Gunsmithing 6.5x47 Lapua reamer help

[Hiker12]

I am interrest in doing a new barrel in 6.5x47 Lapua. Just looking for input on what the free bore should be.
Barrel is a Bartlien 1:8 twist 5R , 26" finished with break.
Looking to run Hornardy ELD , and Sierra match king. Bullets used in the range of 123 - 130 gn.
Since the round is much shorter than a 308 box wont be an issue chasing the lands for reloading. Thanks for any input

 

[47guy]

my latest reamer is an off the shelf PTG from grizzly.... .294-.2944 neck and .167 feebore...im shooting 123g lapuas at .010 off the lands and this is a perfect set up... i have one coming from JGS with .165 freebore and a straight .293 neck.

26" hawk hill 123g lapuas at 3020fps with varget and FED205M primers...hard to beat this combo in the 47.

 

[Threadcutter308]

I am interrest in doing a new barrel in 6.5x47 Lapua. Just looking for input on what the free bore should be.
Barrel is a Bartlien 1:8 twist 5R , 26" finished with break.
Looking to run Hornardy ELD , and Sierra match king. Bullets used in the range of 123 - 130 gn.
Since the round is much shorter than a 308 box wont be an issue chasing the lands for reloading. Thanks for any input

Check with Dave Manson (Reamers). He'll take good care of you.

Don't fall for the BS of "2 weeks delivery time" like some other manufacturers will tell you. Been there, done that.

https://mansonreamers.com/

 

[padom]

I'm also running .167 freebore in my x47L's. Shoots lights out with 123 Lapua Scenars, 130 AR Hybrid, 140 Hybrid and 140 ELD's..

 

[bjay]

Ive done more than few x47.
One from LRI 123fb 295 nk shoots really well with 130 and 140hyb but with 140 bullet being below shoulder junction taking away capacity with 010 off land using slower h4350 but ok with faster varget. i couldnt get good fps with 140.
Second barrel was from GAP 293nk 140fb bartlein gaintwist and was laser both 130 and 140.
George also did with hawkhill barrel.
My last one is jgs reamer 160fb and 2945nk.from swift creek
IMO if you wanna stay with 123-130grain freebore with 125-140 youll be fine.
Its a 8.5-7.75 twist 25" from swift creek
With deviant elite

 

[47guy]

This is a 123g lapua seated .010 off the lands with .167 freebore...

 

[bjay]

Secant on lapua and hornady bullets is totally diff from.vld and hybrids.those scenars and hornady need 160-180 freebore.
With 1.8 twist i would take advantage on heavier pills like 130-140

 

[Hiker12]

A lot of great info from you guys thanks. Looks like average freebore .167" is working with a wide range .
I normally shoot 260 using 140 smk with a .005" jam and it is a bug hole shooter. Just wondering and seeing alot of guys running 140 in 47L with a .010" jump . Doesn't this cut into velocity. Has anyone tried jamming to do a comparison. Would be interesting to see the difference.

 

[bjay]

A lot of great info from you guys thanks. Looks like average freebore .167" is working with a wide range .
I normally shoot 260 using 140 smk with a .005" jam and it is a bug hole shooter. Just wondering and seeing alot of guys running 140 in 47L with a .010" jump . Doesn't this cut into velocity. Has anyone tried jamming to do a comparison. Would be interesting to see the difference.

Jamming isn't for everyone i used to do it.and learned it the hardway im not gaining anything but creating problems

 

[padom]

A lot of great info from you guys thanks. Looks like average freebore .167" is working with a wide range .
I normally shoot 260 using 140 smk with a .005" jam and it is a bug hole shooter. Just wondering and seeing alot of guys running 140 in 47L with a .010" jump . Doesn't this cut into velocity. Has anyone tried jamming to do a comparison. Would be interesting to see the difference.

I shot 140 Hybrids jammed to .02 off. No change so I shoot them .01 off with bug hole accuracy 2820 out of 26" barrel with 37.2gr Varget no pressure signs.

