• Frank's Lesson's Contest

    We want to see your skills! Post a video between now and November 1st showing what you've learned from Frank's lessons and 3 people will be selected to win a free shirt. Good luck everyone!

    Create a channel Learn more
  • Having trouble using the site?

    Contact support

243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

6.5BR

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 6, 2007
809
2
LA
Comparing these two rounds, for say a hunting rifle application, where one is not shooting for score, how accurate are your custom 243s using 8 twist and 105-115s?

Bore life? Wondered if the 47 is justified in brass/die cost vs. a straight 243.

Thanks.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

i currently shoot a 6x47, but have had 243's. they are both great however for hunting i would definetly get a 243 if you aren't already setup for 6x47 (dies and brass are expensive). i think the barrel life is about same (poor with both, but very fun).

a good barrel will get you half moa with either and the compenents are easier/cheaper to get for 243. plus it will feed alittle better.

this for sure is a win win situation you will like either caliber.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bmaier69
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

If you like the ballistics of the .243 and 6X47...take a look at the 6XC.

My 1:8 twist .243 and 1:7.5 twist 6XC shoot the same bullets (107 smk's) at about the same muzzle velocity (2950 fps).

The 6XC "should" have better barrel life.

Take care,Stan
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

FWIW I've never had a feeding issue with my 6x47, pushes 105 vld's at 3050 out of a 22" barrel.

Dies from forster are the same price as a 243. the 47 burns less powder and should have better barrel life. the 47 and the xc are nearly twins, xc is just slightly longer.

I liked my first 6x47 so much I'm having another built.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: seven mm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">FWIW I've never had a feeding issue with my 6x47, pushes 105 vld's at 3050 out of a 22" barrel.

Dies from forster are the same price as a 243. the 47 burns less powder and should have better barrel life. the 47 and the xc are nearly twins, xc is just slightly longer.

I liked my first 6x47 so much I'm having another built. </div></div>

I haven't had any feeding issues with my 6x47 either, i push the 115dtac at 2920 with mine, but for hunting purposes if i didn't have all the gear i would get a 243 at least you will be able to find components easy. i had a helluva time getting dies/brass for mine.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

i was just thinking about this the other day and was about to make a thread. i didnt think you could get the 115s goin that fast with the x47..i guess i underestimated it!

what barrel length are you running diggler? the wheels are a'turnin in my head again..

edit: are you using rl-17?
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

Some food for thought comparing a few calibers. Couldnt find anything on the 47 but I would vote for the 6br. I have one running similiar numbers to listed, and out to 600 is tough to beat. But if you wanted to really push that 115dtac, I would look into the 240 wheatherby mag...my brother has one and it is pretty amazing.


Cartridge| Bullet| Vel FPS |300yd Drop/Drift |600yd Drop/Drift |1000yd Drop/Drift
6mm BR| 105 Berger VLD| 2920| 10.91" 5.08" |73.33" 22.35" |286.0" 71.4" |
6XC |115 DTAC |3040 |9.67" 4.41" |64.82" 19.01"| 247.2" 59.5" |
.243 Win| 115 DTAC| 3120| 8.97" 4.24"| 60.82" 18.25" |232.3" 57.0" |
.243 AI| 115 DTAC |3200| 8.32" 4.08" |57.15" 17.57" |218.6" 54.8" |
Drop and Wind-Drift calculated with Point-Blank Software for 70° F temp, and 1000' altitude. BCs were 0.585 for 115 DTAC, 0.535 for Berger 105 VLD.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

D-tros how long is your barrel on your 6br? i could barely get that velocity with the 6 dasher and 26" tube wit 105 vld. other problem is the new bc for the bergers is .48 they changed the mold this year and they aren't nearly as good as the old ones. also op stated it was for hunting and the 6br based cartridges arent' the easiest to get to feed reliably.

don't get the wrong impression the 6br based cart. are the most accurate i have played with period and super easy to work up a load with.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

The berger 105 hunting vld's still have a G1 0.532 the target vld's have a lower bc.

