XC vs Lapua?

[rolf]

First of all a big "Hello to you all", I´m new here. Been lurking around for a while but now it´s time.

Would like your opinion.
I´m about to build a BR/hunting rifle and can´t decide between the 6 XC and the 6x47 Lapua. The smith that will build the rifle saids, go with the XC because it´s more dependeble in cold weather. There can be ignition trouble with the Lapua when it drops to around -10 Celsius and lower. About 10 Fahrenheit.
I´ve great respect for his opinion but on the other hand I´m very curious about the Lapua.
The action is a Remington 7 chambered for the 7mm-08 and I intended to build a 6mm Norma Br from the beginning but because of feeding problems with the short case I decided to go with a longer shell.
If this is the only disadvantage with the Lapua then I´ll problably go with it.
I´ve read all the input I could find here but all the pros and cons you can give me is much appreciated.
Regards
Rolf

 

[ken4570tc]

I'm planning to rebarrel next winter in 6mm something. For competition the 6x47 might have the upper hand with the small primer pocket/flash hole. However, that's the thing that could make it hard to light some powders under cold conditions. The XC on the other hand uses large rifle primers, has a standard flash hole size, a heavier web design, dies are easier to get and it has a couple of years headstart on the 6x47.

 

[rolf]

On the other hand, if I go the Lapua way means Lapua brass
XC means that Norma is the only brass producer. Nothing wrong with them but Lapua rules.
I wonder if one could solve the ignition problems with a magnum primer? Perhaps the extra heat is enough?
Do you guys have any input on feeding? Diffinetly one of the most important issues especially when it comes to hunting.

//Rolf

 

[Asa_Yam]

Both cartridges feed fine from actions designed for .308 cases.

6XC brass can also be formed from .22-250 cases, though the case heads are thinner, and thus a bit weaker. Others have formed 6XC brass from Lapua .243 brass, but it's a lot of work.

Someone else reported results of Norma's test of factory loaded 6XC ammunition,105 grain Berger bullets). 60 shots went into a group of just over 50mm. The target was 300 meters downrange.

 

[Buzzbee]

I have not seen any ignition glitch in the 6x47L I used 6-1/2 to fire form and BR4 & 7-1/2.during my load development and in fact, if this problem really exists, in theory, it would also show in the PPC or BR as they all share the same flash hole dia. I went through 7 boxes of 6.5x47 Lapua brass, I haven’t even seen one burrs or the inconsistency descript in the other posts. The primer pockets depth are cut exactly the same as the other Lapua,220 Russian, 6BR, .223 match) and I use the same uniformer for the clean up. I don’t have a clue about the 6XC and didn’t paid much attention to the cardtridge as to me it has no charisma. I never had good experience with Norma made brass, if they are anything like the Norma/Weatherby.......thanks but NO THANKS.
Buzz

 

[rolf]

I´ve no personal experience of these two, just reporting what I´ve heard and asked for your opinion.

The difference between the Lapua and for example the PPC, according to my smith, is the load weight. His theory is that there is a big difference between igniting 28-30 grain fast burning powder compared to 34-36 grains of slower burning fuel, all this in cold weather. And this doesn´t sound to far fetch to me.

I live in Sweden and one of the biggest problems is to find good barrels. I´ve been lucky and found a Shilen SM but unfortunately it´s a 1-10". So I guess there will be trouble with bullets heavier then 90 grain? Wouldn´t it been for the feeding issue I would have been better of with the 6mm Br but after what I´ve read and heard I´ll go with the Lapua.
Thanks for now and hopefully we`ll talk soon again.

Regards
Rolf

 

[Asa_Yam]

I live in Sweden and one of the biggest problems is to find good barrels.

Rolf,

What's wrong with a barrel from Border,Scotland), Lothar Walther,Germany), or Shultz & Larsen,Denmark)? Shilen doesn't have a monopoly on making good barrels.

 

[rolf]

Asa Yam

LW and S&L are considered good barrels but not in the same division as the ones you guys produce.
And Border is as hard to come by as the barrels from the US.

I don´t meen that Shilen is the one and only, there are Krieger, Kostychin?, Broughton, Bartlein and others who produce outstanding BR barrels, and compared to them I think the Europeans come in second. But as they say, one can´t become a profet in his own house. Or in this case country.

Take care.
Rolf

 

[1shot]

Rolf,
I'll start out by saying I have no experience with the Lapua cartridge. On the other hand I re-barreled a Rem. 700 in 6XC using a Broughton 1-8 twist 5-c canted land bbl. It finnished at 27 1/2" and I'm able to drive either 105 Lapuas or hornaday A-max bullets at 3150fps with no pressure signs at all. The accuracy is always around 1/3 min. I used W-W cases, and the fireforming loads were every bit as accurate as cases that have been fired a couple of times. This round is one of the least fussy, easy to assemble I have ever worked with. If you would like to get some of my load recipies to try, just ask.I hope this helps in your decision.
1shot

 

[rolf]

1shot
As always, when dealing with americans, I get struck by your helpfulness. Instead of pointing out each others mistakes and shortcomings we should try to help out.
We have enough "enemies" who would like nothing better that to see us fight among ourselves.
If I decide to go the XC route I`ll get back to you.
Take care.
Rolf

 

[aubrey]

Rolf
Norma are about to release 6XC loaded ammunition, and their 6XC cases are superb. You may have heard that the Swedish 300m team used 6XC.

Norma mentioned a Border barrel for some their testing, and were getting very good accuracy and barrel life.

I have no experience with the Lapua, but I do shoot the 6XC, it's an amazing cartridge. There is probably little to choose from the 2, but it's hard to do better than the 6XC.

Regards
Aubrey
Australia