6.5 Creed or 6.5x47 to 1000?

[Steve_O]

Need some advice picking a cartridge, shooting a local 400-1000 yard steel match (prone). I have these components below so what cartridge should I go with 6.5 Creed, 6.5x47 or something else perhaps?

16 Ibs Varget
11 Ibs H4350
1 Ib N150
1 |b IMR 4166
1 |b 6.5 Staball
a lot of CCI 450’s.

 

[nn8734]

Need some advice picking a cartridge, shooting a local 400-1000 yard steel match (prone). I have these components below so what cartridge should I go with 6.5 Creed, 6.5x47 or something else perhaps?

16 Ibs Varget
11 Ibs H4350
1 Ib N150
1 |b IMR 4166
1 |b 6.5 Staball
a lot of CCI 450’s.

I'd argue your bullet choice is more important, assuming all other things equal. Case is your choice/preference (assuming you dont have any brass for any 6.5 .473 bolt face cartridge atm)

 

[Steve_O]

I'd argue your bullet choice is more important, assuming all other things equal. Case is your choice/preference (assuming you dont have any brass for any 6.5 .473 bolt face cartridge atm)

It’s a .473 bolt face and have brass for the 47 and Creed. No bullets at the moment.

 

[category_theory]

Grab 140, 144 or 153 Bergers or 140 or 147 ELDMs and get small primer Lapua brass…. Go w Creedmoor and you’ll be good. Better velocities and more support ultimately. That said either are fine.

 

[nn8734]

It’s a .473 bolt face and have brass for the 47 and Creed. No bullets at the moment.

I'd just look at case capacity between the two and decide based on which has more horsepower to push the bullet you plan on using. I'm more familiar with the Creedmoor (never owned a 6.5x47).

 

[wind gypsy]

I've only had 2 x47s but they've been the two easiest barrels to get shooting i've ever owned (never had a BR variant). There's nothing i've stuck in them that doesn't shoot bugholes. Make sure you get a 0.295 neck if you go that route.

If you want to shoot 147s or the 150+ bergers I'd probably want the horsepower of the creed. The x47 will get you enough powder to run 130-144s well though.

Edit to add: x47 and varget play real nice together, so you've got that going for ya. Make sure you've got enough x47 brass though. I have enough for at least a couple more barrels.

 

[category_theory]

I've only had 2 x47s but they've been the two easiest barrels to get shooting i've ever owned (never had a BR variant). There's nothing i've stuck in them that doesn't shoot bugholes. Make sure you get a 0.295 neck if you go that route.

If you want to shoot 147s or the 150+ bergers I'd probably want the horsepower of the creed. The x47 will get you enough powder to run 130-144s well though.

Edit to add: x47 and varget play real nice together, so you've got that going for ya. Make sure you've got enough x47 brass though. I have enough for at least a couple more barrels.

Yeah if you want to run 14X or 150s you’ll need the CM. I also run a 26” barrel.

 

[diggler1833]

OP: I really think that the slightly shorter and less capacity 6.5x47L is better suited for Varget than the Creed, although either can run that powder well. The others crossover pretty well.

IMO, the x47 really is built *more* for bullets in the 123 - 130gr range. However, it is so easy to load for that you can get the 140s to run well without issue.

The elephant in the x47 room is that in order to get fantastic velocities, you have to run pressure extremely high. That's not a real problem because of the case head design and SRP, but if you want to keep up (and it can for all intents and purposes) with the Creed...you have to stand on it. Look at some of the velocities competitors were getting over on the Accurate Shooter writeup on the 6.5x47. Just make sure to get that firing pin hole bushed if it isn't already or you'll be blanking primers before you ever get to those speeds.

I have two Creeds, and two x47s. I like running my x47s in the "low node" (at or just over 2,800 for the 123 class, and a bit over 2,700 for the 130 weight bullets). They just hammer, and I have consistent loads that all run in the .4s or better and single digit SDs with 4 different bullets and 4 different powders (120 and 123 Scenar, 130 ELD-M and 130 Norma) and (Varget, H4350, N150, and Reloader 16) respectively.

The 6.5 Creed is a fantastic cartridge too. But if I were just target shooting to 1K, I'd build another x47 before I'd get another Creed. If it were going to get used for hunting some, I'd probably do the Creedmoor...but there's really not enough difference to lament not having one if you have the other.

 

[just browsing]

Lol the “horsepower” comments always get me.

I run 153.5s at 2550fps out of my 6.5x47L and it couldn’t be more point and shoot to 1k. Looks like a fuckin sailboat in the air.

Pick one and shoot it. It’s really that simple.

 

[Steve_O]

It seems like there so close in performance that’s why I have been having a hard time picking one. I hear the X47 is alittle more accurate and easy to load for but didn’t know if the little bit of extra speed with the Creed would be a benefit in the wind at 1000.

 

[346ci]

The only advantage I see to going cm is the availability of factory ammo, the reason I'm selling my x47...

