140gr Speer Gold Dot in 6.5 Creedmoor

Published on November 1, 2018
Duration: 22:03

This video details the reloading and testing of 140-grain Speer Gold Dot bullets in 6.5 Creedmoor. The presenter, Johnny, provides insights into powder selection (Alliant Reloder 16), optimal seating depths for different firearms (Thompson Center Compass and an AR-10), and extensive ballistic gel testing. The results highlight excellent bullet expansion and weight retention, making the Speer Gold Dot a recommended option for hunting.

Quick Summary

The 140-grain Speer Gold Dot bullet in 6.5 Creedmoor offers exceptional performance for hunting. Tested with Alliant Reloder 16 powder, it demonstrated outstanding expansion in ballistic gel, splitting into five petals while maintaining its bonded core integrity. With approximately 23 inches of penetration and excellent weight retention, it's a highly effective round.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 140gr Speer Gold Dot in 6.5 Creedmoor
  2. 00:29Powder Selection: Alliant Reloder 16
  3. 01:42Overall Length & Seating Depth: Compass vs. AR-10
  4. 02:37Primers, Brass, and Prep
  5. 03:05Bullet Seating Challenges & Observations
  6. 04:07Seating Die and Comparator Usage
  7. 05:00Cartridge Base Ogive Measurements
  8. 06:05Bullet Variation & Sorting Considerations
  9. 07:07Range Test: Thompson Center Compass - Accuracy
  10. 07:30Compass Load 1: 41.3 Grains Reloder 16
  11. 08:15Compass Load 2: 41.7 Grains Reloder 16
  12. 09:05Chronograph Battery Issue & Fix
  13. 09:27Compass Load 3: 42.1 Grains Reloder 16
  14. 10:19Compass Load 4: 42.5 Grains Reloder 16
  15. 11:01Compass Load 5: 42.9 Grains Reloder 16
  16. 11:44Range Test: AR-10 - Accuracy
  17. 12:05AR-10 Load 1: 41.3 Grains Reloder 16
  18. 12:54AR-10 Load 2: 41.7 Grains Reloder 16
  19. 14:07AR-10 Load 3: 42.1 Grains Reloder 16
  20. 14:12AR-10 Load 4: 42.5 Grains Reloder 16
  21. 14:47AR-10 Load 5: 42.9 Grains Reloder 16
  22. 15:40Ballistic Gel Testing Results
  23. 15:43Gel Test: Expansion and Petaling
  24. 16:05Gel Test: Weight Retention & Penetration
  25. 16:14Comparison: 22 Caliber Gold Dot Gel Test
  26. 17:01Recovered Bullet Weights & Gel Contamination
  27. 18:15Brass Inspection: Pressure Signs
  28. 18:58Group Summary: Thompson Center Compass
  29. 19:24Group Summary: AR-10
  30. 19:40Max Velocities & Powder Capacity
  31. 20:02Overall Bullet Performance & Value
  32. 20:20Comparison: 22 Caliber Gold Dot Performance
  33. 20:28Future Bullet Testing & Hunting Considerations
  34. 21:38Next Video Preview: Sierra Game Changer

Frequently Asked Questions

What powder is recommended for reloading 140-grain Speer Gold Dot bullets in 6.5 Creedmoor?

Alliant Reloder 16 is highly recommended for reloading 140-grain Speer Gold Dot bullets in 6.5 Creedmoor. It demonstrated excellent consistency, accuracy, and manageable pressure signs throughout the testing process, yielding single-digit standard deviations in velocity.

How does the 140-grain Speer Gold Dot bullet perform in ballistic gel testing?

The 140-grain Speer Gold Dot bullet performs exceptionally well in ballistic gel, showing beautiful, outstanding expansion that splits into five petals. It maintains its bonded construction without core-jacket separation, achieving approximately 23 inches of penetration and retaining most of its weight.

What are the optimal seating depths for the 140-grain Speer Gold Dot in 6.5 Creedmoor for different firearms?

For a Thompson Center Compass, a maximum overall length of 2.9 inches was used, providing about 20 thousandths of jump to the lands. For an AR-10 with a 10-inch barrel, a shorter overall length of 2.810 inches was utilized, resulting in a 55 thousandths jump to the lands.

Is the 140-grain Speer Gold Dot bullet a good choice for hunting?

Yes, the 140-grain Speer Gold Dot bullet is considered an excellent choice for hunting. Its robust bonded construction ensures deep penetration and controlled expansion, leading to devastating terminal performance on game animals like deer.

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