 140 BTHP
I just returned from a 4 day Precision Rifle training Class at K&M Precision in Finger TN. I shot a custom 6.5 Creedmoor bolt gun and used Hornady American Gunner 140 BTHP ammunition. I used the factory stated BC of .580, the box stated 2690 fps and it chrono'd 2710 in my rifle at about 40 degrees in ballistics calculator.
I have shot about 400 rounds of this ammunition with good results out to 500 yards at my home club. In general, it has been a 3/4 inch 5 shot group load in my custom bolt rifle and a 1+ inch 5 shot group load in my Bergara HMR (the Bergara shoots other 6.5 CM at 3/4 inch - it does not prefer the AG load).
I was able to shoot consistent 3/4 inch groups on the 100 yard dot drills at the course with the Hornady AG 6.5 140 BTHPs.
We confirmed our dope out to 1200 yards. The AG 140 BTHPs shot to the ballistics chart out to 1000 yards the first day. After 1000 yards, I had to add more elevation to hit at 1100 and 1200. Instructors said the AG 140s were not really match ammo so they were not surprised I had issues past 1000.
I shot 425+ rounds of the Hornady American Gunner 140 BTHPs over the 4 day course with no issues and I do not think I missed any shots due to ammunition. On the last day we had a mock match with 8 stations. At one of the stations we shot the 1000, 1100, and 1200 yard targets again and I hit at 1000 but was "high" at 1100 and 1200 using my dope from Day 1 - I suspect the ammo was shooting to the ballistics charts all along and the "dope" issue on Day 1 was me and not the ammo.
The price on this ammo has increased recently but still seems to be a good (best?) deal for 6.5 CM "match". I plan on keeping 400 rounds of it on hand for future class or competition use. I also am building up my 6.5 CM brass in case I choose to reload for the 6.5 CM.
