6.5 xc

[Hayes]

My experiences with the 6.5xc cartridge over the past 10 months indicate this cartridge is doing everything the 6.5-08 is doing with an effective barrel life of what certainly appears to be 4500-5000 rounds, as opposed to the 2500-3000 rds one is likely to see with 6.5-08. I am a highpower shooter so slow fire only, may yield even better barrel life than I am seeing . I am using Kreiger 8 twist barrels with a finished length of 26 inches.The reamer was made by Pacific , the dimensions are nothing more than the 6xc with a .297 neck. The following data is for a new barrel.
I am using 107 smk @ 200 yards with 36 grs. Varget @ 2880-2900 fps with Winchester .250 savage brass and a standard rem. lg. rifle primer.

123 Lapua @ 300 yards with .250 savage brass and 38.6 grs of H4350, Rem 9 1/2, velocity of 2800-2815 fps. This bullet will shoot @ 2910 also at 300 yards and 2940-2950 at 600 yards .

I am currently using the Lapua 139 gr with formed .243 Lapua brass and a Rem. 9 1/2 with 38.3 grs. H4350 at 2730-2750 fps for 600 yards.

I've also used the 130 Norma extensively @ 2800-2820 fps for 600 yards, same components and the 140 Berger @ 2700- 2720 fps.

The 139 is the best shooting bullet in this velocity range. Sierra 142 should also work around 2725 fps. I have More data with other bullet and powder combinations but what I have provided thus far seems to be the best I've used.


Through 2200 rounds on the first barrel the throat has moved .050-.060 depending on the bullet being used.

I have since had the leade portion of the reamer shortened specifically for the sierra /lapua ogive radius, minimum jump out of the magazine,TUBB) was the motive.The second barrel has 700 rounds through it and has not moved since it was broken in.

The round at this point is a great performer at 600 yards having significantly greater barrel life than the 6.5-08 while acheiving nearly the same velocities.
The issue of economics is generally a factor for most of us,especially when it comes to replacing barrels and this caliber delivers both performance and longevity along with excellent case life.
One interested in the 6.5 x 47 can expect to see very similar results.

Phil Hayes

 

[Forum Boss]

Nice Post Phil. Thanks for the report.

This does give us some idea of what we might expect with the 6.5x47. I think that will prove a very effective round with either the 123gr or 108gr Scenar.

Lapua has also indicated to me that they believe a 6.5 chambering will yield better barrel life than the hot-rod 6mms.

 

[Northman]

For those interessted, can read this: http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/Assault.htm

Some interesting cartridges there, and look at his conclusion..

 

[Raptor]

Do you guys think a 6.5XC or the 6.5X47 would make a good 1000yd cartridge??? I was thinking along the lines of a good tactical rifle.

I needs to hit steel hard enough to hear it clearly at 1000yds. I was looking at one shooting the 123s. I think you should have more retained energy than when shooting the 107s in the 6MMs, plus better barrel life. It just seems my 6XC is on the weak side at 1000yds for steel.

I guess I am trying to find a round that will give me 3000+ round and still have good wind bucking capabilities. Thanks guys!!!!

 

[Hayes]

Sir,

I would be inclined to use a 6.5-08/.260 with something in the 140 gr. range for 1k particularly if you're shooting at steel. Using the xc case,6.5) with a 123 is marginally better than using a 6mm 107 in terms of energy at that distance. I personally would not waste the time to put a rifle together in that caliber for that kind of shooting at 1k. The .260 gives you more room to work with using heavier bullets,2800-2820 fps), approximately 700 to 750 ft.lbs at a thousand yards and obviously less wind drift .

Phil Hayes

 

[Raptor]

Thanks Phil,
I have a 260 now and the 6XC. I have had several 6.5x284s as well and they are the best for what I like to do but I was shooting out a barrel a summer and just can't afford that.

I just got my 260 back after having the barrel set back on it. At 1700+ rounds the barrel is showing some bad heat cracking. I am looking for more barrel life and am now thinking along the lines of a 6.5x55 and use the slow burning powder but only push it to around 2750fps and maybe get another 1000rds more than my 260s do. Thanks!!