123 Custom Comps in the 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5x47

[XLR308]

I recently bought a 500 count box of the 123CC bullets for breaking in a couple of barrels and for short to mid range plinking.
I have been searching around on here for related threads but not finding much since most seem to favor the heavier bullets in these calibers.
Mainly just looking for what others have found to be the sweat spot with these and what powders were most commonly used.
I know from past experience with them in other calibers they don't seem to be fussy about jump and hold thier own accuracy wise against some of my other mainstays.
Was initially thinking Varget would be an easy choice for these in both calibers but also have AR-COMP, 4064, W748, H100V and a limited supply of H4350.

 

[XLR308]

Varget and H100V it is then ?

 

[Rog2069]

Can’t say for CM, but yes varget for 47L

 

[XLR308]

That's pretty much been the answer for the research I've done on the 6.5x47 , H100V is pretty close to H4350 and the lot I have is a little fast so it should work really well in the Creedmoor with the 123 grain bullets.
Just going to choose a mid pressure load for each and run some rounds through the new barrels to smooth the throats out and check for fouling.

 

[bobke]

37ish of AR Comp in CM has proven quite accurate-not the velocity potential of 4350 and the like, but workable option. Varget good, as well. Have used a lot of 123CC’s in a Grendel with very good results.

 

[XLR308]

37ish of AR Comp in CM has proven quite accurate-not the velocity potential of 4350 and the like, but workable option. Varget good, as well. Have used a lot of 123CC’s in a Grendel with very good results.

That's good to hear on AR-comp and the CM, not looking for blistering speeds anyway just good mid pressure loads for plinking and break in.
Trying to sell my 308 now and have between 12-16 pounds each of both AR-COMP and Varget and need another main consumer of those powders since they both go a long ways in 223rem and 68spc.
I will give it a try in the CM.

 

[XLR308]

Thought i owed a little update with AR-COMP in the 6.5CM since i finally tried it recently.
I ran a ladder with both Varget and AR-COMP in new Lapua neck turned brass to find a good node just for fire forming the new brass with 123cc bullets.
Since powder and primers are getting more and more difficult to aquire hopefully this will help some looking for alternatives to the tried and true in the 6.5CM and save you some frustration and wasted components since ive allready done some of that.

In regards to Varget no surprises it shined with the 123cc and had very respectable velocities at moderate pressure and good accuracy even in new unformed brass.
The results with AR-COMP were not very good although it worked very well in 6.5x47.
I started at 35.3 grains and ended 38.9 in .3 grain jumps.
Until i reached 36.8 grains it didnt have enough pressure to form the cases to the chamber, the shoulders still looked like the new brass and the brass was dirty and sooted.
From 36.8 to 38.0 grains the velocities stabilized and the cases were formed to the chamber.
The velocities for each ladder were as follows.
New neck turned 6.5CM Lapua brass
CCI450
123CC
Varget.
37.1 2776fps
37.4. 2789
37.7. 2788
38.0. 2795
38.3. 2808
38.6. 2816
38.9. 2838
39.2. 2839
39.5. 2883
39.8. 2905

New neck turned 6.5CM Lapua brass
CCI450
123CC
AR-COMP
35.3 2743 fps
35.6 2712
35.9. 2830
36.2. 2824
36.5. 2787
36.8. 2890
37.1. 2902
37.4. 2942
37.7. 2942
38.0 2957

 

[bobke]

Been working with AR Comp and 123CC’s this week, as well, exploring my longer inventory items and saving Scenars and heavier bullets for a rainy day. 21” Bartlein AR, F210 primers and Hornady brass, and a much shorter OAL than normal at 2.732”. Short ladder as well, but reached pressure at higher range with flatter primers, and glad I kept charge weight in range.
37.0-2772
37.2-2808
37.4-2787
37.6-2803
37.8-2823
Am going to recheck distance to lands in this barrel and start at .020 off and see if pressure is mitigated to a degree. As is, would not proceed any further up ladder to charge weight or velocities you’ve noted. May I assume bolt gun and 24-26” barrel? What loaded length are you using? Don’t see much on AR Comp in 6.5CM, and given it works well in 223, 6.5 Grendel and 308, a viable alternative in current environment.

 

[XLR308]

Been working with AR Comp and 123CC’s this week, as well, exploring my longer inventory items and saving Scenars and heavier bullets for a rainy day. 21” Bartlein AR, F210 primers and Hornady brass, and a much shorter OAL than normal at 2.732”. Short ladder as well, but reached pressure at higher range with flatter primers, and glad I kept charge weight in range.
37.0-2772
37.2-2808
37.4-2787
37.6-2803
37.8-2823
Am going to recheck distance to lands in this barrel and start at .020 off and see if pressure is mitigated to a degree. As is, would not proceed any further up ladder to charge weight or velocities you’ve noted. May I assume bolt gun and 24-26” barrel? What loaded length are you using? Don’t see much on AR Comp in 6.5CM, and given it works well in 223, 6.5 Grendel and 308, a viable alternative in current environment.

Yes i am using a bolt gun, Kelbly Atlas action with a 23" Bartlien 1-7.5" twist 5r chambered by Kelblys with SAAMI spec .198" freebore.

What really seemed odd to me is Alliant lists max in a 260rem with 120smk as 35.4 but as i stated it wasnt until i reached 36.8 that it even had enough pressure to form the new cases to the chamber and hold a good gas seal.
Load dimensions were CBTO 2.233" with .034" jump.
With a little more neck tension they might have behaved a bit different but i just ran with them at .001" after neck turning and didnt want to bother with running them through the die again.

 

[atakawow]

My 6.5 shoots sub .500" @ 100 yards with the 123 CC. Groups in the .300" are quite common.

123 CC
Hornady case
Wolf LRP
40.5 gr of Shooter's World Precision
2.200" base-to-ogive
2830 FPS in 35 degree weather.