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6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

19818119

19818119

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 20, 2008
593
0
#1
Gents,

I'm trying to decide between the 6.5x47 Lapua and the .243 that will compliment my .308 Surgeon build.

For those who own both what would you suggest and why. I'm leaning towards getting a .243 barrel and using 115 Dtac's at this stage. Will theses feed from M5 Mags? I'm assuming I won't need another bolt for the surgeon if I choose either of the .243 or 6.5x47.

Want to stretch these to steel @ 1000m.

Thanks.
 
#2
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

I just researched the same thing and after hours on the net, im putting together a 6.5 lapua and i think you will do the same after research. Good luck and good choice on the action.
 
#3
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

SS, what were the deciding factors in your decision. It seems to me that bbl life is the advantage of the 6.5x47.
 
#4
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

Rath,
Either one is going to be a great caliber. If you already have a 308, you are probably sitting on LR primers , so the 243 would be an easy way to go. If you go with the 6.5x47 you will want to bush the firing pin hole in order to not pierce primers. The 6.5 would require different reloading components, but worth the trouble. I would go with the 6.5 (with 0.115-0.125 freebore), more bullet choices in that caliber. I would start with the 130gr Berger's.
 
#5
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

+1 on what Bluejazz said, also don't discount a 260, same primers, brass is an assload cheaper than 6.5x47, and in a pinch can be from 243 or 7-08 brass
 
#7
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

How much better barrel life? Moon had 3300 rounds of 115 DTACs at around 3100fps through his .243 and it was still shooting great and won the Shumway 1000 yard trophy at the SHC. I would choose the .243 between the two.
 
#8
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

I went down that decision road and ended up with .243 based on the better availability of cases. Call me paranoid but I dont want to rely on anything that has to be imported. This also plays into loosing brass at matches. I can stomach loosing a couple .243s but the mere thought of loosing cases at a buck each was eating at me.
 
#9
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Norcal Phoenix</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I dont want to rely on anything that has to be imported.</div></div>

When I buy a barrel, I buy enough brass to last the life of that barrel.
 
#10
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

Unless you lose it. I usually lose atleast 10-20 pieces of brass on average at a match. Started with 500 .243 cases and down to about 300 now.
 
#11
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

thanks for the feedback.

what is the best twist for the 115 DTAC from a .243. Barrel recommendations and lengths appreciated. Of the guys driving the DTAC's at 3000+fps was that with molly?

Rath
 
#12
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

7.5 twist for the 115 DTAC will work in any environment. I use a 27" Schneider but the Bartleins will run just as well. You could go to 26" and still get excellent velocvity.

I used moly but then went to the BN 115 DTACs. I know guiys that use naked 115s and get that velocity. I was having mine leave the rifle at 2985fps with the moly but with the same H4350 charge and the BN it bumped up to 3020fps but still with good ES/SD and accuracy so I'm leaving it. This was the first rifle I ever used moly in and found it really easy to work with despite all the horror stories. Cleaned it like any rifle although not as often. The BN is supposed to be easier to clean out.
 
#14
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

Yes I was and not at all. I run a 28" MTU profile 6.5 Creedmoor now. Never had any problems getting around.
 
#20
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

Don't be. It fits fine and can be seated out to about 2.870". I have never had a problem. Make sure your smith cuts back the feed ramp though as if it isn't then the tips can catch under it. It's a quick easy thing to do. I have all mine done. Not just the .243 so I can seat the bullets to mag length and not worry about it catching.
 
#21
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

I also have a .308 and went with a 6.5 x 47. There is always going to be exceptions to the rule but I figured that I would get more rounds out of a 6.5mm barrel. The .243 goes through barrels too fast for ME. I also wanted to hunt deer with it using the same bullet(Berger 140 or 130gr) I shoot paper/steal with. So I liked the heavier 6.5 mm bullets. I wasn't worried about loosing any cases so I didn't care about the extra cost of the Lapua brass.
 
#22
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

I've got both 243 and 6.5x47. It was easier for me to set up accurate loads in the 6.5x47. I'e got two 243's one likes the 105 Bergers and the other prefers 108 Bergers. My two 6.5x47's both go for 123 Lapus and I was getting great groups right off the start. Actually the first 6.5x47 I built shot the 139's great also. Kinda had to work at the 243's to get a good load. Hell, I hardly even shoot my 308 anymore.
 
#23
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

I've decided on the .243, I'll be able to change barrels myself so bbl life is less of a concern for me. If I can get 3000 out of a bbl i'll be happy. Now can someone direct me to the best place to order 115gr Dtac's?

