6.5x47 & N555

[bbarber25]

Scored an 8lb Jug of VV N555 that I’m planning on running in my 6.5x47, I’ve got 140 Hybrids, 130 and 140 VLD’s and some 139gr Vapor Trails.

VV doesn’t list the 47 on their web page for load data, closest thing is a creed, was curious if anyone has any experience with this powder and cartridge? I’ve shot H4350 exclusively in my last two barrels but couldn’t pass up the chance to try the N555.

Thanks,

BB

 

[Laurie]

N555 is likely a tad too slow burning for the 6.5X47L. If you look at Viht's online data for the 12 or so cartridges that have loads for N150/550, N555, and N160, you'll a large gap in maximum charge weights between 550 and 555, and almost nothing between 555 and 160.

N555 works well when you go up a case size to 6.5 Creedmoor, 260 Rem and 7mm-08. In the 6.5X47L, I'd think you'd be into seriously compressed loads before achieving full working pressures in the mid to high 50,000s psi. If this powder behaves like other N500 grades, its consistency will be poor at lower pressures.

Incidentally, N555 seems to need vigorous ignition too. I had excellent results trying it in standard LP Lapua 7mm-08 brass and extremely poor results on switching to my SP/small flash-hole fully prepped match brass (reformed 308 Win 'Palma'). All other things were kept the same, fired in the same rifle. A compressed load in the SP-only 6.5X47L may therefore suffer a second disadvantage. (Something for SP 6.5 Creedmoor users to consider too.)

 

[FeMan]

I have no experience with N555 in the 6.5x47 but ran it in QL. As Laurie suggests, it appears far too bulky. At a load density of 107% (which will require a long drop tube, patience and a long throat, QL shows it still under 2800 and pressures in the low 50k range.

If you try it, let us know how it goes.

 

[nakneker]

I've played with N555 for a weekend in a couple 6.5 creedmoors I have. Shooting 140 bergers that weren't seated that deep resulted in a very compressed load. I know they say this powder is perfect for the Creedmoor case but my first go around left me wondering if it isn't a bit too slow. Accuracy and velocity was good. I need to go back to playing with it but I'm wondering if it isn't a really good powder for something with a bit more powder capacity and heavies.

Anybody try this in a Saum yet?

 

[Laurie]

Anybody try this in a Saum yet?

Funny you should ask that. I've just been wondering how it'd perform in the 300 SAUM with the 195 Sierra or Berger 200 Hybrid.

 

[nakneker]

Funny you should ask that. I've just been wondering how it'd perform in the 300 SAUM with the 195 Sierra or Berger 200 Hybrid.

I'm gonna try it in my 7 Saum and 180s, please share your results if you try it out in a 300 Saum, I'm curious!

 

[bbarber25]

Easily attained 2,800fps with a 140 Hybrid and very little "crunch", ladder testing showed it wanting it to be around 2,780. That puts it around 41grs in my rifle.

 

[johara1]

I used VV555 in a 6.5x47 with 140's and it was scary fast..... So fast I quit using it. I can't and don't even want to remember the load.... jim

 

[Gil P.]

I just got one pound of N555 to try in my 6.5x47. You need a drop tube like RL 16.

6.5x47 Lapua, 26" barrel, 1/8 twist, 139gr Lapua Scenars, CCI 450 primers. 101 degrees outside.

38.5gr 2566 fps
39.0gr 2672 fps
39.3 gr 2688 fps
39.6gr 2703 fps
39.9gr 2712 fps
40.1gr 2730 fps
40.4gr 2754 fps

Load was getting close to being compressed at 40.4gr using a drop tube.

No pressure signs.

 

[Laurie]

I'm gonna try it in my 7 Saum and 180s, please share your results if you try it out in a 300 Saum, I'm curious!

Yes, it works fine in the 300 SAUM with the 200gn Hybrid. I settled on 58.8gn N555 in R-P brass - runs at 2,825 fps in a 30-inch barrel. I don't run the SAUM particularly 'hot' as it's my usual mid-range F-Class rifle.

 

[nakneker]

Yes, it works fine in the 300 SAUM with the 200gn Hybrid. I settled on 58.8gn N555 in R-P brass - runs at 2,825 fps in a 30-inch barrel. I don't run the SAUM particularly 'hot' as it's my usual mid-range F-Class rifle.

There ya go! Thank you. I’m gonna try it in my 7 Saums, thanks Laurie!

 

[Gil P.]

I used VV555 in a 6.5x47 with 140's and it was scary fast..... So fast I quit using it. I can't and don't even want to remember the load.... jim

Could you comment more on this? Do you remember about how much powder you used? Did you use a drop tube?