chapstix97
Silver $$ Contributor
I have been reading up on the 6.5x47 L and it appears to shoot benchrest accuracy. Would the 6.5x47 in a tactical style rifle setup shoot tighter groups on paper than 308 win 168 math loads?
inherit accuracy 6.5x47 L vs 308 win
- Thread starter chapstix97
- Start date
Keith Glasscock
Gold $$ Contributor
That depends on a lot of things. Those aside, let's talk about the accuracy of the 308 win.
With good handloads, and benchrest quality equipment, a 308 can produce groups in the 1's without too much problem. I've seen some 0's posted, but have not shot any myself.
The 6.5X47L is a match rifle caliber, from a benchrest point of view, the cartridge is not "optimal" and is far outweighed in competition by other favored cartridges. That said, it is also capable, with good handloads, and benchrest equipment, of shooting 1's and 0's.
In a tactical style rifle, there are two main considerations in group size, and the inherent accuracy of the cartridge just doesn't rate in the list.
The first is ease of handling. Short version: if the rifle is pushing you around or making you flinch, it isn't going to shoot as well.
Second is the tolerances that have to be built in to allow operation in a field environment. For a tactical rifle, you want to be able to shoot whatever ammo you come across, so the chamber tends to be a touch larger than the average benchrest or F-class rifle.
I did notice that you referenced match ammo in your post. If you are using mass produced factory ammo, I think the equation changes a bit. From experience, not all match ammo is the same, and it is a rare situation where you can get the best out of a rifle with factory ammo.
If you intend to shoot factory ammo, I'd stay with teh 308, there are plenty of flavors of match ammo, one of them is likely to shoot well for you.
With good handloads, and benchrest quality equipment, a 308 can produce groups in the 1's without too much problem. I've seen some 0's posted, but have not shot any myself.
The 6.5X47L is a match rifle caliber, from a benchrest point of view, the cartridge is not "optimal" and is far outweighed in competition by other favored cartridges. That said, it is also capable, with good handloads, and benchrest equipment, of shooting 1's and 0's.
In a tactical style rifle, there are two main considerations in group size, and the inherent accuracy of the cartridge just doesn't rate in the list.
The first is ease of handling. Short version: if the rifle is pushing you around or making you flinch, it isn't going to shoot as well.
Second is the tolerances that have to be built in to allow operation in a field environment. For a tactical rifle, you want to be able to shoot whatever ammo you come across, so the chamber tends to be a touch larger than the average benchrest or F-class rifle.
I did notice that you referenced match ammo in your post. If you are using mass produced factory ammo, I think the equation changes a bit. From experience, not all match ammo is the same, and it is a rare situation where you can get the best out of a rifle with factory ammo.
If you intend to shoot factory ammo, I'd stay with teh 308, there are plenty of flavors of match ammo, one of them is likely to shoot well for you.
Judd
Gold $$ Contributor
I don't shoot tactical stuff but I have heard guys that moved from a 308 to a 6.5x47 or 6.5 Creedmoor talk about the dope differences made them feel like they were cheating.
If a guy wanted an accurate gun and shoot factory ammo it is dang hard to be the Creedmoor. I think factory ammo would be better compared by doing 308 vs Creedmoor....for what it's worth, the Creedmoor still wins.
Handloads....I think the 6.5x47 is just a little better than the Creedmoor. I can't prove it by any scientific methods but I am convinced there is something to that little primer pocket and accuracy. Yes, I know you can buy palma brass for the 308 but it still fights the uphill dope battle.
My 2 cents and worth what you paid for it.
If a guy wanted an accurate gun and shoot factory ammo it is dang hard to be the Creedmoor. I think factory ammo would be better compared by doing 308 vs Creedmoor....for what it's worth, the Creedmoor still wins.
Handloads....I think the 6.5x47 is just a little better than the Creedmoor. I can't prove it by any scientific methods but I am convinced there is something to that little primer pocket and accuracy. Yes, I know you can buy palma brass for the 308 but it still fights the uphill dope battle.
My 2 cents and worth what you paid for it.
Alex Wheeler
Site $$ Sponsor
I think you would need a bench gun to see a difference if you even could see a difference. In a tactical rifle I dont think you would be able to see any accuracy differences. I would be looking more at external ballistics at this point. Even if they were capable of the same accuracy, the one with better external ballistics will group better.
chapstix97
Silver $$ Contributor
DennisH said:
If we had two identical custom tactical rifles in 308 and 6.5 47 L and we take wind temp elevation out of equation and shot 300 meters, would one caliber print smaller groups than the other?
Erik Cortina
Team Lapua Brux Borden Captain
The "47" would win for two reasons without getting into the accuracy aspects of it. One, less recoil, two, less wind drift and flatter trajectory.
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