Question on max loads for 6.5X47 Lapua-Different published data?

[MoneyWaster]

I'm looking to build a precision rifle in 6.5X47 Lapua and I've been doing some research on loads. Looking at Berger's data and comparing that to the 6.5 Guys data located here:

http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/65x47/

I note the following differences:

Bullet - Berger 130 gr. VLD
Powder: H4350
Berger Max Load: 39.7 gr. achieving 2790 in 24" barrel
6.5 Guys Load: 42 gr. achieving 2875 in a 26" barrel


Bullet - Berger 140
Powder: H4350
Berger Max Load: 38.9 gr. achieving 2698 in a 24" barrel
6.5 Guys Load: 39.6 gr. achieving 2790 in a 26" barrel

Obviously I expect higher velocities out of a 26" barrel vs. a 24" barrel, but clearly the 6.5 Guys published loads are over Berger's recommended max load. For those who load for the 6.5X47, do you shoot loads that exceed what Berger recommends as Max? Is this safe?

Lou

 

[dskogman]

Berger's numbers are conservative. 40g of H4350 will get around 2820-2850 in a 30" bbl which as about the max I have run and seen others use. Some lots are hotter than others. 42g is a compressed load unless you have a loong freebore. I had to switch to Varget for the lighter bullets (120's). Start with Berger's number and work up.

 

[MoneyWaster]

40 gr. with which bullet? The 130 or 140?

 

[MoneyWaster]

I'm guessing the 140 considering the 6.5 guys list 2875 for the 130 in the 26" barrel. Duh........

 

[DHuffman]

The h4350 becomes compressed past 40 grains and a lot of people shoot up into the 42's believing the small primer case can handle 60k psi+

I went up to 42.3 once and was definitely getting some bolt lift and flat primers with 130's, it shot dead flat no vertical above 42 but you could tell it had to be hard on the brass. I thought the best accuracy was down around 40.1- 40.3 anyway and shot it there.

I switched to Varget for my new barrel, 36.7 g in a 26" tube is getting 2890 fps. I think berger max is 35.9 and Hodgdon is 36.1 so I'm a little over max but the primers look good and I'm not getting any bolt lift. As everyone says start low and work.

 

[MoneyWaster]

Thanks for that info 6.5creed. Out of curiosity, why the switch to Varget?

 

[MoneyWaster]

The other question that I have is how does a guy whose handle is 6.5creed wind up shooting a 6.5X47? lol

 

[Grimstod]

Thanks for that info 6.5creed. Out of curiosity, why the switch to Varget?

Varget has a cooler sounding name.

Ok seriously now. Bergers book is very conservative. Your brass though will be able to take a harder beating about four firings in as the head starts to harden. If you want a really fast node then redo load development after 4th reload. H4350 and any powder of that burn rate seams to give me the best speed with 140s

 

[MoneyWaster]

Only 4 reloads on Lapua brass? That doesn't sound too promising.

I hate load development. I'd rather just shoot.

 

[22DASHER]

Only 4 reloads on Lapua brass? That doesn't sound too promising.

I hate load development. I'd rather just shoot.

Re-read previous post. Basically grim stated that case head will harden after first few firings and handle more pressure so you can hit a higher velocity node after that happens. Case isn't trashed in four firings, just able to tolerate higher pressure better.

 

[MoneyWaster]

Yep, you are correct. I didn't process that when I read it. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Grimstod]

Yes this is a little known affect mostly know only to the veterans. I am not a veteran, I just have a veteran for a mentor.

 

[MoneyWaster]

And now I know! I appreciate the info Grimstod.

 

[savagedasher]

I feel books or data sheets at only safe guidelines . And everyone should use them as such . Larry

 

[kyreloader]

40-40.2g of H4350 seems to be where most shoot 140g Hybrids in F-class.

 

[Eric Leonard]

I love the 130 VLDs and with the lot of H4350 I have I can pretty much just fill the case and seat the bullet,,I was shooting 42.8 at 2980 last time I checked it,,28 inch Bartlien 5R

 

[rotts4u]

40-40.2g of H4350 seems to be where most shoot 140g Hybrids in F-class.

I have been shooting 6.5 Lapua for about 2 years now in two different rifles. I ended up at 40.6 on one of them and in a longer F class gun with 140 hybrids I shoot 40.2g H 4350. I am close to 2800 ish range

 

[gat]

Hope this doesn't sound like total B.S. But I have two 6.5x47 Lapuas one on a long action 700 with a 27" barrel and I load 43.5 gr of H4350 with 130 Berger Hunting VLD for a velocity of 2980fps.There are no signs of pressure at all. If there was more room in the case I think I could go another 1/2 - 3/4 grain before any pressure sign became evident. The second is a short action 700 with a 19" barrel sort of a patrol type rifle. I shoot the exact same load in it but it does flatten primers a little but not badly. It chronos at 2875 fps. I could not believe I only lost around 100 fps with 8 inches less barrel but have verified both rifle velocities numerous times! Most of my friends rifles pressure out around 41 grains or so with 130's so when they see this rifles speed and accuracy with 43.5 grains it causes a lot of head scratching!

 

[DHuffman]

Thanks for that info 6.5creed. Out of curiosity, why the switch to Varget?

Sorry I never got back to this! I switched to Varget to get away from the compressed load, before everyone starts in that 40.1 is not compressed I would say not much but was still getting a crunch when seating.

The other reason was to save the H4350 for my 6.5 Creedmoor as hard as H4350 is to come by lately.

 

[DHuffman]

The other question that I have is how does a guy whose handle is 6.5creed wind up shooting a 6.5X47? lol

I shoot a couple of them too!