 

[47guy]

Secant on lapua and hornady bullets is totally diff from.vld and hybrids.those scenars and hornady need 160-180 freebore.
With 1.8 twist i would take advantage on heavier pills like 130-140

You have to run a 140 at 2900-2920 to be close to the 123 at 3020 and I doubt 2900 is doable with a 140 outta the 47...123 lapuas are no slouch at 3020 and there’s still room for more if I wanted to lean on it.

 

[bjay]

You have to run a 140 at 2900-2920 to be close to the 123 at 3020 and I doubt 2900 is doable with a 140 outta the 47...123 lapuas are no slouch at 3020 and there’s still room for more if I wanted to lean on it.

Im using 123 for my grendel..i do have 3-400bullets of 136 scenars id like to try vs 14hyb..FPS means nothing to me if accuracy is not there.. i shoot all my x47 past 1000 yards

 

[47guy]

agree but if it’s fast and accurate that’s a bonus and the 123Ls are both.

I’ve shot heavies for years this is my first time shooting light bullets...most of my buddies shoot creeds 140elds at 2790-2800 I have .3mils less wind at 850 in a 5-7 and I’m at 5.3mils they are 6.9...flatter and less drift

I shot 130s at 2950-2975 outta my last 47 barrel and that was warm I can run the 123s up to 3075-3100 before any obvious pressure signs I stayed at 3020 because accuracy was pretty much the same at 100yds from 2990 to 3060.

I’ve shot to 1240 with the 123s and am happy with how they preform....most of our matches only go to 850.

 

[Hiker12]

Jamming isn't for everyone i used to do it.and learned it the hardway im not gaining anything but creating problems

agree but if it’s fast and accurate that’s a bonus and the 123Ls are both.

I’ve shot heavies for years this is my first time shooting light bullets...most of my buddies shoot creeds 140elds at 2790-2800 I have .3mils less wind at 850 in a 5-7 and I’m at 5.3mils they are 6.9...flatter and less drift

I shot 130s at 2950-2975 outta my last 47 barrel and that was warm I can run the 123s up to 3075-3100 before any obvious pressure signs I stayed at 3020 because accuracy was pretty much the same at 100yds from 2990 to 3060.

I’ve shot to 1240 with the 123s and am happy with how they preform....most of our matches only go to 850.

I have only messed with Hornardy 123gr a couple times out of my 260 used 45gn H4350. Been a while but believe was getting 3000mv range. At 300yrd getting explosive action out of a full gallon of water. Cant wait to try them out of 47L with varget.

 

[47guy]

I have only messed with Hornardy 123gr a couple times out of my 260 used 45gn H4350. Been a while but believe was getting 3000mv range. At 300yrd getting explosive action out of a full gallon of water. Cant wait to try them out of 47L with varget.

i shot a 260 for 7yrs shot a 260AI for 8mos(smoked that barrel fast)switched to a 6mm creed and shot out 5 barrels in 2yrs then to a 6.5x47...i love this round and will be sticking to it from now on...very accurate and easy to load for...varget and what ever bullet you choose to shoot...dont get no easier....i prefer the FED 205M primers over the CCI450s they give me better/lower numbers.

ive shot...
140 berger hybrids....2750 and they were lasers but as usual become a PITA to get
130g berger hybrids...see 140 hybrids
140ELDMs...these really shot well but they have a long barring surface and not sure why but with no wind and a dead nuts zero at 100yds they would drift .3 mils right at 850...spin drift? i dont know only bullets ive had this with
130g ELDMs...very accurate but can not find in bulk
140 and 130 RDFs...i offered them to a member here on the hide for free...he sent me $25 bucks which use cool of him...but you get the idea
130g TMKs...these really shot well but again have a long barring surface
130g norma golden target bullets....these have a very long barring surface...as long or longer than the 140ELD and they never showed much promise
and now the 123g lapuas...these things flat ass shoot and are easy to tune and best of all they are not much more than the ELDs and the BC is outstanding for a 123g bullet

IMHO the 123g bullets, .167 FB and varget are the perfect combo in the 47.