 

[LR1845]

I'd take a 47 over a CM all day and not that I don't like the CM I've owned 3-4 6CM and 2 65CM but the 47 just shoots...I ran 140g Hybrids at 2725 in 3 barrels for over 2500 rounds and both were hammers the entire time...if i ever go back to a 65 it would be a 47.

Sorry 3 47 barrels...I fixed it.

 

[nn8734]

I'd take a 47 over a CM all day and not that I don't like the CM I've owned 3-4 6CM and 2 65CM but the 47 just shoots...I ran 140g Hybrids at 2725 in 2 barrels for over 2500 rounds and both were hammers the entire time...if i ever go back to a 65 it would be a 47.

Just curious, what was the performance (muzzle velocity and either typical group size or mean error radius at 100m) for your 6.5CMs using the same bullet (if you ran the 140 Hybrids in your 6.5 Creedmoors) and how long were the barrels compared to your 6.5x47L barrel?

How long did the CMoor barrels last, if you shot them out from new?

 

[LR1845]

Just curious, what was the performance (muzzle velocity and either typical group size or mean error radius at 100m) for your 6.5CMs using the same bullet (if you ran the 140 Hybrids in your 6.5 Creedmoors) and how long were the barrels compared to your 6.5x47L barrel?

How long did the CMoor barrels last, if you shot them out from new?

There was not a lot of difference in group sizes from the 65CM to the 47 the difference for me was the 47 was more consistent over the life of the barrel.
Barrel life....I ran one of the CM barrels hard 130 berger hybrids at 2975-3025 that barrel lasted about 1800 rounds before it started to open up the other 65CM I only shot 5-600 rounds of factory 140ELDMs and sold the rifle....

The 47 barrels...I had one go 2700 rounds one went 2500ish and one went 2475...I remember this one because it went south at an outta town match.

The CM and 47 are both great cartridges, both are easy to load for and both are accurate, I think the 47 is just a bit more accurate and consistent and maybe a few more rounds of barrel life but barrel life in any caliber depends a lot on how you run it....I shot out a 28" 6CM in 800 rounds shooting 105 hybrids at 3150.

Like someone said above, if your going to shoot factory ammo CM if you load 6.5x47.

 

[nn8734]

There was not a lot of difference in group sizes from the 65CM to the 47 the difference for me was the 47 was more consistent over the life of the barrel.
Barrel life....I ran one of the CM barrels hard 130 berger hybrids at 2975-3025 that barrel lasted about 1800 rounds before it started to open up the other 65CM I only shot 5-600 rounds of factory 140ELDMs and sold the rifle....

The 47 barrels...I had one go 2700 rounds one went 2500ish and one went 2475...I remember this one because it went south at an outta town match.

The CM and 47 are both great cartridges, both are easy to load for and both are accurate, I think the 47 is just a bit more accurate and consistent and maybe a few more rounds of barrel life but barrel life in any caliber depends a lot on how you run it....I shot out a 28" 6CM in 800 rounds shooting 105 hybrids at 3150.

Like someone said above, if your going to shoot factory ammo CM if you load 6.5x47.

Gotcha...I also burned out an AXMC Proof SS barrel in like 1500 rounds pushing 130 Bergers out at almost 3100 fps (dumb on my part, in hindsight)...Thanks for the details, should prob help the OP with his decision also...

 

[Steve_O]

There was not a lot of difference in group sizes from the 65CM to the 47 the difference for me was the 47 was more consistent over the life of the barrel.
Barrel life....I ran one of the CM barrels hard 130 berger hybrids at 2975-3025 that barrel lasted about 1800 rounds before it started to open up the other 65CM I only shot 5-600 rounds of factory 140ELDMs and sold the rifle....

The 47 barrels...I had one go 2700 rounds one went 2500ish and one went 2475...I remember this one because it went south at an outta town match.

The CM and 47 are both great cartridges, both are easy to load for and both are accurate, I think the 47 is just a bit more accurate and consistent and maybe a few more rounds of barrel life but barrel life in any caliber depends a lot on how you run it....I shot out a 28" 6CM in 800 rounds shooting 105 hybrids at 3150.

Like someone said above, if your going to shoot factory ammo CM if you load 6.5x47.

What powder are you using for that 47?

 

[Shoots 700's]

I won't ever part with a 6.5x47. it shoots so well, and with so many different bullets. I am running 136 Scenars right now but, 140-144 hybrids are fantastic

 

[Steve_O]

I won't ever part with a 6.5x47. it shoots so well, and with so many different bullets. I am running 136 Scenars right now but, 140-144 hybrids are fantastic

That seems like the way Iam going to go since I have a lot of Varget and H4350, X47 looks like it can use both well if I run out of one or the other.

