24" 6.5x47?

[liltank]

Would I be losing any significant performance going with a 24" barrel? It will be used for varmints and f-class. Probably shoot 140's or 123smk/a-max. Not looking for super high velocity, just good accuracy. If I decide to go creedmoor, then plan on going with a 26".

 

[Erik Cortina]

Would I be losing any significant performance going with a 24" barrel? It will be used for varmints and f-class. Probably shoot 140's or 123smk/a-max. Not looking for super high velocity, just good accuracy. If I decide to go creedmoor, then plan on going with a 26".

You'll be fine.

 

[liltank]

Thats what I wanted to hear.

 

[243DH]

Hate to ask, why would u want a 24" 6.5x47, but need 26" for the 6.5 creedmoor? The creedmoor will be faster then the 47 any day with same length barrels and same weight bullets.

 

[flatlander]

I'm used to seeing respectable velocities out of my 6.5x47s, but with 28" & 30" bbls. If you're thinking of shooting 1000yd f-class, I'd sure want something longer than 24". If you've already got a bbl, and it'll only finish at 24", then go with it. But if you're ordering something just for this project, why not go with a barrel length that will help maximize performance? I'm sure there are other considerations, and some guys just flat don't like long barrels - especially if they're thinking of mounting a suppressor later. One thing about a relatively small case like the 6.5x47 - you're probably not going to lose as much percentage of your velocity with it as you might with a larger cartridge like the 6.5x284 by going with a shorter bbl.

 

[liltank]

I've kind of got it stuck in my head its not really going to gain much from 24" to 28 or 30" due to the case capacity. Using a mild powder like RL15, Varget, BLC-2, and the like will more than likely reach its max potential from 24-26" from what I gather through years of reading. If I go this route, I plan on a 1.125" to 1.100" taper on a Savage target action. It will be very stiff. Plan to use for varmint hunting and think it will look pretty freaking cool with a Nitride coating and manners or if I can come up with the money an XLR stock.

My cousin has a 28" and does very well with it performance wise. This year will be its first year to compete. So I'm kind of anxious to see how it does. He is pushing 140gn Berger Hybrids in the mid 2700's with it. I would more than likely go the route of 123 SMK's or 123 A-max. I did build a .308 with a 28" barrel and it does very well, but the velocity gain is very minimal.

The reason I want to go with a longer barrel on the Creedmoor is due to the boiler room. It obviously has a larger powder charge requiring a longer barrel for better burn on the powder. If black powder has taught me anything, its making sure you get a complete burn for accuracy. So I feel a 26" would benefit the Creedmoor to reach its max potential. It's not that I am against a long barrel, just not ready to build a bench or front rest specific rifle. I have an 18" .308 with a 1" contour that i carry for hunting. That rifle is stupid accurate to 900+ yards. Using Power Pro 2000MR, I can get a velocity of 2571 out of the Berger 168 Hybrid w/o any issue. Kills deer pretty good too! ;D

So that is my reasoning. Your welcome to share your thoughts on any of this!

 

[Chuckhunter]

Tank, I shoot a 6.5X47 with a 24" Kreiger barrel, strictly a hunting rifle for deer and antelope. I shoot a load of 130 Berger Vld's in front of 38.7Gr's. of N-540. This load gives me a M.V. of 2889 and will shoot consistently under 2 inches from a Bi-pod in a hunting situation @ 500yds which is as far as I can shoot here in the Poconos. Very flat with low Es and Sd's. You should be good to go.

 

[liltank]

Hi Chuck,
Thanks for the info. Will take that into consideration.