Forum's opinion on a 6.5 120 or 125gr Vld bullet for 6.5 X 47.

[BOBC]

What do you shooters think on how a 120 or a 125gr 6.5 VLD bullet would perform in the 6.5 X47 or 260 Rem at 3000 plus FPS, which appears to be very possible in a long barrel. Several shooters using this cartridge tell me in their long barrel 6.5 X 47s rifles the 140's are clocking at around 3000 FPS.

My thinking is if the lighter bullet had the same profile and OAL as the 140 but had a faster MV. However, maybe the only advantage is faster barrel time with less recoil and assuming wind behavior would be about the same for both. But grouping could be better with the lighter VLD, I don't know. What do you shooters on the firing line think.

I will probably wish that I had never brought this subject up, or some forum members will probably think I'm drinking my bath water and I'm really ready for the dark leather couch.

 

[fivering]

Compare the different bullets performance/drift on a good ballistics program, then make YOUR evaluation.
Then check it out on the range under match conditions.

 

[Raptor]

I know this will cause a near riot with the 6.5x47 shooters but I find it hard to believe some of the velocity figures I see spun out on the different sights. I think the 6.5x47 is a great round as is the 6.5 creedmor as is the 260. With that being said I think the 120 to 130 class bullets are ideal for these cartridges.

I am on my 4th 260 barrel and shot the barrels out of a couple of 6.5x284s and also have a 6.5X55(Another great round) I think the 6.5x55 and the 6.5x284 are perfect for the 140 class bullets. Now with all that being said I have found that some bullets really seem to have a sweet spot for velocity. With my 6.5x284s that was between 2950 and 2990fps. I never found a spot over that where I had the same consistant accuracy at 3000fps or over.

To get the 2850+ with the 140s with the smaller cases in the 6.5 family you have to "Really" push them to or past there limits for pressure. I started off, like most, using the 140s in my 260s and then finally tried the 123 Lapuas and once I got them I never looked at a 140 again. I didn't push my 140s like a lot of guys do but when I went to the 123s it reminded me of shooting my 6.5x284. I shot mine at 2970+ and they were very accurate. I have also heard great things about the 130s.

I personally don't feel speed is the answer to long range shooting. I tend to go for accuracy and a small vertical spread at long range. I hope this didn't muddy the waters for you to much and it is just "MY" opinion.

 

[TonyR]

I think that there would definitely be a place for a Cauterucio bullet in that weight class.

 

[BradY]

130 bergers are perfect for the 6.5x47L. You can shoot the 123 lapua or sierras if you want, but the 130 berger performs better in the wind IMO. Dont know whether berger are more accurate in thier real world BC calculations that the other companies. And if you shoot a 30 inch barrel then you are going to be close to 3000fps anyway. Accuracy trumps velocity. If you want to push velocity use RL17.

 

[357Mag]

BCB -

Howdy !

I DK what limitations on c.o.a.l. your rifle's magazine might present ?
In many instances, THAt limit will dictarte how far into the case ( neck/shoulder area ) the bottom of the bullets reach.
( Not too worried about " doughnuts ", as I will inside neck ream; if any are necountered ).

Depth of bullet' penetration into the case, can have an effect on chamber pressure; and subsequently.... Mv.

I'm working on a wildcat 6.5mm for use in a Mini Mauser application. C.O.A.L considerations may end-up biasing bullet choices
to say.... 120gr Hornady instead of their 123gr 6.5mm; or visa versa. For the intended game use, 129s + won't really be necessary.

As mentioned above, ultimately.... range time will tell.


With regards,
357Mag