The br is super easy to get a great load for but for something you want to feed 100% with I'd go with something a little longer. I know a few guys running dasher getting 3050 out of molyed 105's with 24-26" tubes.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

ita a 27" kostyshyn (spelling?) 8 twist and no turn .272 nk. and a hall action. hardly tactical, but a dam easy rifle to load for and a nightmare to dogs and eggs alike. from a bench, its unstopable.

but remember, chronographs can vary by 60 fps or more, and one barrel, although spec'd the same, may be up to 100 fps faster/slower than another. and I have a stash of 105's so didint know bout the lower bc's...crazy how a batch of ammo can vary.

back to thread tho, I have always wanted a 6-6.6x47L but not been able to pull the trigger, no pun intended
smile.gif
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

3190fps with 105 bergers in the 6x47 out of a 26" barrel. I wouldn't hesitate using it for hunting. The benefit of the 243 though is if you happen to forget your ammo, you can always find factory stuff on the shelf just about anywhere. Never have had any feeding problems with either one.

Diggler, the hunting version of the Berger 105 is still .532 BC according to the batch we just got from Berger.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

I went 243 for some of the above reasons. I'm getting excellent accuracy (.5moa or better) through 3 of them with all of the loads I've tried using the 107 smk and the DTACs. One thing to think about is that the theoretical barrel life advantage of the 6x47 or 6XC is going to be offset by the more expensive dies, brass, etc. I can always get 243 brass just about anywhere. And when I lose some hunting or in a match, its not a big deal.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7mmAM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">3190fps with 105 bergers in the 6x47 out of a 26" barrel. I wouldn't hesitate using it for hunting. The benefit of the 243 though is if you happen to forget your ammo, you can always find factory stuff on the shelf just about anywhere. Never have had any feeding problems with either one.

Diggler, the hunting version of the Berger 105 is still .532 BC according to the batch we just got from Berger.</div></div>

that is great news about the hunting vlds, you learn something new everyday. i bought a couple thousand dtacs because i tired of searching for the bergers

For the record i verify my velocities by field testing my drop charts because i don't trust chronos much. I have heard plenty of guys pushing the 105's around 3150-3200 out of the 6x47. it is my favorite cartridge to date. it makes UKD's so much easier because it gives you more room for error in your ranging. Now if i could just learn to read the wind better.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diggler44</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
For the record i verify my velocities by field testing my drop charts because i don't trust chronos much. I have heard plenty of guys pushing the 105's around 3150-3200 out of the 6x47. it is my favorite cartridge to date. it makes UKD's so much easier because it gives you more room for error in your ranging. Now if i could just learn to read the wind better. </div></div>

Pretty sure you know we do the same thing about field testing our actual drops.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

no doubt about it I would go with a .243. Lots of factory ammo loads and easy to load for.

BUT... I shot digglers 6X47 lapua and loaded for it as well. I like the small primer pocket and I will getting almost 2950 with 115 VLD bullets. Thats cruisin and that gun could probably get to 3000 without a problem.

Tough choice but 243 because of the easy loading and good factory ammo.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7mmAM</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diggler44</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
For the record i verify my velocities by field testing my drop charts because i don't trust chronos much. I have heard plenty of guys pushing the 105's around 3150-3200 out of the 6x47. it is my favorite cartridge to date. it makes UKD's so much easier because it gives you more room for error in your ranging. Now if i could just learn to read the wind better. </div></div>

Pretty sure you know we do the same thing about field testing our actual drops.</div></div>

Travis sorry that was meant for dtros.Of all the shooters i have met you and your brother are probably the best. You guys are for sure the real deal. Nevermind the fact that you probably shoot 10x more rifle rounds than 99% of the guys on here at.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7mmAM</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The benefit of the 243 though is if you happen to forget your ammo, you can always find factory stuff on the shelf just about anywhere. </div></div>

I agree with this statement 100%, just dont ask why please. The barrel life with the 6xc is not all that much better than a .243. If it is going to be for a hunting rifle go with the 243. Cheaper brass, dies, etc.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6.5BR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Comparing these two rounds, for say a hunting rifle application, where one is not shooting for score, how accurate are your custom 243s using 8 twist and 105-115s?

Bore life? Wondered if the 47 is justified in brass/die cost vs. a straight 243.

Thanks. </div></div>

You guys know I gotta put in my 02 about 6x47L.
smile.gif


After burning out my first barrel at 2300 and second at 1500 rounds using 38.7 to 39 grains of R-17 behind 115's both around 3050-3070 fps(ironically happening at the same match exactly one year apart)
crazy.gif
mad.gif
I've decided to do things differently this next time around.

