6.5 Cruise Missile - subsonic?

[TRX]

I've been looking at the Whisper stuff again - long, high sectional density bullets, loping along just subsonic. The idea is that they carry a lot of energy downrange without having the extra drag of supersonic flight, or going through the instability zone as they drop below subsonic at extreme range.

Long, high sectional density... that sounds a lot like the infamous 6.5 "Cruise Missile" mold that so many people have been frustrated by.

It might be very interesting for someone to try loading a Cruise Missile down to 1000fps or so...

[Nobade]

Cast from nearly pure lead and driven by a couple grains of Bullseye from a '96 Mauser they make very effective close range pest control bullets. Quieter than my air rifle with impressive penetration.

[lavenatti]

May not stabilize at those speeds. I tried a few with 3 grains of bullseye and got some keyholing at 50 yards.

They were still pretty accurate, even when flying sideways.

[Jim]

TRX, funny you should mention that as I was thinking about that just last night.

Nobade, care to share any specific data you might have?

[TRX]

I bought a 1:8 Shilen barrel for a 6.5 project rifle. Shilen recommended 1:9 for under 130 grains, 1:8 for over.

[Nobade]

My 1:8 twist 260 won't shoot them, they keyhole. But the 1:7.5 or so Swede '96 works very well.

As for data, it is going to depend entirely on the dimensions of your barrel and throat, and with what alloy you use for the boolits. I believe I was able to go as low as 1.5gr. Bullseye in my '96 before I stuck a boolit in the bore. But I was using about pure lead, and my rifle is like new with a very tight (for a '96) throat. If you barrel is worn it'll sure take more. Just start somewhere, maybe 4 grains, and go down until the boolits don't get out of the barrel. Then go back up to where it's accurate.

[lonnydk]

I use 8.5 grains of unique with the cruise missle for about 1200 fps with no gas check in a model 96.

When I first tried this load I was amazed at how accurate it was. It is my goto load, no changes.

[rjathon]

I use 8.5 grains of unique with the cruise missle for about 1200 fps with no gas check in a model 96.

When I first tried this load I was amazed at how accurate it was. It is my goto load, no changes.

With that load could you lube by shaking around with liquid Alox?

[lonnydk]

You bet! And no leading. But I do use the LLA JPW and thinner 45-45-10 mix and a very thin coat.

I shoot lead with this lube in ALL my guns except 5.56 with no gaschecks and 1250 fps max and have no leading except a small amount in the 9MM. I try to keep it simple........and inexpensive.