6.5 x 47L Project, your thoughts...

[270guy]

Hi All,
Ok I'm heading down the road of building a rifle for the first time, and looking for some feedback please. I'm building the rifle as a Hunting rig first, part time target rifle (in hunting guise) 2nd. The rifle will most likely end up suppressed (screw on overbarrel), some of the time.
Here is is how I see it coming together...
Trued 700 short action ADL, interested to hear views on sleeving the bolt? 22" barrel, in #3 contour, haven't finalised maker yet Lija, True Flight (NZ), other? Must be price competitive and easily obtainable here in New Zealand. Also any views on Lija 3 land vs 6 land barrels? Hunting style stock from McMillan / HS Precision or some one else (need to sell off kidney, as these are Pricey here!!!!). Using 120 to 140 gr projectiles, to shoot Red/ Fallow/ Sika Deer, Ferral Goats, Small game, and Tahr. Optics, thinking hard on 2 scopes and a quick detach system. Trying to keep total weight down to less than factory Sako75 Hunter in .270. cheers for your thoughts.

 

[sparker]

You know how on airline flights, the seat cusion turns into a floatation devise? Likewise is a rifle meant to do everything. Build a rifle to do something exceptionally well. You will not be disappointed.

Scott Parker
Bakersfield CA

 

[JabaliHunter]

If you don't already have an action that you are going to work on, why not look at a Barnard SM with Barnard's own trigger - a perfect match with Tru-Flite barrels? The rifle might come out a bit heavier, but there isn't much harm there.

You could save weight with a Manners, Robertson or MacMillan Edge stock. Otherwise the MacMillan M40/HTG is a nice one. Moderators will add ALOT of weight to a lightweight build. I also think you will be disappointed if you try and go the "part-time" target route with a #3 barrel.

As a comparison, my 6.5x47 build is using a Stiller Predator and select match grade Lothar-Walther Super Mag Sporter barrel (1.23" to 0.88" down to 0.72" at muzzle) finished at 20" and threadcut for a moderator (probably a Quicksilver or Roedale Precision for light weight). I don't expect the all-up weight with Swaro scope and moderator to be less than 9.5lb but it is not a hill rifle, so I don't care.

 

[Rem06]

you get a 6.5x47L shooting 130/140Berger's, you'll hang up your .270!
forever!

 

[ChrisNZ]

As a Kiwi, here's what I'd do:

Barnard SM repeater with a med weight TrueFlite SS barrel fitted into a full-carbon PSE stock. This thread gives you an idea of how the stocks are made:
http://www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?1575-New-Composite-Rifle-Stock.-SA-Howa&s=43367ed06f02f80f0aa619632ecf41ba

Here's my little toy, in fact a pic from yesterday:

It's an SPS Rem with a PSE Rem stock and local suppressor.
The stock weighs exactly 1.5lbs and is incredibly stiff. Greg Duley compared it side by side in a vice with a McMillan Hunters Edge and it had noticeably better torsional stiffness, despite being lighter. It comes fully inletted so isn't weakened by inletting. Also has a more vertical pistol grip (better for prone shooting), a decent cheek weld and a much better forend for bipod use

Chris-NZ

 

[270guy]

Sparker, rifle won't be expected to beat Target shooters with target rifles, just shoot at targets by me . With the 6.5x47L accuracy it should be able to bring a smile to my face, and shoot "minute of animal" better than most.
JabaliHunter, in a perfect world I would go for the Barnard, but at $1325 + tax + bottom metal & mag its getting up there for me. I do have a rem700 action already. The McMillan stocks are $1100 here, HS Precision $825. Barrel / fitting / action truing/ = $1100 to $1350, depending on which barrel and who does the work. I know you get what you pay for, but I'm on a tight budget. Brass is around the $250 for 100, S type dies $280......(All NZD$) Can you here the violins ;D I will carrying and climbing with it, so trying to keep weight down, where possible.
Rem06, Hmmm 6.5x47 Laupua Guy, just doesn't have the same ring to it ;D. The way the cost keeps going up, might have to sell the .270 .
ChrisNZ, how long to get the PSE stock from Ireland? Is that a standad SPS or has it got a different barrel & is it 6.5x47L? Poor little rabbits!
Heres a pick of prospective target. This was shot in late Nov'10, with the .270

cheers all.

 

[ChrisNZ]

The maker took about 3 weeks to make it and 5 days to post it out here.
The rabbit gun is a std SPS .223 but with the mod and skim-bedded in the PSE stock, it's easily puts three into 3/4" and often 1/2", this with just bulk 50gr SPs.

A trued ADL action would probably be OK for your needs- maybe contact Harvey Westland in CHCH as he does heaps of that sort of accuracy/BR machining.

(I do have a Barnard S-actioned 6.5x47 but that is a different story.. )

Chris-NZ

 

[Bnhpr]

My comments:

6,5x47L is a wonderful round
#3 contour is quite light to consider any benchrest shooting, put a heavier bbl on. Otherwise, don't bother any action work.