I'm going to get the barrel nitrided,use H-1000 and back the load down to 2900 something FPS,wherever the low barrel node is.Hopefully I'll get 4000 rounds out of it this time?

The very best thing about 6x47L is the brass.If you have a custom size die matched to your chamber you will not have to buy brass for many years.Especially nice if you prep your brass.The brass is incredibly TOUGH!I lost count on some segregated heavier brass that I've used for working up loads.Some of them have maybe 20-25 firings if I were to guess.Not one has a loose primer pocket.

It's been my favorite cartridge.Very accurate in a good barrel.The old barrel would shoot in the .1's and .2's when I first got it.The last one would do .5".

I also did some interesting experimentation.I wanted to do a test with my old 28" Broughton since the barrel was about done.My goal was to see how much velocity I could get when the bolt got sticky.

I was able to get 115's to 3245 fps and 105's a hundred fps faster!The interesting thing was that the primer pockets still held a primer,crazy!
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

wow over 3200 with the 115s..gota love that.

this thread is making my wallet twinge right now. and to think i just rebarreled to .308..

only thing that makes me hesitate is that me being the total cheapskate i am have a tough time swallowing a buck a piece for lapua brass. but if you are really getting as many loadings as you say you are, it is a non issue. (ive never used lapua brass..mostly winchester stuff)
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

Great feedback all, appreciate it. Intrigued by the 47, used 6BR in many rifles over the years, routinely 105s shot 2850 in a 26", non moly, 28.5 varget, never tried pushing harder as my accuracy was terrific.

Wondering if Lapua 243 brass does much better than say FC and WW. I Know RP never worked as well as the latter for me.

Thanks.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

steve did you have your barrel setback either time? honestly if i get 2000rds out of my barrel i will be happy, i was planning on setting mine back at 1200rds.

I have a buddy who has over 2500 rounds through his 243 and it still shoots 1/4moa at 100yds. he shoots a very tame load to say the least. you may call bullshit but his 700yard group in the oregon state snipers challenge was under 4" if that is any indication. it just goes to show its all about how much pressure is going through the barrel. we keep waiting for it to take a dump and it just keeps on shooting.

6.5br the 243lapua brass is great just like all other kinds of lapua brass.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

Although a bit more expensive, and in some cases a slightly smaller H2O capacity than say RP brass, Lapua brass is great for max reloads. I have a 6ppc and 30br both on their 17 & 15 reload respectively and plan to get around 20 before I show em the door...

another option with a hot caliber is chasing the lands. It eliminates setting the barrel back to an extent. What you do is get the chamber cut for a shorter bullet (freebore), like the 105's, and as you shoot/wear out the chamber, you change your bullet to a longer and longer bullet, keeping the same distance from bullet to lands, until the barrel is toast or you no longer have a bullet to upsize to. I have never done that, but have talked to guys that have and it seems to work well for them.

 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

One time I had the barrel set back on a 6.5-284 at 800 rounds and it started shooting poorly again at 1200 rounds.I used to really push the velocities on it though.I'm not sure how much longer the barrel would have lasted if I'd backed the loads down and used a set back at the appropriate time?The gunsmith charged me $150 for the set back.So I decided to just replace the barrels from now on.

I was really expecting to get at least 2000 out of the last barrel,which is acceptable but 1500 not so much??? I've got too many rifles to be replacing the barrels on them every year so I'm going to apply the same strategy on my previous post for them also.

Another strategy I thought of.Instead of using my normal load for close range I think I will develop a 100-200 yard practice load for the 6x47L with cheap bullets and some slow pistol powder.Maybe 2000 fps ? or something like that.That way I can practice weak side,90 degree prone,offhand and such with less wear and tear on the barrel.
 
Re: 243 8 twist vs 6x47 Lapua

Steve

I never got RL-17 to work in my rifle, and have always run on the "lower" node at 2,940 fps (27" Kreiger 7.5 twist).

I use H4350, long-throated, no turn neck, custom chamber (0.015 clearance per side), Warner custom dies.

I am just at 500 rounds through it (I spend wayyyyy too much time behind my 7WSM). So far I am looking good on my chasing the throat. It is still the most accurate rifle I have ever owned. And my go-to rifle for introducing new shooters to shooting a rifle.

Jeffvn