6.5 x 47 lapua basics

[dttheliman]

Hi ,

Looking at finding a couple of starting points for 6.5x47L (Surgeon 591/24"Bartlein 8 twist) , about the only book source is the berger manual / but research across various websites shows loads way in excess of published max load data generally - looking at 140gr Hybrid match - problem is I dont want to shoot the barrel out trying to find an acceptable load.

So here are the real questions:

I have H4350 / Varget / R15 / H414 / XBR8208 / IMR4064 / LeverRev / Benchmark / Tac / CFE223 / Autocomp etc

CCI 400 and 450's

140gr Berger Hybrids
140 ELD-M
130ELD-M
140 SMK
123 ELD-M

Lapua new brass

I am thinking I should be tinkering in the 130 to 140gr area (because the 8 twist) - what are the thoughts around powder type / starting weights and finding nodes - this is hurting my head - OCD and overthinking will do that

Thanks in advance

Tim

 

[dsculley]

Try the 140's with 40.7 gr H4350 & CCI 400. Start low and work up, but that should be a good node for you. You may need to adjust up or down 0.1 gr due to chamber differences but this should work for you.

Dennis

 

[CTK]

I would start with H4350. Berger data has good starting loads. I would question exceeding their max loads without working up. I was able to exceed their 6.5x47 loads slightly without obvious pressure signs. I hit pressure prior to their max loads in my 280 AI. Email them and they will give you their most current data.

 

[dttheliman]

Appreciate the advice (and I'll save the 130's for my grendel) , just one more question then about this interesting little round - should I start with seating the projectile just on the lans - all other calibers I normally started at col(ish) spec and got a shooting round then started messing with ogive length - I have plenty of mag room to do this , and my thinking here is start here , find the node then experiment with seating depth?

Thanks
Tim

 

[hogpatrol]

I had my best accuracy with Berger 130 HVLDs jammed, BR4s and RL17. I couldn't equal the results with any 140 gr. bullet.

 

[CTK]

I would not discount the 130's. I am about to try the 135 Berger Classic Hunters. My 6.5L is a hunting rifle with a 23" Bartlein 2b contour. Have found good luck with 130 VLD and H4350. I had this built for Whitetail deer under 400y. High BC is a plus but not necessity for this application. You may have read that this cartridge hides over pressure well. You will see some pretty hot loads posted.

 

[CTK]

I had my best accuracy with Berger 130 HVLDs jammed, BR4s and RL17.

Ever try the 205M? I have been exclusively using CCI 450's. Wondered if should branch out or leave well enough alone. Use Br 2's in my 280AI. Cannot find 210M. Have 215M and 205M.

 

[hogpatrol]

Ever try the 205M? I have been exclusively using CCI 450's. Wondered if should branch out or leave well enough alone. Use Br 2's in my 280AI. Cannot find 210M. Have 215M and 205M.

Did not try the Feds. You will have enough gas for deer out to 700. Beyond that it get's iffy.

 

[CTK]

I would start with H4350. Berger data has good starting loads. I would question exceeding their max loads without working up. I was able to exceed their 6.5x47 loads slightly without obvious pressure signs. I hit pressure prior to their max loads in my 280 AI. Email them and they will give you their most current data.

Edited to clarify statement about exceeding Berger max loads.

 

[CTK]

Did not try the Feds. You will have enough gas for deer out to 700. Beyond that it get's iffy.

I am getting about 2800 accurately with the 130 HVLD.

Have not taken a field shot over 400 or so with any rifle. Plan to some day but need a little more experience with the wind. May get a chance to shoot my first Antelope this year. Will probably take my 6.5L instead of my 280AI.

 

[hogpatrol]

My Brux barreled #3 is 8.5 twist. Sweet spot is 2850.

 

[CTK]

I looked in my log and found these keeper 100y groups. The 120 TTSX hit pressure @ 40.5gr h4350 and 2700fps. The other group was a seating depth test for the 130 VLD @ 37gr h4350. Know these are cherypicked groups at low velocities but the 6.5x47 has the potential to shoot very well. These were out of a sub 7lb hunting rig.

 

[boltfluter]

38.0 Varget, 130 Berger VLD, CCI-450 primer drives tacks in my rifle. Seated .010 into lands. Be sure and work up to this. Have fun.

Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[dskogman]

What are you going to do with it? For 600-1K competition 140 Berger Hybrids with somewhere around 40gr of H4350 are the favorite by a large margin. For 600 and under competition, 120's and 130's will work if the wind isn't too bad. Something a little faster like Varget will not fill case as much and shoots well. Hunting is another ball game.

 

[dttheliman]

I have access to a 1.2k private range, and also will be looking at some 300 - 600yard F class in the not too distant future ... hunting ? well its mainly hog / coyote eradication around here and mostly within 200y the 6.5 grendel with sst's has fun there!