I have no experience will molly, for those that shoot both from a .243 can you weigh in with the pros and cons? I'm looking to drive the Dtac's at between 2950 -3000, faster would be a bonus but brass life is more important than another 50-100fps to me.

Thanks again, this site is awesome.
Rath
 
#24
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

Order direct from Tubb. He doesn't make them in moly anymore so that helps your decision right there LOL The BN he uses now is good stuff and you juswt shoot it like it's a naked bullet. Don't even think about it being coated. Get the BN 115s, some H4350 and some Win brass. I had no problem finding a load with the .243. There are loads in the Reloading Depot here to help you out.
 
#25
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

listen to Rob. He knows what he speaks of....

115 bullets here...
cool.gif


http://www.davidtubb.com/ammo_bullets.html

lots of info here...
grin.gif


http://www.6mmbr.com/243Win.html


and the 115 Dtacs work great as hunting bullets too....

2008_WTail_243_AI.JPG


2008_contest_FOXPRO_.JPG


507 yard goat... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5Z0c_Ic7G0

2008_2nd_Goat.JPG


2008_contest_FOXPRO_2.JPG

 
#26
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

Damn Sendero_man you are a coyote killing machine. 243 rocks I like mine in the ackley version over the 6.5x47 but it is just a personal choice. On the other hand it is a toss up for me for the 243 vs the 6-6.5x47 either will push 155s well. I do like the small primer pockets on the x47 brass, that is some of the toughest brass I have ever seen.
 
#28
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

How about some info on the terminal stuff from the 115? I have never opened one up but Im guessing a pretty thin jacket with performance like a ballistic tip. How much penetration on the whitetail?
 
#32
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

Because if i want to grab some factory ammo i can't. At least no here in Australia, may be different for you guys in the USA
 
#33
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

I vote 6.5 Lapua. The difference in brass lost will be outweighed by the extra barrel life and larger variety of bullets available for the 6.5mm
 
#34
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

How much extra barrel life? I asked earlier in this thread and no one answered? Seeing as you use high pressures in the 6.5x47 I wouldn't think barrel life would be much better.

As for bullets, once you find one good one why would having a large selection mean anything? I have one load for all my rifles. That said there are the DTACs, Bergers, Hornady, Sierra etc all make good long range bullets for the 6mm in varying weights.
 
#35
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Karl2U</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why not just use the 6XC with 115DTACS?
good enuff for Mr Tubbs should be ok i,m thinking </div></div>

6XC is custom dies, cases, etc.

243 or 243 AI is readily available and easy to fireform.

go on a hunting trip and forgot your ammo. still shoot factory stuff real accurate too.
grin.gif


 
#36
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

I will ad this, only becoz i spent some time running QL/QT for something i have in mind to do

Straight ole plain jane 284
ck a cple of my recent posts for data.

Not inline with what your looking at but will do all you need, 7mm bullets have very good bc numbers.
 
#37
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

I wonder about barrel life too. I don't run my 6.5x47L real hot, just medium hot. My 139 scenar leaves the barrel at 2830fps. I have about 1500 rounds through it in 15 months. Still shoots good and I have not had to change my seating depth. I doubt I will ever borescope the barrel.

I like the 6.5 so much I chambered my AR-10 for it and am building a youth hunter for the boys in it as well. Now my problem is keeping the fired brass with the right rifle!
 
#38
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

I personally love my .243. I spoke with Rob, Mike, One-eyed Jack, etc., and when you get down to it, the .243 is a nice all-around cartridge. EASY to get ammo, easy to load for, has the performance to take everything from varmints to deer, low recoil, accurate, etc. I have never regretted getting my .243 and when this barrel is gone, I'll have another chambered in .243....

Tony
 
#39
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

I dont run my x47 hard either but i load longer
QL info shows 58k psi so not seeing that as being hard on throat.

Nice thing about X47 you can chase lands until bullet falls out of case in short action....not so much with a 260 or 6.5CM

My max OAL to mag feed is 2.990 i,m currently @ 2.800, so i,m thinking i will get 308 barrel life, expecting 5000 rnds ++

Sure i may have to chase lans or set back barrel which is currently 29"....i have accounted for both
 
#41
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: erik the sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">6.5 vs 243
is like US vs iraq
one is really good and kills the other is shit
pretty much </div></div>

what???????? the 243 and 6.5 are both great LR rounds
 
#44
Re: 6.5x47 Lapua v .243 Win

That was probably the worst analogy that I've ever seen.

In about another 380 rounds my .308 will go in to be rebarreled to a .243.
 
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