 

[Hiker12]

i shot a 260 for 7yrs shot a 260AI for 8mos(smoked that barrel fast)switched to a 6mm creed and shot out 5 barrels in 2yrs then to a 6.5x47...i love this round and will be sticking to it from now on...very accurate and easy to load for...varget and what ever bullet you choose to shoot...dont get no easier....i prefer the FED 205M primers over the CCI450s they give me better/lower numbers.

ive shot...
140 berger hybrids....2750 and they were lasers but as usual become a PITA to get
130g berger hybrids...see 140 hybrids
140ELDMs...these really shot well but they have a long barring surface and not sure why but with no wind and a dead nuts zero at 100yds they would drift .3 mils right at 850...spin drift? i dont know only bullets ive had this with
130g ELDMs...very accurate but can not find in bulk
140 and 130 RDFs...i offered them to a member here on the hide for free...he sent me $25 bucks which use cool of him...but you get the idea
130g TMKs...these really shot well but again have a long barring surface
130g norma golden target bullets....these have a very long barring surface...as long or longer than the 140ELD and they never showed much promise
and now the 123g lapuas...these things flat ass shoot and are easy to tune and best of all they are not much more than the ELDs and the BC is outstanding for a 123g bullet

IMHO the 123g bullets, .167 FB and varget are the perfect combo in the 47.

Will reference your post for future testing. Going to use .167" FB for reamer . Was going to start work up with 123gr hornardy and varget ,have a few on hand. Leftover from messing around with my 260. Will try 205M primers if i can find them Massachusetts sucks the bid one. Pritty stoked to get this build rolling. Enjoy going through the workup on a new rifle. A lot of guy go for how much one can push the round. I want to find that optimal accuracy with the best velocity. To find the perfect harmonic balance and everyone barrel sings a little different tune. Great info will refer back to it as a guide thanks

 

[briang7511]

i went with a .150 FB and run the 130vld. varget and a 450cci primer run at 2900fps with a 3-4 sd. Love those bergers, you do see where your money goes when your shooting at 1k. barrel length is 24in. shot some 123s early on and it loved those too.

 

[Hiker12]

i went with a .150 FB and run the 130vld. varget and a 450cci primer run at 2900fps with a 3-4 sd. Love those bergers, you do see where your money goes when your shooting at 1k. barrel length is 24in. shot some 123s early on and it loved those too.

Thanks for the input

 

[poeman446]

I got the PTG reamer from grizzly. The reason I did is because it’s NOT CIP, and allows for a little extra clearance so I don’t have to neck turn new brass. I shoot 140 Hybrids, and 140 ELDs out of it and it loves both. I haven’t tried anything else unfortunately. A friend of mine used the same reamer and has shot some 130 Hybrids with good success as far as I remember.

 

[Hiker12]

I got the PTG reamer from grizzly. The reason I did is because it’s NOT CIP, and allows for a little extra clearance so I don’t have to neck turn new brass. I shoot 140 Hybrids, and 140 ELDs out of it and it loves both. I haven’t tried anything else unfortunately. A friend of mine used the same reamer and has shot some 130 Hybrids with good success as far as I remember.

