6.5x47 Lapua Recoil

[nosualc]

I rebarreled a sako 308 (sporter) I had into a 6.5x47L. The new barrel on the 6.5 was a bit heavier (#3?), but the recoil was dramatically less. In a 9lb-ish rifle, 130s are truly a joy to shoot. No brake.

Note that this is hunting rifle, not a target rifle.

-nosualc

 

[Phil3]

Today, I shot a friend's 6.5x47 Lapua. The rifle weighs 14.4 lbs. The recoil surprised me. It was not as bad as expected. I really expected worse. The rifle was shooting 123 Scenars. I was in a T-shirt, so no padding on the shoulder of any sort. While I said earlier I would opt for a muzzle brake, I am leaning the other way now. The 6.5 had more of a firm push to it than the next rifle I shot, a 243 Winchester in a Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR). That rifle was a round one lb. lighter than the 6.5. The 243 was definitely less pleasant to shoot, hitting my shoulder harder I think, but with a notably quicker "hit". The owner said velocity was 3300fps. Not sure that is hot or not, but just mention it here since I had the info.

Since many consider the 243 as having minimal recoil, not sure what to think. Maybe the stock and butt pad on the 6.5 really helped. The stock on the 6.5 was a Stockade "Pairie Dog Special/Tactical" housing a Savage single shot target action and heavy varmint barrel.

The range had a back wall and roof, with side walls at each extreme end. Maybe 12 stations total. Someone was shooting a rifle with a brake. Very obvious. Loud and the concussion was felt. Really didn't care for that, and I was using my best ear plugs under some bulky Peltor ear muffs. That controlled the sound reasonably well, but concussion obviously remained.

Seems to me a heavyish rifle with lighter bullets in 6.5 in a good stock chassis, w/o muzzle brake may work. Plan is to use a XLR Element chassis.

Phil

 

[Preacher]

For no better reason than to be able to spot your own shots is a plus.......

 

[Phil3]

Good point Preacher. As I think about it, I realize why this did not enter my mind while I fired the rifle. Shooting at 100 yards! These were basically overlapping holes in a paper target and it would have been very hard to see new holes even if the rifle was locked down. But, at longer ranges, I could see the benefit. Maybe as some said, thread the barrel and use a brake when truly beneficial.

Phil

 

[CM21VE]

Good point Preacher. As I think about it, I realize why this did not enter my mind while I fired the rifle. Shooting at 100 yards! These were basically overlapping holes in a paper target and it would have been very hard to see new holes even if the rifle was locked down. But, at longer ranges, I could see the benefit. Maybe as some said, thread the barrel and use a brake when truly beneficial.

Phil

I've got or had 3 6.5x47L rifles, one had a brake-didn't move but was Also pushing 22 LBS with optics. I did have one that was built on a trued remington action and a shilen bbl(don't remember exact contour but was not heavy) It weighed about 11.5 lbs with optics and I never had any issues with recoil and it was NOT braked and could still see hits. I think with or without would be fine unless your going titanium or something. If it's in the 10-12lbs range it's a coin flip, I would probably just go ahead and brake it.

 

[Rem06]

For no better reason than to be able to spot your own shots is a plus.......

absolutely correct! if you want to help spot your own shots, break it, my next bbl will have one! at least thread it for now. mine is 13.5lbs and wish I did.

it also kind of depends on scope power somewhat, if I turn my pwr down to @12-16 it helps spotting, but definitely thread it, as I bet you will end up with a break on

 

[dkhunt14]

Today, I shot a friend's 6.5x47 Lapua. The rifle weighs 14.4 lbs. The recoil surprised me. It was not as bad as expected. I really expected worse. The rifle was shooting 123 Scenars. I was in a T-shirt, so no padding on the shoulder of any sort. While I said earlier I would opt for a muzzle brake, I am leaning the other way now. The 6.5 had more of a firm push to it than the next rifle I shot, a 243 Winchester in a Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR). That rifle was a round one lb. lighter than the 6.5. The 243 was definitely less pleasant to shoot, hitting my shoulder harder I think, but with a notably quicker "hit". The owner said velocity was 3300fps. Not sure that is hot or not, but just mention it here since I had the info.

Since many consider the 243 as having minimal recoil, not sure what to think. Maybe the stock and butt pad on the 6.5 really helped. The stock on the 6.5 was a Stockade "Pairie Dog Special/Tactical" housing a Savage single shot target action and heavy varmint barrel.

The range had a back wall and roof, with side walls at each extreme end. Maybe 12 stations total. Someone was shooting a rifle with a brake. Very obvious. Loud and the concussion was felt. Really didn't care for that, and I was using my best ear plugs under some bulky Peltor ear muffs. That controlled the sound reasonably well, but concussion obviously remained.

Seems to me a heavyish rifle with lighter bullets in 6.5 in a good stock chassis, w/o muzzle brake may work. Plan is to use a XLR Element chassis.

Phil

A lot of the difference in recoil could have been stock design. Different shapes,mean a lot in recoil and tracking. It could have also been the difference in the recoil pad like you mentioned. Matt

 

[AckleymanII]

If you want to see your exact impact, put a brake on it, and wear Peltor Tac Electronic 6 Ear muffs(~$70). 6.5x47L turns into a 17 Remington, you seem to shoot it better also.

 

[Steve Blair]

Even with a brake, the vicious, snapping recoil of 6.5x47L rifles is intolerable. I suggest a .221 Fireball, which is enough cartridge for almost anything. A good brake and rifle weight over twelve pounds should produce an enjoyable shooting experience.

 

[hogpatrol]

A lot of the difference in recoil could have been stock design. Different shapes,mean a lot in recoil and tracking. It could have also been the difference in the recoil pad like you mentioned. Matt

I have a 6.5x47 with an H.S. stock, weighs around 6 1/2 lbs. and the recoil is fairly stout, at least to my lightweight frame.

 

[NC308]

Just go ahead and break it! If you wear plugs or muffs (as you should) the noise want be a problem.