RL17, 6.5X47 and 120 gr projectiles

[Elwood]

Has anyone got any hard data on the above combination?

I have been through the search function and all the data is for 130 grain bullets and up-wards.

Any information gratefully received.

 

[Laurie]

Hello Elwood - we meet on another forum!

As a little exercise, I ran some combinations for the 130 Berger through the latest version of QuickLOAD the other day with three smaller 6.5mm cartridges - 6.5 Hornady Creedmoor, 6.5X47 Lapua, and .260 Rem. Reloder 17 gives virtually identical MV in the trio with this bullet to that predicted for Viht N550, up a little in each case but never more than 10 fps. Also, in each case, the maximum charge for Re17 was calculated precisely 1.0gn down on N550.

Assuming QuickLOAD has correct characteristics in its database for the two powders, I don't see any benefit in trying the new one even with 130s given its cost, although its probably worth running again with 140s. Incidentally, the three gave nearly identical MVs in the prediction too, give or take 20 fps at maximum pressures.

Laurie

 

[gnoble]

Hello Elwood
In your 6.5X47 Lapua you may want to try the following:
With the 120gr Sierra RL-15 start at 38.0 grs. and work up. using Fed.205 primers. I found three shot groups from .1 to .3.
Velocity will run 2900 to 3000 fps

120 sierra N-140 start at the same load also small groups and low es's

 

[Elwood]

Hi Laurie, hopefully one day we shall meet in person and then I can shake your hand and thank you for help on the different forums.

I read your reply as there isn't any real gains for RL17 and the 6.5X47 unless your pushing the heavier bullets.

Gnoble, I'm currently using 37.6 grains of RL15 which works well, I have also tried Varget VV N140 and VV N540, again which all worked reasonable well.

Although I suspected there might not be any real advantage to RL17 I just like to play around (safely) with different powder/primer/bullet combinations.

 

[robbin]

My gun is set up for the 130s, but it likes the 140s best. Another reason to use RL-17 is the ability to get compressed charges. I think there is an accuracy benefit in shooting charges that are compressed. For that reason I shoot and get better groups with RL17 in my 308, .270 (awesome sub .5 MOA to 800 yards in an ENCORE!), 25-06 and my 6.5X47 I get 2990s and sub .5 MOA groups to 890 yards, which is as far back as I can go. I do get smashed flat primers, so I'm pushing it, but that's the node and it puts those 140s out there in a great group.

As long as the winds not blowing. I'll NEVER learn to dope the wind. :-(