I've used Winchester SRP, CCI 400 and 450's interchangeably and it didn't mess with my load.
New gun 27in barrel, less than 150 rounds. Kreiger.
130gr rdf 36.4g varget .010 from lands
2830 fps sd3.5
groups consistently 3/8 moa.
136g scenar .010 from lands
36.6g Varget
2810fps sd 3.8
Same POI under 1/2 moa
6.5 x 47 lapua just shoots.
Primers cci400 not tried 450 yet.
130gr rdf 36.4g varget .010 from lands
2830 fps sd3.5
groups consistently 3/8 moa.
136g scenar .010 from lands
36.6g Varget
2810fps sd 3.8
Same POI under 1/2 moa
6.5 x 47 lapua just shoots.
Primers cci400 not tried 450 yet.
New 26 inch Brux barrel. Chambered by Perrry Precision. 200 rounds in it. Alliant 2000 MR. 80 degrees F & 30 RH. Tested in prone in afternoon. 6x fired brass.
Wide node at 38.4 to 38.9. I left the load at 2.800 and .4 MOA groups. Based on my cases showing no presssure and QL/GRT projections this leaves me room to go to into hottest days of summer.
140 gr eldm 38.6 gr @ 2785
135 gr ATIP 38.8 gr @ 2806 - a bit more consistent than ELDM.
140 gr match burners 38.0 @ 2447 - could not get anything below .9 MOA so left it here. I can shoot a consistent kraft of 1.9 with this. Practice load.
Wide node at 38.4 to 38.9. I left the load at 2.800 and .4 MOA groups. Based on my cases showing no presssure and QL/GRT projections this leaves me room to go to into hottest days of summer.
140 gr eldm 38.6 gr @ 2785
135 gr ATIP 38.8 gr @ 2806 - a bit more consistent than ELDM.
140 gr match burners 38.0 @ 2447 - could not get anything below .9 MOA so left it here. I can shoot a consistent kraft of 1.9 with this. Practice load.
2 years ago, just as the panic started, I picked up a good amount of IMR 4320 at a sweet price. It has been discontinued but is very similar to Varget in burn rate. I thought I would give it a try on some lighter loads with 123 grain bullets that I could do some short range shooting from 100-600 yards.
6.5X47 Lapua brass
33.5 IMR4320
123 Nosler Custom Competition
CCI 450
The wind was so bad the day I was testing loads that my target wouldn't sit still but I managed one good group and decided to stay with that load
6.5X47 Lapua brass
33.5 IMR4320
123 Nosler Custom Competition
CCI 450
The wind was so bad the day I was testing loads that my target wouldn't sit still but I managed one good group and decided to stay with that load
26" Krieger, 1:8:
Real mild load of Varget under the 123gr Scenar. ES and SD were excellent across the board, but I have a feeling that at 35.3 I'm starting to run out of that node. This was a narrowing down load, as I had already put a couple .3 - 4s down with 35.0 and 35.3.
I know the velocity hounds are going to pick on me, but this is a fun rifle, not a comp rig. As I got over 36gr, the groups started to open up, and I never pushed it hard enough to see them come back down.
I'm playing around with Norma Golden Target 130gr right now. Definitely more finicky, but the potential is there. Will be doing some narrowing down and confirmation again as soon as possible. The below Target is five shots over H4350, 2.100 CBTO, CCI BR4.
Real mild load of Varget under the 123gr Scenar. ES and SD were excellent across the board, but I have a feeling that at 35.3 I'm starting to run out of that node. This was a narrowing down load, as I had already put a couple .3 - 4s down with 35.0 and 35.3.
I know the velocity hounds are going to pick on me, but this is a fun rifle, not a comp rig. As I got over 36gr, the groups started to open up, and I never pushed it hard enough to see them come back down.
