So. Which round to go with (6-47 Lapua or 6XC or 6.5 Creedmoor )

[Trapper243]

If you are going to be killing big game at those distances, go with 6.5. I went Creedmoor because it was accurate enough for hunting and steel. In some of the temps I hunt in I was concerned about ignition with the small primer (maybe this is nothing to worry about) so I did not go 6.5x47. There is not much out there that you cannot comfortably kill with a 6.5mm.

 

[Trapper243]

I am running a 26" Krieger on mine. It settled in at around 2800fps with 140s after the first couple of hundred rounds.

 

[drop_point]

Brass quality is a big part of accuracy. But I agree, the tactical accuracy requirements are not such that you need quality brass. F-Class and BR are a different story however.

The OP seems to be shooting steel and hunting, which is what I'm basing my suggestion on. He's not shooting BR. As your sig-line suggests, the shooter is more important than anything else. I've managed to beat lots of Lapua and Norma shooters with my uniformed Remington brass in F-class matches at the club level.

Ah, yes, club level...
Even so, I bet the guys that beat you were not using Remington brass.

I don't know about you guys, but I would rather shoot an 8 in a match than wound an animal, so I load my hunting ammo to competition standards.

Of the last three I've been to, I've won 2 and placed second in the other. So the guys that beat me didn't show up LOL. So the Remington brass hasn't held me back. Of course, I'm not shooting state or national level stuff--I'm sure some of you guys could really humble me and my tactical rig. But whatever gets your kicks. But I don't think my Remington brass, or Hornady 6.5CM brass will make one wound vs kill an animal, and no matter who sponsors you and who you're job is to boost business for, the lack of Lapua brass for 6.5 Creedmoor won't reduce the OP's effectiveness.

 

[Erik Cortina]

I don't have a "job" boosting business for anyone. Just look at the equipment lists for major matches where accuracy is required and that list will agree with what I'm saying.

Anyway.

 

[drop_point]

I don't have a "job" boosting business for anyone. Just look at the equipment lists for major matches where accuracy is required and that list will agree with what I'm saying.

Anyway.

So Lapua doesn't sponsor you? They don't hope to be able to boost sales by pointing to equipment lists of what the people that are best at what they do to?

I won't argue with you that Lapua brass is great right out of the box. I've bought plenty of it myself. It takes little if any work to get excellent results. That doesn't mean the only way to have an accurate load is Lapua brass.

Read your own sig-line. I agree with it 100%.

I can't find an equipment list for major matches that makes any recommendation for hunting and steel-banging. Could you direct me to one?

So am I understanding right, you're saying that acceptable hunting accuracy can't be attained with Remington or Hornady brass---so one should select 6.5x47L above all else? You'll wound animals if not? You'd rather score an 8-ring than "wound" an animal? Me too. What's an 8-ring on a 1000 yard F-Class target? 30"? Approximately 3 MOA? Are you saying Hornady brass and Remington brass are only capable of 3 MOA after being properly prepped? That's asinine.

So what does this have to do with OP's needs? Again, OP wants to bang steel and hunt. Why is the 6.5x47 more adequate than the 6.5 Creedmoor? How will the 6.5x47L better suit his needs? Anyway, neither of us are helping the OP at this point. Have a great day, Erik.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Man, you sure did put a lot or words in my mouth.

I was trying to help him until you jumped in and talked about the great accuracy of your tactical rifle that has won 2 club matches. I have seen many guys with tactical rifles try F-Class, and it's always the same discussion about how quality components or proper reloading techniques are not needed . Then they shoot, do bad, and bring out the excuse book.

Apparently accuracy discussions are way over your head, so I'm wasting my time making my point with you.

 

[drop_point]

Man, you sure did put a lot or words in my mouth.

I was trying to help him until you jumped in and talked about the great accuracy of your tactical rifle that has won 2 club matches. I have seen many guys with tactical rifles try F-Class, and it's always the same discussion about how quality components or proper reloading techniques are not needed . Then they shoot, do bad, and bring out the excuse book.

