Another 6.5x47 powder question...

[Texas47]

Friends,

New guy here from Texas. I have been lurking for a little awhile, and found your forum to be very educational. I hope i can contribute in the future as i learn more.

I had a 6.5x47 built recently with a Kreiger 1:8 26" barrel. I have been to the range a couple of times and tried an assortment of bullets with RL-15 and CCI450 primers. Scenars 123gr on top of 38.8 gr of RL-15 have given me the best results so far. Heavier bullets in the 136 and 140 range have not shot well; but then again, I'm still experimenting.

I have seen many posts out there indicating that Varget seems to do very well with this caliber. Varget is hard to find this days...so is RL-15.

My questions is this...has any one tried IMR4064? Its very close to Varget in my 308... So why is it not being widely used in this caliber? I've yet to come across any data for IMR4064. You would think that if Varget worked so would IMR4064....

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[6xcshooter]

i use imr 4064 in the 6.5 lapua works well. start with 2 grains less than the published data for varget and work up. one of my 6.5 x 47 L loves it with the 123 scenars.

 

[Texas47]

6XC,
Thanks for your reply. This is great because i have a lot of 4064 in my closet.
I have seen a lot of posts where shooters are using 38 (plus or minus) grains of Varget behind the 123gr Scenars. So, 36 grains of IMR4064 should be a good starting point....according to your reply.

Thanks!!

T47

 

[Texas47]

Wow...so, only one 6.5x47 shooter in this forum using IMR4064?

Thanks....

 

[mikegaiz]

try H4350, works for me.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Wow...so, only one 6.5x47 shooter in this forum using IMR4064?

Thanks....

I doubt he is the only one, but when others see that he already pointed you in the right direction, they don't bother to post.

Unless you are looking for truth by consensus, I think 6XCshooter told you what you needed to know.

 

[Texas47]

Mike thanks for your reply. Im having a hard time finding H4350 anywhere. I was wondering if anyone shot with 4064, since i have a closet full of it; yet no data for it.

Erik thanks for your reply. No i wasn't looking for a consensus. I just thought that the purpose of a forum was to exchange different ideas. I thought may be other shooters may have had other experiences with this powder and this caliber. By your statement, every thread in this forum would only have one reply. I do appreciate 6XC jumping in right away and helping me out. Much appreciated.

Im sorry if i was asking for a lot being new here.

 

[Erik Cortina]

By your statement, every thread in this forum would only have one reply.

Only if we all agree.


Look at it this way. The best powders for 6.5x47 are (in no particular order):
Varget
H4350
RL 15
RL 17
N550
N150

You have 4064, which falls around the same burn rate of the powders listed, so go for it! You were already given a good starting point, so simply work up until you see pressure signs and stop. Work up a load for your gun and who knows, it might just work wonderful, in which case you will be set since you have so much of that powder.
There is a guy on this forum that started a thread called "Long Range load development at 100 yards", read how it works and use it to find a good load for your gun. Have fun!

 

[stinnett1981]

I think Brunos has RL17 for sale. Im pretty sure they have 1 and 5 pounders. The only thing you can do is try your 4064 and find out :-\ The RL17 is best for the heavier bullets I was told. Try that out. Good luck!

 

[stinnett1981]

Here is a link to the "long range load development thread" The modest guy should of posted it for you. Just teasin Erik. Lol

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3814361.0

 

[Texas47]

By your statement, every thread in this forum would only have one reply.

Only if we all agree.

Ahh, true dat! 😉

Im already in the process of reloading some rounds... Ill let you know how it works.
I appreciate the input

 

[Texas47]

Stinnett1981,

I got some RL-15 from Brunos awhile back And it has worked out quite well. However, its been tough to find any more of it anywhere. Brunos had some 17 this week but sold out too. The other thing with Brunos is that they are sooooo expensive. But, hey, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

I will try 4064 and start the loads as 6XC suggested. Ill let you know how it works out.

Thanks! I appreciate you guys taking the time to answer my questions.

Oh btw.. Yes that was a great link to Erik's thread regarding how to read the targets. No need to be modest...if one cant brag in the internet, then where? 😀

I would have also gone for the one with "one hole"... Very educational. Thanks to both!

T47

 

[stacy]

ANOTHER VOTE FOR H-4350

 

[Texas47]

Agreed...
Many of my friends use H4350... They bought a ton and a half when it was easier to find. I just cant find any now.

 

[GNERGY]

Found some here if 4064 doesn't work out for you.
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=HD&prodID=HDH43501&prodTitle=Hodgdon H4350 Extreme Rifle Powder 1 lb.
Go to gunbot.net and it will help you find what you are looking for as far as components.
Good Luck
Tarey

 

[Texas47]

Sweet. Thank you very much. Ordering !!!!!!!! Nevertheless, I will still try 4064 and see if it works for me. Having options is sooo much better! I appreciate your help!

 

[EWaugh]

If your looking for RL 15 or 17, I may be able to point you in that direction. What part of the state are you in. I'm in Weatherford.

 

[Texas47]

M1, thanks.
Im in McKinney, just north of Dallas. RL-15 has worked great so far, so i will drive or order some if i can find it. Much appreciated.

 

[Texas47]

Friends,
Sorry, i have been away on and off with limited access internett or have had rainy days, or kids soccer. Etc, etc, etc. Since you guys were kind enough to offer suggestions to my powder question, i though i definitely owed you a quick report of how it went at the range today (finally!!!). As suggested by 6XC, I tested several loads of IMR4064. These loads ranged from 34.5 grains to 36.5 grains. I tried 123gr scenars and Nosler Competition bullets. My best groups were in the 3/4" range with 35.5gr and 36.0gr of IMR4964 and Nosler comp bullets. I had expected the scenars would bave done better since they do real well out of my rifle when i push them with RL-15. Nevertheless, i had expected a little better accuracy; however, i must admit, that i havent shot in a while... (Im the biggest question mark when it comes to accuracy, not my rifle or load ) lol And second, i will probably have to keep those loads and play with the COAL.... So im not there yet.

I did not have a chronograph today so i cant give you velocities. Next time i will.
I see a lot of potential here....will continue to experiment.

 

[Mudder]

Powder valley has 8 pounders of IMR4350. It's been great in my 6.5x47 and 243.

I could not get my 6.5x47 to shoot until I switched from lapua123 to berger130s AND cci450s. Now it's scary accurate. About the same as my dasher and 6br.

Magnum primers seem like a must.