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6mm BR Norma (115 GR Berger Bullets Data)

Warning! Notes: Case trim length: 1.5498; barrel length: 24"; COAL: 2.441". WARNING - Approach maximum loads with caution.(Berger Bullets Reloading Manual 1st Edition)

Cartridge History

6mm BR Norma (115 GR Berger Bullets Data)

The 6mm BR Norma, though originally designed for bullets in the 90–108 grain range, has shown surprising capability when loaded with heavier high-BC bullets such as Berger’s 115 grain VLD Target. While this bullet pushes the performance envelope for the cartridge’s modest powder capacity, careful load development and attention to barrel twist rates (typically 1:7" or faster) allow precision shooters to extract impressive results at long range.

The 115-grain VLD Target is a sleek, boat-tailed projectile with an outstanding ballistic coefficient (G1 BC ˜ 0.595), optimized for stable flight beyond 1,000 yards. This increased weight and BC offer flatter trajectories and better wind resistance, though they come at the cost of reduced velocity and tighter case capacity margins. Pressure signs become a key consideration due to the limited internal volume of the 6mm BR case, particularly when seating the long 115 VLD into the lands or near them.

Popular powders for this bullet weight include Vihtavuori N140, H4895, Reloder 15, and IMR 8208 XBR. With a 26" barrel and proper tuning, typical charge weights range from 27.0 to 29.0 grains, producing muzzle velocities between 2650 and 2750 fps. The use of small rifle magnum primers (e.g., CCI 450 or BR-4) is common to promote consistent ignition with heavier loads. Brass life may be slightly reduced due to higher pressures, so many shooters anneal regularly and monitor for signs of case head stress.

Seating depth experimentation is especially critical with the 115-grain bullet due to its long ogive and overall length. Many shooters use a chamber with extended freebore to accommodate the full length of the projectile without compromising powder space. In a standard chamber, it’s often necessary to seat the bullet deep and reduce the charge slightly to stay within safe pressures. Tuned setups using the 115 VLD have been reported to achieve sub-½ MOA groups and exceptional vertical dispersion control at 1,000 yards, making it a viable contender for serious long-range competition.

Though not the most forgiving setup in the 6mm BR family, the combination of Berger’s 115 grain VLD Target with this cartridge delivers exceptional downrange performance when properly balanced. It’s best suited to custom bolt-action rifles built for F-Class, PRS, or long-range steel matches where every advantage in BC and consistency counts.

Source: Berger Bullets reloading data and long-range competition load notes

Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.

Wt.	Bullet	Powder Manufacturer	Powder	Charge	Velocity (FPS)
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Accurate	AAC-2495	Subscribe	2334
Remarks: start load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Accurate	AAC-2495	Subscribe	2543
Remarks: max load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	2346
Remarks: start load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	2564
Remarks: max load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	2285
Remarks: start load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	2508
Remarks: max load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	2300
Remarks: start load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	2540
Remarks: max load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	IMR	IMR-4895	Subscribe	2341
Remarks: start load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	IMR	IMR-4895	Subscribe	2595
Remarks: max load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	2354
Remarks: start load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	2582
Remarks: max load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Norma	N-203-B	Subscribe	2344
Remarks: start load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Norma	N-203-B	Subscribe	2579
Remarks: max load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Hodgdon	H-380	Subscribe	2334
Remarks: start load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Hodgdon	H-380	Subscribe	2573
Remarks: max load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Vihtavuori	VV-N150	Subscribe	2314
Remarks: start load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Vihtavuori	VV-N150	Subscribe	2537
Remarks: max load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Ramshot	Big Game	Subscribe	2361
Remarks: start load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Ramshot	Big Game	Subscribe	2616
Remarks: max load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Winchester	W-760	Subscribe	2377
Remarks: start load
115	Berger Match VLD Target or Match Grade VLD Hunting	Winchester	W-760	Subscribe	2628
Remarks: max load