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6.5 123gr bullets

The 123gn Scenar is probably the most widely used target bullet in the 6.5X47L in the UK and gives exceptional results to 800/900 yards. I can't speak for 1,000 as I've not used the cartridge (or .260 Rem) at this distance, but given excellent elevation consistency in both cartridges at 800 and 900 distances, I don't see why it wouldn't perform well there though, particularly as it's forecast to have 1,450 fps retained velocity at this distance from an MV of 3,000 fps. I 'point' my 6.5mm bullets, so would expect ~1,500 fps speeds at 1,000.

I've tried the 123gn SMK at short range alongside the Scenar and found the groups and speeds comparable in my 6.5X47L rifle and barrel, that is very good, the SMK's groups maybe marginally larger with the sole powder I use in the smaller 6.5s, Viht N150.
 
I do not shoot a 6.5X47, but a .260. I shoot the 123 Scenars out to 1000. They are great little bullets and I would not hesitate to shoot them in your caliber. I'm not a match shooter as most on here, but do shoot 8-12 steel plates to a grand with that bullet.
 
The 123 Scenars are THE most accurate bullet in my 1-8.5 Brux #3 6.5x47L; Reloder 15, 450s & Lapua brass.
 
I was just wondering if there was a big difference in shape and length like the .308 155 SMK Palma compared to the 155 scenar. In my experience they have behaved differently and like different twist barrels. I can't find any 123 smk's. I see the 123 scenars in stock everywhere. Just don't want to buy a bunch and they don't shoot worth a affordable healthcare act.
 
The pair are much closer in design than the 155gn 308s. Both are ~1.3 inches length, have near identical tail section angles at just over 7-deg (near ideal) and similar boat-tail lengths, likewise similar nose sections, the SMK slightly longer / more gently radiussed at 10.7-calibres against the Scenar's 10.38. The only significant shape difference is that the SMK has a longer bearing shank at 0.407 against the Scenar's 0.357 inches, probably allowing the latter to be driven a little faster within acceptable pressures.

These measurements are Bryan Litz's from the 2nd edition of his book and he gives them G7 BCs of 0.260 and 0.265, so close as to be possibly due to the tolerances of his experimental measuring methodology.
 
bogusname said:
I see the 123 scenars in stock everywhere. Just don't want to buy a bunch and they don't shoot worth a affordable healthcare act.

I've yet to meet anybody whose 6.5X47L doesn't like the Scenar. The 130gn Berger VLD now - on the face of it potentially the optimum bullet for the cartridge - is almost the exact opposite with most people I know who've tried it having little success and hardly any turning out to be fans.
 
Laurie said:
bogusname said:
I see the 123 scenars in stock everywhere. Just don't want to buy a bunch and they don't shoot worth a affordable healthcare act.

I've yet to meet anybody whose 6.5X47L doesn't like the Scenar. The 130gn Berger VLD now - on the face of it potentially the optimum bullet for the cartridge - is almost the exact opposite with most people I know who've tried it having little success and hardly any turning out to be fans.

Laurie, Just curious, are the problems with group size, ES/SD or just plain won't shoot consistent? Mine does fairly well with the 130VLDs with RL17, BR2s and Lapua brass. I shot an 1&1/4 three shot group at 500m last time out. I don't shoot matches or benchrest so don't know if that's good or bad in that context.
 
I need to start by saying I just got mine and still tuning....but I think I'm really going to like the new 136's.

The circle I shoot in all shoot either the 130 match VLD or 140 hybrids. So I thought I'd split the difference. ;D
 
In order of accuracy in my rig its Scenar, Berger, SMK in the 123 gr. weights using RL-15 & BR-4's.......... Scenar & Berger jammed. Tried SMK's at various depths and it never shot as well as the other two. Again this result is in my rig. Your rig may vary. Do you think the Scenars price might have something to do with availability ;)
 
hogpatrol said:
Laurie, Just curious, are the problems with group size, ES/SD or just plain won't shoot consistent? Mine does fairly well with the 130VLDs with RL17, BR2s and Lapua brass. I shot an 1&1/4 three shot group at 500m last time out. I don't shoot matches or benchrest so don't know if that's good or bad in that context.

Groups. That's in three 6.5s (6.5X47L, .260 Rem, and 6.5X55mm) 1-8" barrels from True-Flite and Bartlein. I wondered if I was just unlucky as I've had excellent results from Berger VLDs in .22, 6mm and .30 calibre cartridges, but most 6.5X47L owners I've spoken to, and we have a lot on the UK shooting scene, say the same thing. I'm running a 6.5mm Hornady Creedmoor in right now, so maybe 4th time lucky!
 

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