6.5x47 Lapua 142 SMK and Varget

[usmc1986]

I realize this load combination may not be optimal. I've seen some 4350 loads. Curious if anyone has a recommended safe low starting charge weight for Varget and this weight projectile?

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

I used to run 38.5gr of Varget with the 139gr Scenars for a velocity of over 2920fps. I now run 38.2gr of Varget with the same bullet for around 2900fps.

A safe load is a tricky question as it depends on chamber size and action. I use a Barnard Model P (single shot, bolt action) with a chamber for the long 140gr projectiles. A safe starting point may be 37.5gr of Varget if you have a good action and chambered for the long bullets. Whatever you do start low and work up and if you have a chamber for the shorter bullets then this info is not for you.

Ian

 

[usmc1986]

Thanks Ian. The "start low" is my question. How low should be safe pressure wise?. 37.5gr is a good load for 130's and 123's for my Surgeon RSR action, although 38.3 is better for the 123 Scenars. My leade/freebore is "not long" so I was thinking somewhere around 36-36.5gr should keep me in safe pressure limits to start.

I measured seating depth last night, and created a dummy round that will keep me out of the lands to begin with, and should allow me to remain uncompressed, we'll see. These are TMS rounds from David Tubb, throat maintenance only. I want to maintain safe pressures to fire 2 of these rounds about every 200 rds or so. This is not going to be a standard round for me to use. The 123 Scenars and 130 Berger VLD's benefits far outweigh what I could achieve ballistically with the 142's in the 6.5 Lapua round. 6.5 Creedmor or .260 Rem would be a different story.

 

[johara1]

I ran the 140 berger out of a 28" Kreiger with 42 gr. Rl-17 wolf smp at 2968 for 10 es was around 15 and the group was .388, no hard bolt lift. I would start a little lower..... went with the JLK's 130 at 2950 with 41.8 gr. of RL-17 it shoots in the low 2's. vertical is under 4" with both loads at 1K.....jim

 

[280man]

I would drop down to 33 grains to be safe and that should work fine for your purpose. Are you planning to run these thru a custom barrel?

 

[usmc1986]

280 Man. I decided to drop down to 35.5 it worked well. Yes this is on a Krieger 8 twist.