6.5 x 47 Lapua 40 degree Improved (AI)

[tooter]

I'm thinking of doing a new barrel chambered for 6.5 x 47 Lapua for my switch barrel BAT. Over the years I've had exceptionally good experiences with Ackley Improved chambers in various cartridges/calibers. I especially like the case life longevity and the incremental MV increase.

With that said, has anyone out there done an AI like chamber configuration for the 6.5 x 47 Lapua cartridge? If so I'd appreciate your inputs like: did you have a chamber reamer made? what are FB and throat dimensions (I haven't contacted D Kiff yet)? what twist rate for 120 to 140 gr. VLD style bullets? best powder choices? Any thoughts on 8 vs. 8.5 twist performance differences?

Oh, my main interest will be the quest for consistent accuracy and punching paper at long ranges.

Thanks in advance,

Tooter

 

[MATSUBOB]

I had a 6.5x47 AI put toghther for me this spring on a Lawton action with a 8tw Brux barrel. Did a lot of load testing and had super results with Berger 130 VLD bullets, rem 7 1/2 primers, and 40.5g H4350.
Bob

 

[texote]

Where did you find dies?

 

[LCazador]

I have both a 6X47L and a 6.5X47L , 40 degree , both rifles are 8 twist . Powders I use are Re-17 and Re-15 , outstanding performance from both at 600 yards plus . I had Neil Jones do the dies . If you're going to shoot 140's , 8 twist .

 

[tooter]

For my 6.5x47 L Ackley, I'm using a standard Redding 6.5x47L competition seating die #55479 along with a bushing die reamed from a Newlon Precision blank. Got the bushing die from a smith near Dallas that built it for a friend who no longer needed it. Can't remember the shop's name but the owner/smith goes by the nickname "Stick" (a really great guy).

++ on the 130 VLD Bergers

 

[TxBoy]

Tooter: it is Stick Starks at S&S Precision in Argyle, TX. Great guy to deal with

 

[tooter]

Hey TxBoy, right-on! Yes, it was Mr. Starks ----- he went way out of his way to retrieve this die from his friend in order to help me out. He also offered advice to prep for hernia surgery to avoid any possibility of staph infection ---- it worked, I had the surgery without infection!

Thanks much for the memory refresh.

Tooter

 

[texote]

Tooter

Yea stick is my gunsmith! He has an improved reamer that I was thinking of having him chamber.. He's a really good guy and will do anything yo help you out.