6.5x47 Lapua and N550 results

[Erik Cortina]

Finally had time to go out and work up a load for my 6.5x47 Lapua and N550

When I first started testing N550, I noticed that it had a really wide accuracy window, about 2 grains. Another thing that I really like is that it is a fine powder so it meaters really well out of my RCBS Chargemaster so there are hardly ever any overthrows, it also "throws" really accurately from a Harrel's BR powder thrower!

So after some testing, I settled on 39.8 gr. of N550 using 139 gr. Lapua Scenars. I can get 2900 fps. from a 30" barrel with really good ES/SD numbers. ES is 14 and SD is 4 for 15 shots over a Ohler 35P Chronograph.

Here is a picture of a 1000 yard target shot last Sunday (3/6/2011) at Bayou Rifle Club during a match. The mirage was horrendous since this was shot about 1:00 PM, I had to back the scope off to about 20 power to be able to make out the lines on the taget. The wind was not super strong but it was switchy with very heavy mirage, I don't know if I can attribute the vertical 9's to the load or the heavy mirage, but looking at the rest of the shots, I would have to attribute it more to mirage than to the load.

 

[DennisH]

Were you jamming the 139's?

 

[Erik Cortina]

I'm seating them 0.020" into the lands.

 

[limbic]

It works well in my 260 and 6BRX. I'm fond of the VV powders.

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

Nice shooting Erik, are you pointing the 139gr Scenars?
I too think the 139gr Scenars and the 6.5x47L are a perfect match up!

Ian

 

[Erik Cortina]

Nice shooting Erik, are you pointing the 139gr Scenars?
I too think the 139gr Scenars and the 6.5x47L are a perfect match up!

Ian

Yes, I'm pointing the Scenars.

 

[Steve Blair]

Yes, I'm pointing the Scenars.

At the target?

 

[270guy]

Yes, I'm pointing the Scenars.

At the target?

They might be "Homing" Scenars? ;D

 

[DennisH]

Nice shooting Erik, are you pointing the 139gr Scenars?
I too think the 139gr Scenars and the 6.5x47L are a perfect match up! Ian

I guess I am going to try the 139's Lapua's in my 6.5x47!

I would love to buy about 25 or 30 of them if anyone has any to spare!

Or maybe trade for something I may have!

I can trade the following: 6mm's, 308's, 6.5's, 338's, and some 22's I use for my 22-250!

 

[Erik Cortina]

I'll send you a few, PM me your info.

 

[DennisH]

Info PM'd

Thanks, Dennis

 

[DennisH]

Eric, thank's for taking the time and helping me! After shooting 130's yesterday and RL17, looks like Lapua 123's are going to be the bullet for my gun.

UNLESS the 139's changes the above statement!!!!!!!!

It's nothing to be proud of, but below is my results with the RL17, H4350 and Varget still produce the better groups!

I might load a few with a lower charge, it may tighten the two groups of the left side of the picture! But I am not going to try too hard until I get the 139's!

 

[Erik Cortina]

If the 123 gr. Scenars shoot good, don't change what ain't broke!

Let us know how the 139's shoot, I think you will be pleased!

 

[DennisH]

You will be the first to know, Dennis

 

[7run]

just wondering the twist rate on your barrel. is 8.5 fast enough to stabilize the heavier bullets or is a 8 needed. thanks

 

[Erik Cortina]

just wondering the twist rate on your barrel. is 8.5 fast enough to stabilize the heavier bullets or is a 8 needed. thanks

I'm not sure, I have always shot 1:8" twist. If you are ordering a barrel, get a 1:8" twist, if you already have a 1:8.5" twist barrel, all I can say is try it and see if it works.

 

[DennisH]

I'm not sure, I have always shot 1:8" twist. If you are ordering a barrel, get a 1:8" twist, if you already have a 1:8.5" twist barrel, all I can say is try it and see if it works.

Sounds like a plan!

 

[coues52]

using some of ERIK,s suggested loads with my 6.5x47 it shots.the Amax,s very well..123 amax w/37.5 varget chono 2890fps...140 amax w/RL-17 41.5.. upon Erik,s suggestion picked up some N550 will be trying it this weekend w 140 amax,s 38.0-41.5..all coal 2.730 (throat is 2.740) also using cci-450 primers..~Danny