01-11-2025, 03:50 PM
I have definite reservations on bear creek, having owned one and compared with faxon, monster, et al.
But this is not about that; if you have chosen, we'll let it be.
I would definitely say get some factory 103's, if you can get them locally then pop open the box to find a lot# with gold primers, vice the silver ones -- they have been more accurate for me in my barrels. But if not locally then shop on ammoseek to find the best price+vendor combo (some vendors/sellers are very marginal at best, imo).
Another possibility is the 108 eldm -- although not listed as a hunting round, it has been accurate and at 6 Arc velocities can perform well.
Both of these 103/108 have good BC and velocity over shooting distances so they are viable.
I don't like the 95 sst b/c even at 243 Win velocities it doesn't give any exit wound (I had that result in one doe I shot a couple years ago) -- some of the heavier sst's work ok but the 95-er not so much... if you want to do 95 -- and it is a decent grain weight for 6 Arc/20", then look at either the 95 nosler ballistic tip, or the berger 95 vld hunter. There's also a classic hunter but the vld gives you a good combo of OAL and speed/BC. Or even the 90 gr Sierra tgk... fast and a good choice; BC 0.490.
The other disadvantage of the 95 sst is it is a flat base and stubby ogive --> low BC of 0.355 (loses Vel and ke quickly), so takes up a lot of room in the 6 Arc. Limits your case capacity. I have gotten them up to 2800-ish/ 20" barrel but for all the reasons I go with either the berger or nosler for a 95-weight.
For your arc I would also suggest use a Lee factory crimp die to keep your bullet/OAL constant in the AR's banging and slamming around. helps your accuracy and repeatability.
But this is not about that; if you have chosen, we'll let it be.
I would definitely say get some factory 103's, if you can get them locally then pop open the box to find a lot# with gold primers, vice the silver ones -- they have been more accurate for me in my barrels. But if not locally then shop on ammoseek to find the best price+vendor combo (some vendors/sellers are very marginal at best, imo).
Another possibility is the 108 eldm -- although not listed as a hunting round, it has been accurate and at 6 Arc velocities can perform well.
Both of these 103/108 have good BC and velocity over shooting distances so they are viable.
I don't like the 95 sst b/c even at 243 Win velocities it doesn't give any exit wound (I had that result in one doe I shot a couple years ago) -- some of the heavier sst's work ok but the 95-er not so much... if you want to do 95 -- and it is a decent grain weight for 6 Arc/20", then look at either the 95 nosler ballistic tip, or the berger 95 vld hunter. There's also a classic hunter but the vld gives you a good combo of OAL and speed/BC. Or even the 90 gr Sierra tgk... fast and a good choice; BC 0.490.
The other disadvantage of the 95 sst is it is a flat base and stubby ogive --> low BC of 0.355 (loses Vel and ke quickly), so takes up a lot of room in the 6 Arc. Limits your case capacity. I have gotten them up to 2800-ish/ 20" barrel but for all the reasons I go with either the berger or nosler for a 95-weight.
For your arc I would also suggest use a Lee factory crimp die to keep your bullet/OAL constant in the AR's banging and slamming around. helps your accuracy and repeatability.