Description

Why This Load Exists

Precision shooters don’t compare brands blindly.
They compare variables.

The Federal Gold Medal 140gr Berger Hybrid Target load exists to separate:

• bullet design

• loading philosophy

• execution consistency

While maintaining the same bullet weight as the 140gr ELD-Match reference load.

This makes it indispensable for controlled comparison.

The Berger Hybrid — Geometry Matters

The Berger Hybrid Target bullet is known for its:

• blended tangent / secant ogive

• forgiving seating depth tolerance

• high ballistic coefficient without excessive length

This design often behaves differently than long secant-only match bullets—especially in rifles with:

• factory chambers

• standard freebore

• non-custom barrels

That difference is the point.

Federal Gold Medal Execution

Federal’s Gold Medal line is built around:

• Berger bullets

• Gold Medal match primers

• Federal brass

• carefully formulated propellants

The emphasis is on process consistency, not velocity chasing. This makes the load especially valuable when evaluating:

• ES / SD differences

• seating sensitivity

• rifle-specific preferences

It is widely used in PRS and precision competition—not because it always wins, but because it is predictable.

How This Load Is Used in the Gold Country System

This ammunition is used to:

• compare Berger Hybrid vs ELD-Match behavior

• study wind drift differences at equal weight

• evaluate seating tolerance in factory rifles

• act as a control load alongside Hornady Match

When shooters ask, “Why does my rifle prefer this bullet?” — this load helps answer that question.

What This Load Will—and Will Not—Do

This load will:

• provide excellent long-range consistency

• highlight bullet geometry differences

• perform well across a wide range of rifles

• serve as a reliable comparison standard

It will not:

• outperform every 140gr load in every rifle

• replace a reference baseline

• eliminate rifle-specific preferences

Its value lies in contrast, not dominance.

Referenced In:

• Shooter’s Edge Magazine — Issue No. 1
  Ballistics Bench — Geometry vs Weight

Related Compendium & Technical Notes:

• 6.5 Creedmoor Cartridge Master Compendium

• 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle Master Compendium

• TN-11 — Factory Ammo Consistency Studies (6.5 Creedmoor)

• TN-08 — Velocity Window Optimization

Specifications

• Brand: Federal
• Manufacturer: Federal
• Manufacturer Part #: GM65CRDBH2
• UPC: 604544662436
• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Bullet: Berger Hybrid Target
• Bullet Manufacturer: Berger
• Grain Weight: 140 gr
• Rounds Per Box: 20
• Case Quantity: 10 boxes (200 rounds)
• Condition: New
• Product Type: Rifle Ammunition
• Intended Use: Precision / Match (Control Load)