Apparently accuracy discussions are way over your head, so I'm wasting my time making my point with you.

Where did I say anything about not using quality components? Did I say anything about NOT using good reloading techniques? Sounds like you're trying to turn the discussion into something that it isn't.

I said of the last three, I'd won two and came in second once shooting with REMINGTON brass. I didn't say that was ALL I'd done.

Please, tell the OP why the 6.5x47L is so much superior for his needs than the 6.5 Creedmoor you're trying to convince him to cross off his list.

Don't be so condescending and belittle people. Its unbecoming of somebody that is representing a company like Lapua. Maybe you've seen some guys that weren't so good at cross-discipline shooting in the past. Don't try to write off everybody that does so based off it. You don't know if I come to the table with excuses for my "poor performance". Trust me, accuracy discussion isn't "over my head" because I suggest that Lapua brass isn't the end-all, be-all brass company. Contrary to your own biases, Hornady and Remington brass can be quite accurate with proper preparation.

If the OP were wanting to build a dedicated F-class rifle, I may have a different suggestion for him, but that isn't the case here. The steel and rockchucks OP shoots won't know if the cartridge that got it was Lapua or Hornady that cost half as much.

I don't think there's anything left to talk about here. Have a great day Erik. OP, I'm sorry if I've in some way taken away from the discussion of the thread. However, I do want you to be aware there can be more than one way to skin a hog. Don't let somebody talk you out of the Hornady round because of their elitist tastes.

 

[Erik Cortina]

I'm glad that's over.

Anyway, obviously all cartridges can be competitive. I have used all types of brass, but some require more culling than others.

OP: I doubt you can tell the difference between the three in performance. Barrels make a bigger difference than anything else. The "47" has a better track record in the accuracy department, and the better case design and small primer makes it more desireable for competition shooters. The other plus is the shorter case as it allows you to seat the bullet with bearing surface above shoulder/neck junction and stay under magazine length.

 

[ShootDots]

After watching this discussion, I am almost afraid to put my 2cents in. But here it goes anyhow. I know that ANY good 6mm will cleanly kill deer. However, since the 6.5's, in some form or fashion are on the table, you are better off with a 6.5 for deer than a 6mm, any day of the week.. That sort of "narrows" down the list to 6.5Creedmoor or the 6.5 x 47 Lapua. As far as "performance" between the 2, it is like asking which is better a 6mmRem or a .243 Win for deer / varmint hunting. Neither the deer NOR the varmints will be able to tell which one they were killed with. The difference comes down to 1 item and 1 item only. BRASS.... The small primer pockets in the '47 is where the advantage stands. If you ran the exact same pressure (at the top of the pressure ladder) in the Creedmoor as the '47, the brass in the '47 will last and last, where the primer pockets in the Creedmoore will loosen in relatively short order. It is simply fact, small primer pockets last a L-O-N-G time. Now if you run, relatively mild loads in the Creedmoor, the primer pockets will last a long time too. However, since most people, including myself, like to run a cartridge towards the limit of it's capabilities, the '47's brass will outlast the Creedmoor. If you run EITHER past it's ability, buy a 6.5 x 284.

I have said all that to help you decide. Deer, varmints and competition, a 6.5 will outstrip the 6mm's hands down. Leave out the deer and I would go for a 6mm Dasher over ANY other 6mm.. Now you have MY 2 cents...

 

[KWeigel]

Boy a lot has changed on this thread since I was last on. I tend to agree 100 percent with Erik on this one.

 

[majohnson]

After a couple years of shooting a 6.5CM, I decided on adding another accurate cartridge. In 6mm there are several rounds that are so close in performance. I was happy with the CM in accuracy, the down side is I've noticed that primers are becoming easier to seat. Which turned me off to the 6CM.

Since the 6XC is going to be built using an AI AE, there are issues with small primers. The other thing is I didn't want to deal with brass that wasn't factory produced. In researching the 6XC, it meet all my requirements. And did it with great results not to mention exceptional accuracy.

