6.5x47 Bullet Selection Help

[minnesotamulisha]

Hi Everyone. I recently bought a Savage barreled action in 6.5x47 that has about 400 rounds through it. The rifle has a Shilen Match 1:8 twist barrel finished at 22 inches. The previous owner supplied me with load data for the 140 Berger Hunting VLDs and Varget.

I will soon begin loading ammo for this rifle and I am looking to change the load due to the unreliable sources of Varget. However, I can find H4350 somewhat regularly, even in 8 pound jugs. I also see that Reloder 15 and 17 are pretty popular in this cartridge, but have found mixed results about the temp sensitivity. With a Nebraska winter right around the corner, I don't want to have to do load development more than once.

The longest range I have access to is 500 yards, which is short for this caliber, but that's what I've got.

The main purpose of this rifle will be for steel and paper. I would love to get into the PRS matches, but that's a year or two away.

Would I be fine shooting the 123 grain MatchKings? Does the 6.5x47 have enough powder capacity to get the 142 SMKs to shoot well for these distances?

Thanks for any help.

Adam

 

[X-Caveman]

Use the same 140 projectiles & primers if they are working well and just switch to H4350. You'll just need a few more grains of powder. I suspect you'll find something in the 39-40gr range (maybe a little more). Generally speaking, I've had better luck with Bergers than Sierras in 6.5x47. Of course, I've tried a lot harder with them, too. If the 140s don't work well enough for you, try the 130 VLDs. It's a proven combo.

 

[Thumper]

My 6.5 x 47 is pickey and the only bullet I can get to shoot decent in it is the Lapua 123 Grain Scenar. Out of a 27" Hart 8 twist I was getting right at 3000 fps with 37.5 grains of RL15 with the bullets seated .010 into the lands. This was choreographed with a Magneto chronograph. I tried the Sierra 123 and they are shorter than the Lapua. There was nothing left to hold onto when I tried to seat them near the lands. I do not know what amount of freebore this reamer had.

 

[FeMan]

Since temperature stability is a key, I would try H4350. I have two 6.5x47's and both shoot 140 hybrids with around 40 grains of H4350 very well. My steel/backup tactical rifle shoots the 139 scenars well too but I have to lower the powder sharge a half-grian or so. How well it does with the heavier bullets will depend a lot on throating of the rifle and what powder it likes, but both my 6.5's love the 140 class bullets.

 

[paperpuncher]

Mine is not picky at all. Ive shot 123gr lapuas, sierras and hornadys with good results. Ive had my best results with the 130 gr bergers. I started with varget but H 4350 works a bit better for me. I havent tried the 142 gr yet

 

[Keith Kilby]

My 6.5 X 47 loves Berger 140 Hybrids....40.2g H4350, CCI 450, 0.015" jump, 28" Bartlein 1-8", chronos at 2825fps. I just got several hundred 130 VLD but haven't started any load work with them.

 

[Hombre0321]

4350 is just about the Go To Powder for the 6.5x47. However you are handicapped with that short barrel at 22" it would seem. 4350 might just be too slow to get it all burned in 22". Might look for some VihtaVuori N140 this powder has just the burn rate that might be magic no matter what bullet you end up shooting.

RS

 

[thejimmster]

Try the Hornady 140gr Amax as well.

 

[minnesotamulisha]

With the 22 inch barrel, would I be better off using a faster burning powder and a smaller bullet to reach a higher velocity? Or would using H4350 with a 120 class bullet give me decent velocities? Or should I not worry about velocity and just look for a combo that shoots well? Maybe the same 140 VLD with a powder similar in burn rate to Varget?

I appreciate all the help.

Adam

 

[Changeling]

Hi Adam, Berger recently came out with a 130 gr bullet that you might want to take a look at.

You can probably get all the information about it on the Ballistics forum on this web site, it sounds very interesting. 8)

 

[FeMan]

Considering your goals; paper and steel at longer ranges, I would say you should stick with the highest BC bullet that your rifle will shoot accurately. My 6.5's will shoot anything I have fed them very well. I shoot LR tactical matches and stuck with the 140 hybrids as they had less drift than the lighter bullets and shot 1/4 MOA. Winning is most often about wind calls as everyone has accurate rifles, and the less drift your load has the higher you will score. As log as the load is accurate, you can dial in whatever drops you need.

 

[fourpower]

h-4350 is the go to powder. i tried imr-4350 gun hated it. i have 1 load of 40gr h-4350 and it will shoot 130-140s bergers great but i got some berger 140 hybreds same load but now shoots them into 1/4 moa at a 1000yds. also have shot out to 1400yds and hit 18in plate 4 out of 5 shots. this gun is a tack driver that i will be deer hunting with this year. ps use cci 450 primers.

 

[captn t]

Give h4350 with 130gr. sierras hpbt a try, they shoot as good as 130 burgers and a bit more price friendly.
Captn T

 

[mao0720]

My 22" 6.5x47 loves 123gr Lapua scenars and reloder 15. This is the only combo I have tried in it and it will shoot .5" groups at 200 yds from an atlas bipod. I got to shoot a few rounds at 800 yds the other day and was pleasantly surprised. 2750 fps out of the 22" barrel put me at 6.5 mils to 800 yds and only .5 mil of wind hold in a 15+mph 3/4 value wind. I might try the berger 130gr AR Hybrids down the line but for now I see no reason to mess with my load.