6.5x47 Velocity Question

[DJ 480]

I finally got some rounds out of my new 24 inch 6.5x47
Peterson brass
140 ELDM
Win SRP
36.0 Varget
SD: 8
ES: 11
Velocity: 2650
I am pleased with the numbers and the group size. Trying to decide if I should settle where i am at with development or should I be looking for faster MV out this barrel length. New to the caliber, so i do not want to push the barrel to hard and burn through components chasing a higher MV if these results are whats to be expected out of the gun. I appreciate the input and help in advance. I attached the above group for viewing pleasure.

Dan

 

[Dogtown]

You could squeeze out a bit more velocity with a different powder like RL-17, but your group already looks pretty solid. If anything, I'd just shoot this until you feel like you need to change something up. When you do, also try some CCI450 primers - for some reason this cartridge loves them.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Group size is not powder dependent. You can make any powder charge shoot well via seating depth.

So, if you want to go faster and can find a stable powder node, you can tune it back up to desired accuracy later.

 

[Will65284]

I've had a half dozen 6.5x47's. Still my favorite. For 140's I've always ended up around 37.5gr of Varget or 40.5gr of H4350. Velocity after initial barrel speed increase around 125-175 rounds. Is usually around 2740-2760 with either choice of powder. It's not a hot load in either powder. But every rifle in this cal has love the 140's at those velocities.

 

[DJ 480]

I've had a half dozen 6.5x47's. Still my favorite. For 140's I've always ended up around 37.5gr of Varget or 40.5gr of H4350. Velocity after initial barrel speed increase around 125-175 rounds. Is usually around 2740-2760 with either choice of powder. It's not a hot load in either powder. But every rifle in this cal has love the 140's at those velocities.

appreciate the input!

 

[BrienM]

Velocity is a relative number. We are always going to compensate for distance no matter what velocity we are sending them. I like 2750 with 140's but I also like small bugholes! Experiment with it a little if you wish. Only you will know what your barrel is liking... If it is consistent/predictable day in day out with that load, it would be hard pressed to get better.. My 2 6.5x47 barrels were both 26" so yours will likely hit different velocities. We shot with a guy a few weeks ago that was running a 28" barrel with 1 grain less than me at almost same velocity.. Just shoot it and see.
Brien

 

[Shoots 700's]

I also have 6.5x47 and use 37.5g Varget. I shoot 144 Hybrids and 8.0mils gets me to 1000 yards. This is out of a 26" 1-8 Hawk Hill.

 

[DJ 480]

I appreciate the info guys

 

[samb300]

I'm on my 3rd 6.5x47L barrel. All Bartlein 5R, 8T, 24" length, suppressed with Ultra7.

Each barrel has had a node at a very similar load, 36.3 - 36.6gr Varget with 140 Hybrids or 140 ELDMs. Velocity has ranged from 2700 to 2750 fps.

I've tried the hotter node (usually noted as ~37.2gr Varget) and didn't think the extra pressure was worth the 50fps gain from the 24" barrel.

Also remember, if your barrel is brand new it is likely to speed up a bit after 1-200 rounds compared to what velocities you're seeing now.

 

[Sig Marine]

You can dial your scope to adjust/compensate for elevation drop for a given velocity; you cannot dial to compensate for accuracy.

 

[gilream]

That's a very good group. I would shoot it and enjoy it remembering that the barrel will speed up until you get to 170-200 rounds (my experience). I have a 26" Bartelin barrel, use Lapua brass and 450 primers. My Varget load is 36.8 grains and gives me about 2780 fps. My H4350 load is 40.0 grains and velocity runs at 2805. Both loads show great accuracy and work really well out to 1100 yards. The only pressure signs I've seen is when I left a bit of oil in the chamber.
My brass is on its 11th firing. You are giving up 25-30 fps per inch of shortened barrel length but you still may be running a mild load. Just my opinion. The 6.5 X 47 is a great cartridge, easy to tune with wide seating depth nodes and super accuracy. You have made a good choice...

 

[Clearlight]

If you want to stick with Varget, as mentioned above you might be able to get up around
37 and a bit grains. My standard load in a dozen barrels over 4 years and several rifles
has been 38.8 - 39.2 of H4350. Mild load, a few guys are running up to 41. I have some
brass that’s been reloaded 30 times (thank you AMP annealer!) and I prefer longer
barrel life over a few less clicks for drop and wind.