6.5x47 range report

[MDM]

I was able to shoot the first rounds through my new build today and it looks promising. It's deer season here, so this was just a quick test with 3 shot groups, so don't ream me.

Specs
Savage 110 action
27" McGowen bull contour 8 twist
Choate Tactical
Vortex Viper 6.5x20x44

All loads are Varget with 123 Scenars .005 off the lands. Temp 30.deg 2-3 mph light breeze.

37.0g Vel. 2879, 2886, 2861 ES - 18
37.2g Vel. 2886, 2904, 2892 ES - 18
37.5g Vel. 2917, 2911, 2917 ES - 5
37.8g Vel. 2930, 2923, 2930 ES - 7
38.1g Vel. 2969, 2936, 2943 ES - 33
38.4g Vel. 2976, 2976, 2976 ES - 0 WOW!

It was a short little test, but I got some good info. Think I will pick the 3 best for ES and move out to 300yds.

 

[M14AMU]

600 yd 5 shot group! It does quite well with 40 grs. Varget! I called the two at upper left!

 

[Erik Cortina]

MDM, don't get fooled by ES; small ES is good, small SD is better, small groups are best!

Let us know how it does at 300!

 

[AusFclass]

did someone say 6.5x47's dont shoot?? nice work!! ;D

 

[7mmmag]

Did your barrel break in with about 20 shots? I am looking at a set up like this very nice.

 

[MDM]

The barrel broke in in about 6-7 shots. Almost no copper after the 20rnd session.

Here's a question: I didn't have any pressure issues as far as ejector marks or primer flattening. However, I did have stiff bolt lift a few times. One round at 37.5g, one round at 37.8, and one round in the 38.4 group. It wasn't consistent because there was no sticky bolt lift in the 38.1 charge. It left me scratching my head, but the brass looked good on everything.

 

[coupalr]

Just a warning if you intend to use the 123scenars for hunting, DON'T. Both deer I shot with them had about a 1/2" hold through them. If you are going to use them make sure you hit some bone.

 

[MDM]

This is a tactical rig for hunting steel. I don't think I would want to tote it around too far, it weighs 16 lbs with the bipod. Only allowed shotguns here in Ohio anyway.

 

[ChrisNZ]

Just a warning if you intend to use the 123scenars for hunting, DON'T. Both deer I shot with them had about a 1/2" hold through them. If you are going to use them make sure you hit some bone.

Couldn't agree more.
I've been using them on various small stuff and they pencil straight through.
Must have hard jackets.

I'm used to Sierra Palma 155s which have butter-soft jackets and was expecting similar expansion but they're a totally different animal

Chris-NZ

 

[MDM]

5 shots at 265yds...just a fuzz over .5" I think it likes 37.8g of Varget. I tried 300yds, but the mirage made it pointless, so I moved in a bit tow where the terrain yelded zero mirage. I need some better weather for some more extensive testing. It was 20 degrees and cold.

 

[k6ctw]

If you want some real excellent results for a tactical gun, I would recommend you try the 130 Berger VLD. I have had superb luck with it and H-4350. Just remember to jam them at least 10 thds.

 

[hawghunter]

Good shooting it looks like you have a keeper keep us inform

 

[Erik Cortina]

If you want some real excellent results for a tactical gun, I would recommend you try the 130 Berger VLD. I have had superb luck with it and H-4350. Just remember to jam them at least 10 thds.

k6ctw, you wouldn't call those excellent results with the Lapua Scenars?

MDM, I would say you have a good load, settle on it and go practice. Practice will serve you better than trying to squeeze out more accuracy, because at some point, the shooter becomes the limiting factor in accuracy!

 

[DennisH]

If you want some real excellent results for a tactical gun, I would recommend you try the 130 Berger VLD. I have had superb luck with it and H-4350. Just remember to jam them at least 10 thds.

K6, jamming .010 also works for me. If you don't mind what's your charge?

 

[MDM]

If you want some real excellent results for a tactical gun, I would recommend you try the 130 Berger VLD. I have had superb luck with it and H-4350. Just remember to jam them at least 10 thds.

k6ctw, you wouldn't call those excellent results with the Lapua Scenars?

MDM, I would say you have a good load, settle on it and go practice. Practice will serve you better than trying to squeeze out more accuracy, because at some point, the shooter becomes the limiting factor in accuracy!

I agree. That's a sub .25 moa group at 265yds and I don't think I can shoot any better. I might do one more test to vary the seating depths, but it seems to be capable of sub .25 moa where its at.

 

[mytwo60]

Very nice shooting. Gotta love Savage rifles. I have one in a 260. Right now I am trying to put 10shots inside of 1.5" at 300yds. My best group right now is 10 shots right at 1.6".

When you get a chance try shooting groups of 10 shots. You will know real soon what your rifle is capable of. ;D

 

[MaxOwner]

MDM; What are ya using for brass?

 

[Erik Cortina]

MDM; What are ya using for brass?

I would assume he is using Lapua 6.5x47 brass.

 

[Steve Blair]

MDM, I would say you have a good load, settle on it and go practice. Practice will serve you better than trying to squeeze out more accuracy, because at some point, the shooter becomes the limiting factor in accuracy!

Erik is absolutely right. We both know, all too well, that the shooter is usually the limiting factor.

 

[MaxOwner]

MDM; What are ya using for brass?

I would assume he is using Lapua 6.5x47 brass.

Ooopps. I was thinking it was an old cartridge design as opposed to the 6.5X47 Lapua.