Norma brass is tough and I've read of shooter getting 20-25 plus reloads out of a case. Reviews says it's easy to find loads for. It's accurate to well past a 1000yds, I've read that some have shot past 1400 with accuracy. It you do a online search there is a piece done by Bugholes on the Hide that he compared the 6mm group with barrels all cut from the same round stock. I've no regrets with my choice of the XC.

 

[Terry]

Why did you skip the 6BR or 6 Dasher? More that enough.

 

[6xcshooter]

After a couple years of shooting a 6.5CM, I decided on adding another accurate cartridge. In 6mm there are several rounds that are so close in performance. I was happy with the CM in accuracy, the down side is I've noticed that primers are becoming easier to seat. Which turned me off to the 6CM.

Since the 6XC is going to be built using an AI AE, there are issues with small primers. The other thing is I didn't want to deal with brass that wasn't factory produced. In researching the 6XC, it meet all my requirements. And did it with great results not to mention exceptional accuracy.

Norma brass is tough and I've read of shooter getting 20-25 plus reloads out of a case. Reviews says it's easy to find loads for. It's accurate to well past a 1000yds, I've read that some have shot past 1400 with accuracy. It you do a online search there is a piece done by Bugholes on the Hide that he compared the 6mm group with barrels all cut from the same round stock. I've no regrets with my choice of the XC.

There You go!!
Cant agree more.
I do have 6.5x47 L and they shoot lights out. When it comes to the 6xc it's my favorite 1 to shoot. besides 6xc for me turned out the easiest to load for love it! P.s. use the berger 105 hybrids!

 

[Erik Cortina]

Guys, he wants to shoot deer at 700 yards. I'm thinking his best bet will be a 6.5-284

 

[MikeCTX]

good information, but wanted to point out that Nosler is making 6.5 Creedmoor brass now and it is as good as the 6.5x47L in my opinon. Do some searchs, pick a caliber and then go have fun...I like my Creedmoor, but would not mind a ?x47L either (and I shoot both 6.5 and 6 Creedmoor) just because I like the round. Others are just a good.

 

[6xcshooter]

Erick, just put the bullet in the heart and lungs. The 6.5x47L, 6xc, 6.5CM, 6x47L, 6.5x284, 260 rem, 243 win, 6mm rem, will all do it. Sheeeeeeeeeesh

 

[Erik Cortina]

Erick, just put the bullet in the heart and lungs. The 6.5x47L, 6xc, 6.5CM, 6x47L, 6.5x284, 260 rem, 243 win, 6mm rem, will all do it. Sheeeeeeeeeesh

I agree, but what's the chance of hitting a deer in the head at 700 yards?

 

[6xcshooter]

Erick, just put the bullet in the heart and lungs. The 6.5x47L, 6xc, 6.5CM, 6x47L, 6.5x284, 260 rem, 243 win, 6mm rem, will all do it. Sheeeeeeeeeesh

I agree, but what's the chance of hitting a deer in the head at 700 yards?

depends on how good you are. some are better than others. Bet if you hit him in the head he don't know what caliber you shot.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Erick, just put the bullet in the heart and lungs. The 6.5x47L, 6xc, 6.5CM, 6x47L, 6.5x284, 260 rem, 243 win, 6mm rem, will all do it. Sheeeeeeeeeesh

I agree, but what's the chance of hitting a deer in the head at 700 yards?

depends on how good you are. some are better than others. Bet if you hit him in the head he don't know what caliber you shot.

Yeah, but it's unreal to expect a head shot at 700 yards. So, lets get real now.

A 6.5 would be the minimum I would feel comfortable with since I would be going for a high shoulder shot.

 

[6xcshooter]

Not unreal Eric. figure the head is about 6" square. Good rest (prone) steady, I bet even you could hit a 6 inch circle at 700 yards?
At some point, the shooter becomes the limiting factor in accuracy!