New guy, some questions 6.5x47 Lapua

[ctkelly]

Okay, so I have been trying to read up a little on the 6.5x47 Lapua and have a few questions before I jump in over my head on this project.

I "think" I read that the 6.5x47lap uses the same bolt face as a .308. So if I have a donor rifle in .308 I can order the barrel for the 6.5x47 lap and just swap barrels out? Or do I need another donor/bolt to do this?

I assume forster has no/go gauges for this caliber to headspace it correctly, or is there another source for these?

What is the common bullet to be fired out of the 6.5x57lap for target purposes? I see match bullets from 108-123-139-140 etc? I also seen on 6mmhotbox an article on reamers stating that the larger bullets need to be setup in a particular way to shoot the higher grain bullets? Or are most of you out there shooting 123's out of "standard" reamed barrels?

That should cover it for now. I'll keep reading but figured someone could come along and educate me some on this ordeal. Maybe I'm getting in over my head, but I guess the only way to know is to start asking questions and get steered in the right direction.

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

I started shooting the 6.5x47 Lapua this summer, initially to give my 6.5-284 a break It has turned out to be one of my favorites!

It shares the standard .308 boltface and will feed through a .308 magazine with no problems. I use PT&G headspace gauges. When I ordered mine they had them in stock. JR at Border Barrels chambered mine using a PT&G no neck turn reamer. I instructed him that I would be using bullets in the 120 grain range, but would like to try the 139 142 grain bullets also. He throated it accordingly, and I've had no trouble using bullets of either weight range.

It will handle all of the bullets that you've mentioned, but I think that for target work it really shines with the 120-123 grain bullets. I've settled on the 123 grain Scenar for my rifle. My 28" 1/8.5" twist Border 5R barrel really seems to like them. I use this cartridge for ranges under 800 yards, and use my bigger 6.5 for the longer distances.

 

[ctkelly]

Thank you for the reply. After cruising around for a while it looks like there are a lot of 123 scenar shooters out there. You took care of another question for me also, twist rate. I was looking into a 1/8.5 polygonal from pac-nor if I decided to go ahead with the project.

All I'm really looking for is a fun mild recoil rifle for some target work. Most of it will be 200-300yd with the chance of 500yd here and there. Unfortunately not to many long ranges around here...in fact I'm pretty sure 600 is the longest in the state. If I ever do get to go longer I have a .338 Lapua magnum I can take out....dont even ask why I bought that one. Haha.

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

I have really been enjoying shooting my 6.5x47. Got it just before Christmas, and have about 800 rounds down the pipe now.

The Berger 130s are my bullet of choice, and it really likes to shoot them, velocity is right at 2950 with RE15 or Varget. Barrel is a Krieger 8 twist, but they will work up to a 9 twist, IIRC.

 

[jb1000br]

If you are at all curious to try the 140/142 class bullets, set up your throat such that a 142SMK has its BT/bearing surface jct just ahead of the neck/shoulder jcn.

140's can approach 2850 or so, and 123/130's can be driven 3000+ if you push a bit.

This will fit everything in the 123-142 range except a 130NORMA, and still remain ahead of the donut.


JB

 

[shcal]

Walker: I am just about ready to do some load testing for the 130 Bergers, do you have a preferred load for Varget and RE-15? I've shot both the Berger 120's and Nosler 120 ballistic tips,on coyote)and they both shoot very well.
Thanks, shcal.

 

[ctkelly]

I dont think I'll be bothering with the 140's. I am looking into the match reamer from pacific tool that has a longer freebore to setup the 120-130 bullets in the manner you suggested. I contacted pac-nor and they said they dont have a problem using the reamer if I buy it and send it out to them for my order.

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

Walker: I am just about ready to do some load testing for the 130 Bergers, do you have a preferred load for Varget and RE-15? I've shot both the Berger 120's and Nosler 120 ballistic tips,on coyote)and they both shoot very well.
Thanks, shcal.

Shcal,

My best,most accurate) load with Varget is at 37.8 and with RE-15 it is 38.0g. Both are with CCI450s.

I would start about 36.5 or 37 and work up as these are both near the top of what my rig can take. Panda F-class with 8 twist Krieger.

They sure do shoot well for me, I am betting you will like them!!

Let us know how you do, and if you find any other loads that also work well.

 

[shcal]

Walker, will do. I found that H-4350 works best for my shooting,hunting). It was a bit more accurate than RE-15 and more temp stable. Haven't tried Varget yet.
Thanks, shcal.