6.5x47 loads

[mitchellchandler_au]

Hi all,
I just got my 6.5x47 back last week and I am getting ready to start some serious load development. My question is do the heavy 139-140 grain projectiles have an advantage over the lighter 123-130 grain bullets. I have 25'' barrel and was planning on using AR2208.

Thanks,

[RAVEN]

Whichever is the most accurate will be the one to use
RB

[ecomeat]

Mitchell,
I think the majority of shooters who have ever posted results of load development for a 6.5 x 47 Lap on line have reported that the 139/140 gr projectiles are just a poofteenth too heavy for the case and most end up settling on a 130gr or 123 gr load.
I am among the many who bought a 6.5 x 47 specifically to shoot the heavier bullets, but in the end gave up. I had a 6 x 47 Lap shooting 105 gr VLDs, and a 284 Win shooting 168 and 180 grain VLDs, and the 139/140s were smack in the middle, so it seemed like a good idea.
I tried absolutely everything to try and get 140s over 2900 fps out of a 30" barrel . Tried VV550, which was a filthy dirty powder in mine, and actually got over 3000 fps with a "stout" load, but poor accuracy. Tried REL15, 2208 and 2209.
There are just so many people shooting the 130 gr or 123 gr successfully and reporting on it, so in the end i "saw the light" and went that way myself.
Matt Paroz from Sydney came to the QRA Queens two years ago shooting a 6.5 x 47 with 130 gr Bergers and zero case prep. He just opened the box the brass was in, primed them and loaded 130s on top of 2208 ,jammed 0.010" and won the Lead Up event by about 6 points !!
There are certainly some folks out there shooting the heavier 6.5mm bullets successfully, but the vast majority are using 123 or 130 gr bullets, imho
i shoot a 284 Win with occasional success, but i regularly get my butt whupped at our local Club events by a 6.5 x 47 driven by a lady who only shoots 123 gr Lapua bullets at about 2940 fps.
Let us know what you finally settle on for a load.

[DenisA]

I have ZERO experience with the 6.5x47, but the general consensus that I've heard from a quite a few folk that successfully use them is that the 140's are a little on the heavy side for the cartridge and don't Stabilise as well as the 130's.
The feeling has been that the 140's are better suited to .260 cases and larger.

Again I have no experience though I'd be interested to know if this consensus is correct.

[DenisA]

Tony got in a fraction before me LOL

[aaronraad]

Hi all,
I just got my 6.5x47 back last week and I am getting ready to start some serious load development. My question is do the heavy 139-140 grain projectiles have an advantage over the lighter 123-130 grain bullets. I have 25'' barrel and was planning on using AR2208.

Thanks,

Is the 308 Norma Mag still active?

[johnk]

By the skin of it's teeth, according to the Berger reloading manual.

[bruce moulds]

whilst I do not own one, it would appear that 140 type bullets have a node at 2820 to 2840.
apparently this can be reached with 2208 and 2209.
spencer dunstall used to use one, and if he used it at the vic leadup, it would be interesting to see his loads.
the 6.5 creedmoor holds a bit more powder, and can just do 2900 with the 140s and good case life.
keep safe,
bruce.
edit: the 25" barrel might reduce vel expectations a bit.

[DaveMc]

I have had several.

Basically as much 2209 as you can get in the case and around the 2820 does work (and safe) with the 140 class.

With the shorter barrel though I think you are on the right track with the 2208. In all mine the 123 and 130 were more accurate than the 140 class and no real world difference in wind drift with the extra speed gained. Accuracy rules in my book so I went these.

With 25 inches I would be even tempted to try the 123 with 06H as well

[Brad Y]

37.5gr 2208 and a 130 berger is rather nice in the one 6.5x47L that I used. It won me a queens and I wouldnt hesitate to run one in a heartbeat.

I now run a 260 improved, and the 140 class bullet at a mild but very accurate 2860fps and plenty of capacity to go up to the mid 2900's. It probably isnt worth doing it over again comparing ballistics and ease of finding dies etc to the 6.5x47L. The only thing is it has that little bit more oomph to deal with bad conditions. But thats what 7mm's are for anyway.

[Handbrake]

I am considering using 147 ELDs rather than 140 to for mid to long range using 2209 powder. Any suggestions on where start with starting point weight with the powder. I have a 30”barrel with1in8 twist.

[Seddo]

37.5gr 2208 and a 130 berger is rather nice in the one 6.5x47L that I used. It won me a queens and I wouldnt hesitate to run one in a heartbeat.

I now run a 260 improved, and the 140 class bullet at a mild but very accurate 2860fps and plenty of capacity to go up to the mid 2900's. It probably isnt worth doing it over again comparing ballistics and ease of finding dies etc to the 6.5x47L. The only thing is it has that little bit more oomph to deal with bad conditions. But thats what 7mm's are for anyway.

I run my 260AI at 2880fps with 140gr A-MAx, it wasn't accurate over 3000fps.