6.5x47 Lapua Reloading

[rkittine]

I am going to work up loads for my 6.5x47 Lapua. Barrel has a 1:8 twist, no turn neck and the freebore was done to allow 120-130 grain projectiles. Rifle has only had about 40 rounds through it testing with some factory Lapua ammo with 123 grain Scenar L projectiles. I shot enough and reloaded 130 VLDs in 5 cases three times and sent the fired cases to Whidden and have custom dies for this rifle.

I have the following projectiles:

123 Grain Lapua Scenar L
123 Grain Sierra Match King Closed Tip (Pointed)
123 Grain Don Lahr Precision Ballistics
130 Grain Berger VLDs

I have the following powders:

H4350 - Plenty
IMR 4350 - Plenty
Varget - Some
RE-17 - Some

I have the following Primers

CCI BR4s
CCI 450

I think I really want to try the Sierra 123s.

I talked to Sierra and they told me they had tested these with the 4 powders that I have. They told me their ranges with BR4 Primers are as follows: (and that CCI 450 would be fine also)
H4350 34.5-40.3
IMR4350 32.5-39.5
RE-17 34.5-39.7
Varget 29.5-35.6

Anyone have experience that they would like to share?

Thanks Bob

 

[X-Caveman]

130 VLD @ about .02" longer than touch, 40.0gr of H4350 & a CCI450 is a pretty standard load. That's what I loaded for a new build that I'll pick up soon. You may load a few starting a little lower and building up to 40.0 just to be safe, but I'd be shocked if that load didn't product pretty darn good accuracy from the get go.

 

[260AI]

I own several 6.5x47's, and each has it own favorite. My short barrel (21") likes the following load:

• 130 Berger VLD Hunting
• virgin brass
• CCI 450
• 41.4 gr H4350
• 0.015” jump
• 2780 ft/s, SD=7.1 (6 shots)

My long barrel (26") likes the following load:

• 130 Berger VLD hunting
• CCI 450
• 40.8 gr H4350
• touching lands
• 2870 ft/s (yes, it's a light load but it shoots so good - I hit a 15" gong at 1238 yards on my 2nd shot [took a bit more windage, but elevation was good])

Another load that has worked well in several rifles (sub-MOA groups) is:

• 130 Berger VLD hunting
• CCI 450
• 38.2 gr RL15
• distance relative to the lands varies by rifle, and I don't have good measurements

These are safe loads in my rifles, but remember to follow safe reloading practices when developing a load for yours.

 

[rkittine]

Thanks guys. I am looking forward to seeing what my rifle and I can accomplish.

Bob

 

[Sixgun]

What are your freebore numbers anyway?

 

[STRSRLVR]

I ran 36.5-37.5 varget with the 130 VLD or OTM in my 6.5x47 chambered by Beanland. Freebore was .170. Tried H4350 but you will need a drop tube to avoid crushing powder.

 

[rkittine]

Free bore is .165 Can't seem to find a Berger Hybrid in 130 grain. Aren't the hybrids easier to tune then the VLDs? I am using Berger 105 Hybrids in my 6mm.

 

[david kieffer]

Free bore is .165 Can't seem to find a Berger Hybrid in 130 grain. Aren't the hybrids easier to tune then the VLDs? I am using Berger 105 Hybrids in my 6mm.

Bob . don't limit yourself to the light bullets , 8tw with .165 fb will run 140s fine .good luck . dave

 

[STRSRLVR]

I didn’t have problems tuning either of them. On the Mark has the OTM hybrids in stock and so does midway. https://www.google.com/amp/s/shop.o...R-Match-AR-HYBRID-OTM-TACTICAL-500.html?amp=1

 

[rkittine]

Thank you. I did not look under Tactical, only match / target. I figured when I got some throat wear, I would move up to the heavier bullets. The gun shoot factory Lapua 123 Scenar excellently. For me at least.

Last year at Williamsport I shot with Andy and his Sierra 107 grain 6mm projectiles in his 6x47. I won my really for group. They were Closed End (tipped) and this is why I want to try some of the 6.5s with the closed tip.

Bob

 

[North Fork]

When you are all dun with the light bullets try the 140 gr Berger elite

 

[rkittine]

I never considered 123 grains really light, but next up will be 130s. Then maybe some 140s.

Bob

 

[Gman]

In my 6.5x47L, I shoot the Lapua Scenars which are 123 gr. I use around 37.0 gr of Varget with CCI450 primers. Roughly 2770 fps.

The Scenar "L"s are 120 grain. (in 6.5 caliber) I haven't shot any of those yet.

 

[germanlongbow]

Krieger 1x8.5 twist 25 inch length barrel. Varget 37.2 gr Fed 205 M primer Lapua brass Berger 130 gr 10Thousands into lands. 2855 fps.

 

[rkittine]

I have 205Ms, 450s, and BR4s as well as Varget and 4350. For this outing I am going to stick to one powder / primer combination. So I will see what we can come up with with H4350, BR4s and the Sierra Closed Tip 123s.

Bob

 

[M14AMU]

15shot by Sharps Man, on Flickr

38.2 Varget

 

[DennisH]

4 rounds @ 100 yards, unbelievable load @ 600 yards

 

[260AI]

I have 205Ms, 450s, and BR4s as well as Varget and 4350. For this outing I am going to stick to one powder / primer combination. So I will see what we can come up with with H4350, BR4s and the Sierra Closed Tip 123s.

Bob

I would suggest you go with Varget instead of H4350. H4350 is a bit slower burning, and with a lighter bullet like the 123 gr, you won't be able to reach max velocity before compressing the powder charge. Varget will allow you to reach max velocity without having to compress the powder. I've found this to be the case on all my 6.5x47's.

 

[MrMajestic]

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/6-5x47-at-300-yards.3976448/

 

[rkittine]

I will bring both to my outing as I have quantities of both.

Bob