My next 6.5 build?

[CTK]

I shot a 6.5x47 with a 22" barrel, was a big disappointment to me, pitched the barrel at 500 rds. 2770 with a 130gr bullet didn't cut it.

I am hoping to get 2800 with 23" Will work perfectly for my goals for the rifle. I was looking for an accurate and mild whitetail and coyote rifle. At 2800fps the 130vld would have 1200 ftlbs of energy at 500y. That works for my variety of whitetail. It would not be the rifle I picked up first for 500y shots but would be plenty capable of cleanly killing the deer. In particular with a bullet designed for expansion at lower velocities.

 

[shepherm]

Thanks for all the input! I think I'll go with the 260AI and save the $300 I would spend in reloading/gauge. Maybe I'll build the 47L later for a bench gun in the near future.

 

[bobinpa]

Neither cartridge is what you'd call a 'fast' 6.5mm. You're not gonna get a blazing speed, both can be very accurate if built right, and both will kill deer with no problems. So i think the answer is pretty obvious. Just go with the 260 AI since you already have all the stuff for it.

++1

 

[Crosswire3]

I have a recently acquired 23" 47L. Only chronoed 1 shot so far. Will use the chrono in next round of development. With 40.5gr h4350 and the Berger 130 VLD I only got 2680fps. I am going to verify this number and then possibly move up a smidgen. Also going to try Varget and possibly RL 17. What velocities are you getting with your "short" barrels? Mine is built on a 2b Bartlein contour in an Edge stock. Weighs right at 7 lbs. I think it will be my most hunted rifle.

In the 23" rifle I get 2775fps with 37gn Varget and 3000fps with 39-40gn Varget. Haven't tried the 18" yet.

 

[CTK]

My sample of 1 seemed way low. Will revisit

 

[6MMWASP]

I have 2, 260 AI's one with a 21" Rock and 1 with a 22" Brux. They shoot within 3FPS average at 3090 and 3087 with 123 Hornady SST's and RL 17. I'd pick the AI if I had the dies and brass already. I don't have any experience with the X47 but folks that own them sure do like them.

 

[CTK]

I have 2, 260 AI's one with a 21" Rock and 1 with a 22" Brux. They shoot within 3FPS average at 3090 and 3087 with 123 Hornady SST's and RL 17. I'd pick the AI if I had the dies and brass already. I don't have any experience with the X47 but folks that own them sure do like them.

Lapua brass and I am guessing 270 Win. like speed with a 130gr bullet. Sounds like a winner. I am real happy with the x47 but will never get those speeds. I never got those speeds with my 260 and a 22" barrel.

 

[shepherm]

I got the barrel cut down, profiled, and chambered. All I need now is to get my dies back from my friend..

 

[gat]

I have a recently acquired 23" 47L. Only chronoed 1 shot so far. Will use the chrono in next round of development. With 40.5gr h4350 and the Berger 130 VLD I only got 2680fps. I am going to verify this number and then possibly move up a smidgen. Also going to try Varget and possibly RL 17. What velocities are you getting with your "short" barrels? Mine is built on a 2b Bartlein contour in an Edge stock. Weighs right at 7 lbs. I think it will be my most hunted rifle.

I get 3000fps with 130 Berger Hunting VLDs over 43gr of H4350 yes it is a compressed charge but my 26" target rifle shoots it into one hole .060 and my hunting rifle does .200 with the identical load and only loses 100 fps from a 19" barrel!

 

[CTK]

I am going to go up with 4350 and try some Varget tomorrow.

 

[gat]

let us know your results

 

[CTK]

let us know your results

Will do

 

[shepherm]

I wanted to give an updated photo of the rifle and groups. And yes the muzzle break isn't timed yet. The groups are 5 shots at 100. I am getting better at shooting it so I think next time I can get better groups. Load is 139 scenar, 45 grs H4350 lapua brass. My next plans are to install a new muzzle break, have the barrel fluted and the gun cerakoted.

 

[perry42]

It might pay to look at the 6.5x55 or 6.5x55AI.

perry42

 

[boltfluter]

Looks like you are off to a great start. Keep us posted.

Paul

www.boltfluting.com