Why 6.5x47 vs 6.5x55 ?

[ericbc7]

I am planning to buy an entry level FTR rifle and was wondering why competitors use the lower capacity xx47 instead of the xx55. It seems to me that the extra case capacity would allow more options for bullet seating and powder for the longer ranges. I have a Tikka T3 Sporter 24" barreled .223 and was eyeing the same in 6.5x55 for amature competition.

 

[Grimstod]

The 55 is a long action and thus to heavy. Not just the gun though. The ammo is more and if you have to carry it everywhere those grams add up.

 

[ShootDots]

I am planning to buy an entry level FTR rifle and was wondering why competitors use the lower capacity xx47 instead of the xx55. It seems to me that the extra case capacity would allow more options for bullet seating and powder for the longer ranges. I have a Tikka T3 Sporter 24" barreled .223 and was eyeing the same in 6.5x55 for amature competition.

You can NOT use either one of those cartridges in F-T/R.. You can ONLY use either a .308 or a .223.. Anything else is necessarily going to get you into F-Open..

 

[FatBoy]

^ this, and shooting F-Open, you will probably want the boiler room. I have 6.5x284s and a 6.5x47l and at 1k the 47 gets beat up by wind compared to the 284 based case. That said,the 47 is very accurate and easy to shoot.

 

[joejo]

The 55 will smoke the 47 like a cheap cigar. An improved 55 will run with the 284 easily.
So sounds like the 55 to me. And if its an f-open gun and you are single loading a 55 is fine in a short action. I personally use a bat m so I can get my fingers in there to pick out the case. I don't think you need to worry about weight carrying a gun to and from a firing line.

 

[Grimstod]

You might need to in order to qualify. I hear of guys cutting parts of their stocks off to make weight.

 

[Erik Cortina]

An improved 55 will run with the 284 easily.

The "55" is not winning any big matches, so maybe it can not run with the .284's. ;D

 

[mac86951]

An improved 55 will run with the 284 easily.

The "55" is not winning any big matches, so maybe it can not run with the .284's. ;D

Agreed, and if going AI 55 in a long action why not a 284 or 06 derivative?

 

[Keith Glasscock]

You might need to in order to qualify. I hear of guys cutting parts of their stocks off to make weight.

I simply have to disagree with the above.

F-Open has a maximum rifle weight of 22 lbs. Unless someone is terribly fond of super-long straight contour barrels, the challenge becomes getting enough weight into the stock to approach the maximum weight.

I would also note that the 6.5/284 cartridge is known as a barrel burner. I would then guess that any cartridge that approaches or exceeds its performance would have similar characteristics. With that in mind, the larger cartridge does come with a cost. If winning is the only goal, a proven 7mm cartridge is the answer. If one enjoys shooting and simply strives to better him or her self, then the 6.5x47L is the answer.

It comes down to goals and requirements.

 

[suberjc]

An improved 55 will run with the 284 easily.

The "55" is not winning any big matches, so maybe it can not run with the .284's. ;D

That's true EC but no one is winning "big matches" with a 6X47 Lapua either but it will definitely hang in with a dasher. Not quite as easy to achieve pinpoint but will definitely shoot inside the dasher. Top shooters aren't trying everything. There aren't enough of you guys out there to try everything.

 

[Grimstod]

I would third what Eric said. Besides making a 55AI is more work and brass prep. We already have fantastic Lapua brass for the 6.5x284.

 

[ericbc7]

Thanks for the info, and yes I now realize the caliber limitations for ftr. They say there are no "dumb" questions but mine ranked up there and I appreciate the helpfull answers! I also see the wisdom in looking at what is winning and evaluate why. Thanks again folks!