 

[Shoots 700's]

Varget and H4350 are perfect. My 136 load loves h4350

 

[DIBBS]

I havent been able to decide so I have both 6 and 6.5 barrels in the x47 and Creedmoor variety. Much easier to get factory ammo for the Creedmoors, but a 6x47 Lapua was my first precision rifle and then a 6.5x47

I will likely always have one in 6 or 6.5 for open country coyotes. I have been contemplating switching to 6.5's for barell life, but haven't done that yet either. Barrels are consumeable items.

EITHER chambering will work well... flip a coin if you cant decide.

 

[LR1845]

What powder are you using for that 47?

Varget and H4350 are both excellent powders in the 47 I tried both and H4350 won out for me.

 

[Islander]

I have both a CM and a x47, both are excellent for the ranges you stated. The 47 is a bit less powder but it’s minimal. I have noticed that the 47 is much more forgiving when working up loads with Varget. I’m shooting the 139 scenar and anywhere between 34.5 and 35.2 I get great accuracy and small SD’s. Like most have stated, you can’t go wrong with either. You’ll probably end up like me and just have one of each!

 

[LR1845]

This is something I forgot to mention in my ramblings was the ESs/SDs...like @Islander said...the 47 produced the lowest numbers of any cartridge I have shot and there has been several and I do NOT do all the stuff a lot of guys do here when loading I keep it real simple.

 

[Steve_O]

Appreciate all the advice guys, I will be going the X47 route, need to get some reloading dies and get a barrel spun.

 

[diggler1833]

Varget, H4350, Reloader 16, N150, and several others work well in the x47. It is one of the easiest cartridges to load for.

 

[diggler1833]

Appreciate all the advice guys, I will be going the X47 route, need to get some reloading dies and get a barrel spun.

You won't regret it man.

 

[45-90]

Either 6.5 will do, just fine, for 1000yds.... but if I were limited to just 1000 yds or a bit more I'd take my 6 Dasher over my 6.5 Creedmoor. If going longer the heavy 150 gr to 153 gr in 6.5 CM loaded with RL 26 and hybrid cases, would be the pick, to add some needed velocity to the 6.5 CM.

 

[Steve_O]

Either 6.5 will do, just fine, for 1000yds.... but if I were limited to just 1000 yds or a bit more I'd take my 6 Dasher over my 6.5 Creedmoor. If going longer the heavy 150 gr to 153 gr in 6.5 CM loaded with RL 26 and hybrid cases, would be the pick, to add some needed velocity to the 6.5 CM.

This rifle will be a 6.5 I will be building another 6mm rifle down the road probley a 6BRA.

 

[Lost_Phil]

Appreciate all the advice guys, I will be going the X47 route, need to get some reloading dies and get a barrel spun.

Yea, I am in the same boat as you, and decided to go the 6.5x45 route since I have allot of powder that will work well with it. If you need brass, Alpha Munitions and Peterson Cartridge are making brass for it. For dies, it will be hit or miss, so you might have to get on here and one there. For Go/No-Go gauges, Northland Shooting Supply and Brownell's has them.

 

[Steve_O]

Yea, I am in the same boat as you, and decided to go the 6.5x45 route since I have allot of powder that will work well with it. If you need brass, Alpha Munitions and Peterson Cartridge are making brass for it. For dies, it will be hit or miss, so you might have to get on here and one there. For Go/No-Go gauges, Northland Shooting Supply and Brownell's has them.

Thanks for the links, I picked up 300 pieces of Lapua.

 

[category_theory]

Either 6.5 will do, just fine, for 1000yds.... but if I were limited to just 1000 yds or a bit more I'd take my 6 Dasher over my 6.5 Creedmoor. If going longer the heavy 150 gr to 153 gr in 6.5 CM loaded with RL 26 and hybrid cases, would be the pick, to add some needed velocity to the 6.5 CM.

What’s a hybrid case?

 

[diggler1833]

What’s a hybrid case?

It's where you set the sizing die incorrectly .

 

[category_theory]

It's where you set the sizing die incorrectly .

Damn! I got tons of those!

 

[diggler1833]

Damn! I got tons of those!

Me too the first time I tried reloading 10mm. Turned out those stupid instructions were correct all along.

 

[Lost_Phil]

Thanks for the links, I picked up 300 pieces of Lapua.

Well, if you need more of Lapus brass, Sportsmans Warehouse has it cheep.

 

[45-90]

What’s a hybrid case?

They were developed for the military, by Sig, then they introduced rifles to the public, until the rifles discharged when closing the bolt, including the .277 Fury in hybrid case...but that caliber is slow in Coming back.
The hybrid cartridge case is a high performance 80,000 psi
6.8X 51 mm, hybrid cased military cartridge (.270 /308) ...introduced to tbe publus as the 277 Fury. It can be necked down or up for a nice improvement in velocity of standard 308, 6.5 CM, 358 win, etc. Example 6.5 CM 153 ATips at 2956 fps in 24" barrel. The 140s were up to 3150 fps in the 6.5 CM, and the 150 SMK is good at 3000 fps, ran them to 3050 fps but accuracy was 2990 to 3000 fps in 24" barrel with these hybrid cases.