Just by chance on that reamer what is the freebore

 

[47guy]

Just by chance on that reamer what is the freebore

.167

 

[Hiker12]

.167

Thanks dude

 

[winniedonkey]

i shot a 260 for 7yrs shot a 260AI for 8mos(smoked that barrel fast)switched to a 6mm creed and shot out 5 barrels in 2yrs then to a 6.5x47...i love this round and will be sticking to it from now on...very accurate and easy to load for...varget and what ever bullet you choose to shoot...dont get no easier....i prefer the FED 205M primers over the CCI450s they give me better/lower numbers.

ive shot...
140 berger hybrids....2750 and they were lasers but as usual become a PITA to get
130g berger hybrids...see 140 hybrids
140ELDMs...these really shot well but they have a long barring surface and not sure why but with no wind and a dead nuts zero at 100yds they would drift .3 mils right at 850...spin drift? i dont know only bullets ive had this with
130g ELDMs...very accurate but can not find in bulk
140 and 130 RDFs...i offered them to a member here on the hide for free...he sent me $25 bucks which use cool of him...but you get the idea
130g TMKs...these really shot well but again have a long barring surface
130g norma golden target bullets....these have a very long barring surface...as long or longer than the 140ELD and they never showed much promise
and now the 123g lapuas...these things flat ass shoot and are easy to tune and best of all they are not much more than the ELDs and the BC is outstanding for a 123g bullet

IMHO the 123g bullets, .167 FB and varget are the perfect combo in the 47.

Can you share your 47 specs? Playing the which 65 to choose and was looking at the 123-130s. Thanks.

 

[47guy]

8 twist 26" hawkhill heavy palma
area 419 brake
curtius custom axiom
bix n andy 2 stage tac sport
MPA comp chassis

varget with a fed 205M and what ever bullet you want to shoot but the 123Ls are pretty impressive at 3025 and i can get another 50-100fps if i wanted to lean on them.

 

[Hiker12]

Well moving forward with 6.5x47 build. Just ordered my reamer from Pacific tool and gauge will take 6 - 8 weeks to get it. Talked with gentleman by the name of Pete, recommend 127fb since I will only be running bullets 123 - 130. Did not go longer on the free bore do to only going to shoot the range of bullets specified. This rifle is not built to do matches, I use my 260 Rem for that. So there is no need to shoot premium longer bullets like Burger bullets .
When all said and done this rifle will be:
Defiance Deviant med action :
Left bolt right port( custom) :
Bartlien barrel 26", 5R, 1:8 twist , with custom break :
Manners tactical stock MCS-TA:
Nightforce atacr 5-25×56 sf , 6 hole tactical NF rings:
Atlas bipod with cant, quick detach

 

[47guy]

hiker i would recommend you go with the .167 FB reamer from grizzle...its a PTG reamer but cheaper and no waiting...ill post a pic of a 123g lapua next to a loaded round that is ,010 off the lands with the .167 grizzly reamer.....

 

[47guy]

Actually after just doing some measuring I’m right at .050 above the neck/shoulder so .123 is going to put you right at the N/S junction so .135-.140 would probably be about perfect for the 123s

 

[Hiker12]

Thanks for the info and pics will take a look at the PTG reamer that Grizzle has. There was another part to the reamer being made at Pacific tool and gauge. A good friend of mine is a smith and we are splitting the cost of reamer. He also is doing a build for himself an wanted the free bore at .127". He said if it dont work out with the freebore he can make adjustments. This will be the 4th custom build he has done for me and all bug hole shooters.

 

[47guy]

nice...if you remember post back when you get your build going im curious to hear/see how the FB works out.

 

[padom]

Id be interested to see what you gain from the shorter FB as well. All 4 of my 6.5x47L barrels have a .167 FB and they shoot lights out with 123's, 130's and 140's. Couldnt see any reason to go shorter.

 

[Hiker12]

nice...if you remember post back when you get your build going im curious to hear/see how the FB works out.

I will once I get it up and running will post it. Thanks

 

[Hiker12]

Id be interested to see what you gain from the shorter FB as well. All 4 of my 6.5x47L barrels have a .167 FB and they shoot lights out with 123's, 130's and 140's. Couldnt see any reason to go shorter.

I don't believe there is so much a gain as specifically just shooting the lower grain bullets. Will hand load and play around with it. From what I have learned about a longer FB is you will be able to use heavier grain bullets and hybrid. Will post again once it is up and running. It will be a few weeks but will post. By the way nice groups. Thanks