6.5x47mm Lapua questions

[Sgt_Jamez]

I'm still waiting on my rifle, but my dies and brass came in so now I'm looking harder at reloading data. Which is sparse.

My questions
1. What is the trim length and where is the source for that info?
2. Is there a general OAL? All the load data I've seen for this cartridge relates OAL to distance from the lands. So there isn't much in the way of a specific OAL that I've seen.
3. Does anyone use the Sierra 85gr Varminter bullet? I want to use it for barrel break-in, but I do need load data.

Thanks!

 

[Dogtown]

There's quite a lot of data on this cartridge out there, both here and at the 6mmBR forums - are you sure you're looking? The trim length is 1.843", according to Lapua but assuming you're starting with virgin brass, that's probably not as important as COAL, which you can get from the same data that I linked to. A safe way to do this is to just stick to that data, but more experienced loaders will start with the bullet touching the lands and there are a number of methods (and tools) to determine that distance. What I'm seeing is that this is a really, really versatile cartridge - it likes all kinds of powder/primer/bullet combos and seems to work well jumped or jammed into the lands. If you're after precision inside of 300m, the lighter 120 and 123s own. The Berger 130s seem to be very popular all around, with most guys getting them close to 3000fps. Mine is intended for longer range, so I'm shooting the 139 Scenar but I've also tested the 140 AMAX as well. I initially tested the heavy bullets with AR 2209 which is what we call H4350 over here and while I got good performance, I was getting a compressed load and still no pressure signs, so I started moving up to a faster powder (AR2208) that's closer to Varget. Reloader 15 is really popular for the heavier bullets too but I'm going to try N550 before I go that route.

 

[PharmShooter]

I just got my 6.5x47 build and broke in the barrel and shot 8 groups on the first day. I averaged right at 1/2' MOA for the first 8 groups shooting 123 scenars with various powder charges. I started by seating the bullet into the lands. My next range visit I will test 4 different seating depths which progessively seat deeper by .005". Because it was new Lapua brass I did nothing but full body size the brass prior to loading.

I don't know if this is the correct way to do it, but this is what I've done and am doing.

Good luck!

 

[Sgt_Jamez]

Dog - thanks for the reply. Yes I have found lots of conversation regarding this cartridge. I found the 1.843" trim length during my many readings, but couldn't remember where I saw it which is why I was looking for a source. You mentioned a link to some COAL data but there was no link in your post. Could you confirm that link? In your experience, what powders work best for the 120-123 range? Also, have you used the 107gr SMKs? Thanks for your time in replying.

 

[Sgt_Jamez]

Pharm, were your first loads at the lands? What powder are you using? Is there a maximum amount of jam?

 

[PharmShooter]

My first loads were just barely hitting the lands. I used Varget powder and started at 37 gr. I then stepped up to 37.3, 37.6 and 37.9. 37.9 seemed to group just a little better for me. And again, my next step is to experiment with seating depth. I'm told they might like a little jump. We shall see.

I'm not saying this is the way to do it, but it's the way I'm approaching it.

 

[Sgt_Jamez]

I was thinking to use Sierra 85gr FBHP for barrel break-in. Have you tried those? I realize that's a light-for-caliber bullet. Thoughts? What primers are you using?

 

[1/2moamayhem]

Bergers new reloading maunual covers the 6.5x47.
I have a 6.5x47 coming as well so I was glad when I saw it was included in Bergers new manual.

 

[jbailey]

In your experience, what powders work best for the 120-123 range? Also, have you used the 107gr SMKs? Thanks for your time in replying.

6.5x47 Powders w/ the lighter bullets: RL-15, Varget, N-540. All excellent in my experience - good to great MVs, and bug-holes if the shooter/rifle are capable.

107gr SMK: Yes, I use this bullet as my current match load for shooting 600yds and in. Helluva damn good profile, especially after pointing them, and she will go 3000fps w/ ease from a 22" barrel. Precision, for whatever reason, is not great right now for me at 0.50moa, but I have done absolutely ZERO load development work. I hope that I can the bullet going into 1 hole groups at 100yd with some load development work.

best of luck w/ your new 6.5x47.

 

[PharmShooter]

I was thinking to use Sierra 85gr FBHP for barrel break-in. Have you tried those? I realize that's a light-for-caliber bullet. Thoughts? What primers are you using?

I'm using CCI BR primers.

 

[Dogtown]

Could you confirm that link?

Yup, I can see it right there in the second sentence of my post.

 

[Sgt_Jamez]

Dog... Ha! I'm going blind. Thanks man I see it now.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Marking for reference. Just got a 6.5x47 as well, just haven't had time past weeks to stretch her leg yet.

 

[Sgt_Jamez]

Ok so here's a noob question, can I reliably check the distance to the lands using only the barrel? I made a long dummy round and dropped it into my barrels chamber. I felt and saw it was too long and slowly seated the bullet deeper until I could no longer feel the bullet against the rifling. Since I don't have my action yet, is this measurement method going to yield different results than using the Hornady tool and modified case?



I used this method to find the distance to the lands with the 85gr Sierria, 107gr Sierra, 120gr Sierra, 123gr AMAX, and 130gr Berger.

 

[PharmShooter]

I just got my 6.5x47 build and broke in the barrel and shot 8 groups on the first day. I averaged right at 1/2' MOA for the first 8 groups shooting 123 scenars with various powder charges. I started by seating the bullet into the lands. My next range visit I will test 4 different seating depths which progessively seat deeper by .005". Because it was new Lapua brass I did nothing but full body size the brass prior to loading.

I don't know if this is the correct way to do it, but this is what I've done and am doing.

Good luck!

My second trip to the range helped me dial in the seating depth. 8 groups shot and averaged .281 MOA @ 200 yds. Jumping the round about .005".

 

[turbo54]

[MENTION=32313]Sgt_Jamez[/MENTION]

That is my preferred method of finding the length to the lands.

Be sure you check that the empty case itself will drop into the chamber with no stiction, and drop right out when you tip the muzzle up. This prevents mistaking case-to-chamber drag for ogive/land contact.

You know you're just starting to jam the bullet into the lands when it takes *slightly* more than gravity alone for the cartridge to drop out of the chamber when you tip the muzzle up.

 

[Sgt_Jamez]

Turbo54 - Roger that. Virgin brass fresh from the box was tried in the chamber first. Easy in, easy out. So there was no friction on anything but the bullet to rifling contact zone. I can't wait to try this rifle!