If you put a heavy bbl on:

Bush the firing pin
True the action on a mandrel (15 minute job)
Throat it for 123 scenar bullet to 130 VLD

 

[270guy]

Bnhpr - nope not building a BR rifle, just taking advantage of good BC / good performing long range projectiles in accurate case, that will fit short action, and not burn out barrel with sensible loads.
Would consider going to #4 contour, if could get enough velocity out of 22" barrel to stabilise 140 gr projectiles.
ChrisNZ - can I hear more about your Barnad SM 6.5x47L, how heavy, and whats it for (Animals/targets). I'm envious, but out of my price range, on this build. Isn't it a little heavy?
cheers

 

[Larryh128]

You can also use a #4 barrel & flute it to a #3 weight while still maintaining the stiffness of the heavier barrel. : On the other hand, I have a couple #2 contours that are lights out shooters for hunting rifles (one is a 270). To try & answer the 3 groove vs 6 groove issue to some degree, barrel life is supposed to be better in a 3 groove barrel and I suspect that velocity will be slightly better as well.

 

[ChrisNZ]

270-

It's just another toy I had to have. Took a few snaps 20mins ago on the wrong pedestal..

Components:
Barnard S action (as you know) and Barnard 17MOA rail
1 in 9 twist 27" Shilen barrel (only coz if was sitting there spare)
McMillan Hunter BR custom stock
Rifle Basix 3-lever trigger at approx 8oz
Nightforce 8-32 NSX scope

Weighs 11.8 lbs so really too light for serious F-Class but I will have a play if we ever get the electronic targets going at the new range..
Load I've settled on is 38grs Varget behind the 123 Scenar. MV averages 2945 and it's very accurate- bugholes at 100 and the only group I shot further out was 0.9" at 392 yds

Chris-NZ

 

[270guy]

ChrisNZ,
you have some nice "Toys". I'm considering Shilen or Lija or Trueflight, and thinking of going for maybe #5 contour, and a little shorter. Try to balance it a little better for hunting, with a stiffer barrel. I wish I could just pop in to the local 6.5x47L shop and pick one out :. I'm sure whatever I settle on, will still bring a smile to my face.
cheers

 

[Rem06]

here's an idea?
6,5x47 Lapua
peredator action
badger detachable bottom
mcmillan HTG stock
5.75 broughton 5c 8tw
NXS 5.5x22x50 NF rings 20MOA base
13.8 lbs loaded w/o sling or bipod
140Bergers and very accurate

 

[270guy]

here's an idea?
6,5x47 Lapua
peredator action
badger detachable bottom
mcmillan HTG stock
5.75 broughton 5c 8tw
NXS 5.5x22x50 NF rings 20MOA base
13.8 lbs loaded w/o sling or bipod
140Bergers and very accurate

Divorce would be cheaper, but not as much fun Although a bit on the hefty side for carrying it on foot in the Southern Alps, here in NZ. How long is the barrel please?

This is a build on a fixed budget, with no allowance for over spending. Unfortunately thats the way it has to be. I'm having fun though.
cheers

 

[ChrisNZ]

270Guy-

Clearly most non-Kiwis have no idea what the terrain is like in the NZ Sthn Alps.
Gun bearers aren't readily available either

My std deer rifle is a T3 SS and that is really what you want weight-wise in that terrain. Under 8lbs is good. Anything over 10lbs and you'd need to be a heavily built, extra fit and/or very keen.

Chris-NZ

 

[w123driver]

Since I am in a total love with my 22x47L, I had my my gunsmith built 6.5x47L with 20" McGowen medium sporter barrel and Stevens 200 action with SSS trigger. I am still working on the stock, my first stock I cut entirely from claro walnut slab with hand tools. Took me forever, but I am almost done! The rifle weighs 6.6 pounds and should make very nice deer gun for this season. 22x47L did great job on deer, but it has 26" barrel on heavier side and weighs nearly 11 pounds with the scope. There is something magic about 6.5x47L in all its iterations. I have Savage target action sitting in my drawer; it will probably will become 6-6.5x47L

 

[Rem06]

How long is the barrel please?

26" this is a set up and shoot out to 1k at deer/antelope gun. i do have a .243 win featherweight as a deer carry piece. It is just a thought and an idea on weight.

i know a friend in Colorady that has excellent results with the Kimber Montana.

http://www.kimberamerica.com/rifles/model-8400-wsm-calibers/montana

 

[270guy]

ChrisNZ - My main hunting rifle is a Sako75 Hunter in, well of course, .270. "We" have made the trip south a couple of times, with good results. I'll be happy if this project turns out lighter than the Sako.
w123driver - Looked into starting with a Savage action, but the importer only has single shot target actions, as actions only. What projectiles are you looking at with your 6.5x47L? and what velocity are you hoping to get?
Rem06 - I looked at a Kimber 260 Montana, but the barrel looked just too skinny for my liking. It would be great in the Alps though.

Well sold my suppressed CZ527 Kevlar varmint, so I'm well and truely committed to this project.

 

[w123driver]

I had my smith throated the chamber for 120 grain Hornady Amax. He has nearly identical setup (his is 1 in 8" rate of twist, mine is 1 in 8.5) and getting around 3050 fps with 39 grains of Reloader 15.

 

[270guy]

w123driver - Wow, that sounds plenty fast enough. I'm going 1 in 8, and want to try a few projectiles over the 120 to 140 range. Thanks for the reply Your 22x47L sounds interesting too!