6.5x47 Lapua coal question.

[Gil P.]

I have never loaded for this cartridge before and I am having some trouble, in regards to the distance to the lands of my rifle (Remington 700).

Im using a method where I strip my bolt, except for the extracto. I then hook the case rim under the extractor hook, amd chamber the cartridge until the bolt has no resistance on the up stroke.
My brass is sized the the bolt handle will fall freely after chambering a piece of brass.

I tried this with 3 different bullets.
130 VLD - bto = 1.897
140 hybrid - bto = 1.899
139 Scenar - bto = 1.901

My method seems to be reasonably consistent,
(although they should all be the same shouldn't they?) but it seems my Coal is rather short. Berger 140 hybrids measure 2.705 at the lands.
It seems strange that the bullets are pushed so far into the case. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[remaction]

It is hard to compare lengths due to some variables. The measuring tool, the method of measuring, and the freebore.
I don't have any 140 hybrids, but with 130 Berger VLD Hunting bullets in my 6.5x47, the base to ogive measurement is 2.080" (touching). OAL is 2.721".
My Hornady .26 insert measures .252". If yours is larger than .252" then that would contribute to your shorter length measurement to the rifling, but would not matter on the OAL of course.
Another contributor to length measurement differences is freebore, my chamber has .123 freebore. Do you know your reamer spec?
I check "touching" the same way, remove the ejector and firing pin assembly. However I go by the uplift of the bolt. If the bullet is in the rifling, the primary extraction from the bolt handle contacting the receiver will cause a click, as it has to pull the bullet out of the rifling. I keep seating slightly deeper each time until the "click" is gone and I know I have then just come off of the rifling.
In regards to your different length measurements, .004" over 3 different bullets does not surprise me as each ogive taper is likely to be slightly different, so if your insert does not match your actual bore diameter exactly, then you can get different measurements due to the bullet taper.
All in all, I don't fret over what others actual measurements are, but in general it is good to know what freebore works best for the bullets you want to use in order to maximize case capacity while staying within your magazine length limits.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Your difference is only 0.004" That is really very close to each other..

 

[Gil P.]

It is hard to compare lengths due to some variables. The measuring tool, the method of measuring, and the freebore.
I don't have any 140 hybrids, but with 130 Berger VLD Hunting bullets in my 6.5x47, the base to ogive measurement is 2.080" (touching). OAL is 2.721".
My Hornady .26 insert measures .252". If yours is larger than .252" then that would contribute to your shorter length measurement to the rifling, but would not matter on the OAL of course.
Another contributor to length measurement differences is freebore, my chamber has .123 freebore. Do you know your reamer spec?
I check "touching" the same way, remove the ejector and firing pin assembly. However I go by the uplift of the bolt. If the bullet is in the rifling, the primary extraction from the bolt handle contacting the receiver will cause a click, as it has to pull the bullet out of the rifling. I keep seating slightly deeper each time until the "click" is gone and I know I have then just come off of the rifling.

I check the distance to lands on the uplift as well, same as you. I'll ask the gunsmith about the freebore length.

 

[Gil P.]

Your difference is only 0.004" That is really very close to each other..

I thought the same thing. It makes me think that my measurements are reliable, but my oal is so short...
Ill speak with my gunsmith

 

[Gil P.]

Freebore is . 165

 

[47guy]

i want to say my BTO with 123g lapuas is 2.166 with a .167 FB but ill have to check when i get home...ill post back later.

 

[47guy]

123g lapua BTO touching the lands 2.166...OAL 2.717 with a .167 freebore...measurements with the hornaday tool and the #26 insert