6.5x47 Lapua Twist rate

[Chris S]

G'day All,

I have a 6.5mm - 8.5 twist Krieger blank that I'm considering
having chambered in 6.5x47 Lapua. A bit of research suggests
that this twist rate would limit me to projectiles in the 120-130 grain
range. Any ideas/comments?

tnx in advance, Chris

[ned kelly]

G'Day Chris,
when I was researching the 6x47lap, there was a theory going that 120-130gn bullets were the ideal weight for the 6.5x47, especisally if you had 6.5x55lapua or 6.5-284lapau brass for the heavier bullets.

I'm not sure but I think it was Don Neilson (the pumpkin) who has both the 6 & 6.5 versions set up for 600yd BR and can be viewed on gun of the week at 6BR.com

BTW are you shooting at Para for the BR titles on the Queens birthday weekend? If so see you there.

Cheerio Ned

[AlanF]

Chris, Ned

I had a pair of 8.5 twist Kriegers on my 6.5-284 that went well at around 2900fps with 140gn class projectiles. When the new RL17 becomes available, I think it will be ideal for the 6.5x47, and you should get well over 2900fps with the 140s, so it is a realistic option now, and probably wasn't at the time of the 6mmBR.com article.

Alan

[Chris S]

Thanks for the info re twist rates etc. I did find
some useful info at 6mmhot.com/ on the 6/6.5x47 Lapua with
chamber prints etc.

Ned, can't make it down to Para this time, son riding
in the Finke Desert Race same weekend and guess who gets
to be driver/logistics orginizer/medic!

Chris...

[jerryatric]

ive just had new rifle built in 6.5 x 47 , 1 in 8 twist & im using 140 gr perjectiles at moment running rifle in . excellent results & already shooting 1/4 inch groups but am stuck with 2209 powder till i can locate some re15. only shot twice so far & both times took 1 st place at 400 & 700 yards . looks promising? . will be trying some decent perjectiles now the cheapies have done there job . oh & using 30 inch maddco barrel suplied & fitted by maddco . very very pleased.

[AlanF]

Sounds promising. I would try Reloder 17 - its new, and seems ideal for your case.

Alan

[IanP]

Sounds promising. I would try Reloder 17 - its new, and seems ideal for your case.

Alan

Last time I checked RL17 was not available in Oz. Has this changed?

I would also try 2208 which is pretty close to RL15, it works for me!

[jerryatric]

im using 2209 because i thought it was basicaly the same as re15 . am i mistakin - should or would 2208 be better ? just that in a past comment someone states the use of re 17 ?. im only useing a touch over 38 grains of 2209 & am getting great results with this combo & the 140 perjectiles. now im wondering if there is even better groups / performance out of this cal if i switch to other powders?.

[bully_eye]

Just a bit of hype out there regarding Re17. Promises greater velocity in a number of applications. If the combo you're using is working stick to it. No harm in experimenting so long as you're not wearing out a great barrel.

Michael

ps I just took delivery of a new 1:9 twist 7mm barrel and some expanded and neck turned 6.5 x 284 brass. Re17 would seem to be able to produce velocity in the region of 2950fps with 180gr projectiles where most other loads are down around 2800-2850fps range. Apparently the Re17 will produce similar results in other chamberings.

[IanP]

Just a bit of hype out there regarding Re17. Promises greater velocity in a number of applications. If the combo you're using is working stick to it. No harm in experimenting so long as you're not wearing out a great barrel.

Michael

ps I just took delivery of a new 1:9 twist 7mm barrel and some expanded and neck turned 6.5 x 284 brass. Re17 would seem to be able to produce velocity in the region of 2950fps with 180gr projectiles where most other loads are down around 2800-2850fps range. Apparently the Re17 will produce similar results in other chamberings.

Are you using RL17 or just quoting some one elses figures or just guessing the velocity? If you bought RL17 in Oz please tell us where you got it from.

[AlanF]

Michael,

Reloder 17 seems to be best suited as a replacement for 2209 or slightly quicker.

Alan

[IanP]

im using 2209 because i thought it was basicaly the same as re15 . am i mistakin - should or would 2208 be better ? just that in a past comment someone states the use of re 17 ?. im only useing a touch over 38 grains of 2209 & am getting great results with this combo & the 140 perjectiles. now im wondering if there is even better groups / performance out of this cal if i switch to other powders?.

RL15 is in between AR2208 and AR2209 look here: http://www.adi-limited.com/handloaders- ... alents.asp

Try 38.0 - 39.0gr of 2208 (start low) with 140gr projectiles and see for yourself how the accuracy and velocity compare. I'm getting 2876fps with 139gr scenars and better accuracy than with Berger 130gr VLDs at 2930fps.

[bully_eye]

Unfortunately just quoting figures from 6mmbr on their very informative article on 7mm chamberings. Seems to be a lot of posting on US forums about it being a great powder in a number of applications. My understanding is that it won't be on sale in Aus until late this year. From my experience...limited as that may be...velocity isn't everything. Ballistically a 7mm 180gr range match projectile at around 2800fps will shoot inside a 6.5mm and a 6mm and anything up to I believe a 210gr 30cal. Velocity is great but accuracy wins (velocity AND accuracy is valuable though)...as well as the abilty to read wind which bullets can't do yet unfortunately. Not spruiking 7mm's. I have a 6.5mm and a 6mm barrel for my rifle and a 30cal on another. I think if a new powder works then great but we do have access to some great powders at a reasonable price in Aus and I'll always try them first if only for supply. I've worked up loads with VihtaVuori powder which shot great only to never be able to get it reliably again. Guaranteed when Re17 is released here it will sell out in a few days.

Michael

[bruce moulds]

re 15 is much closer to 2208 than 2209 in burning rate from personal experience.
bruce.