I'm playing around with Norma Golden Target 130gr right now. Definitely more finicky, but the potential is there. Will be doing some narrowing down and confirmation again as soon as possible. The below Target is five shots over H4350, 2.100 CBTO, CCI BR4.
Two different rifles, one a sporter profile, the other a Sendero profile, both chambered in 6.5x47 Lapua.
Test of H4350, virgin Lapua brass, CCI 450 primer. Sierra 140 Match Kings at jump 0.025"
At 6400 feet, baro 29.7", 45 - 50 deg F, 36% RH.
Compression begins at around 40.5 grains, and 41.0 interferes with seating depth.
Any recommendations for bullets to use with what is available? I was going to load Scenars but those are out of stock wherever I look. I am new to the 6.5L and the barrel is a Criterion prefit set in an Origin action.
I shoot a number of 6.5x47 barrels and for my shorter 20” I stick with the 120 Scenar-L. It doesn’t carry the distance like the heavies but still performs great out to 1200m. My particular load uses RL17 and CCI450s
www.bluecollarreloading.com
The 136 Scenar-L used to be my go to bullet across most barrels until the Berger LRHT came out. They’re still a great option overall and it’s what I would fall back on if I exhausted my supply of 144LRHTs
www.bluecollarreloading.com
Lapua 6.5mm 120gr OTM Scenar-L
Product Information Caliber: 6.5mm Bullet Diameter: 0.264" Bullet Weight: 120 Grains OAL: 1.256" Bullet Style: OTM Scenar-L G1 BC: 0.497 G7 BC: 0.246 Part Number: 4PL6021 or 4HL6021 Quantity: 100 or 1000
www.bluecollarreloading.com
The 136 Scenar-L used to be my go to bullet across most barrels until the Berger LRHT came out. They’re still a great option overall and it’s what I would fall back on if I exhausted my supply of 144LRHTs
Lapua 6.5mm 136gr OTM Scenar-L
Product Information Caliber: 6.5mm Bullet Diameter: 0.264" Bullet Weight: 136 Grains OAL: 1.347" Bullet Style: OTM Scenar-L G1 BC: 0.545 G7 BC: 0.274 Part Number: 4PL6019 or 4HL6019 Quantity: 100 or 1000
www.bluecollarreloading.com
Appreciate that, I have been looking for the 136 grain Scenars but will also try the 120’s, most of my shooting is inside 600 yards so not a huge issue to me. ThanksI shoot a number of 6.5x47 barrels and for my shorter 20” I stick with the 120 Scenar-L. It doesn’t carry the distance like the heavies but still performs great out to 1200m. My particular load uses RL17 and CCI450s
Lapua 6.5mm 120gr OTM Scenar-L
Product Information Caliber: 6.5mm Bullet Diameter: 0.264" Bullet Weight: 120 Grains OAL: 1.256" Bullet Style: OTM Scenar-L G1 BC: 0.497 G7 BC: 0.246 Part Number: 4PL6021 or 4HL6021 Quantity: 100 or 1000
The 136 Scenar-L used to be my go to bullet across most barrels until the Berger LRHT came out. They’re still a great option overall and it’s what I would fall back on if I exhausted my supply of 144LRHTs
Lapua 6.5mm 136gr OTM Scenar-L
Product Information Caliber: 6.5mm Bullet Diameter: 0.264" Bullet Weight: 136 Grains OAL: 1.347" Bullet Style: OTM Scenar-L G1 BC: 0.545 G7 BC: 0.274 Part Number: 4PL6019 or 4HL6019 Quantity: 100 or 1000
I just ordered a box of 120’’s and 136’s, I will be losing them over VV N540 in Lapua brass.
Thanks for the tip, right now all I have is N540 but will keep an eye out for N550, will N150 work as well for the 136’s in this application?
Yes, N150 is an option, but you won't get much of an improvement in velocities over N540 in that case. The N100-series of powders produce less heat and therefore less velocity, so they're more often used in gas guns and by F-class / BR folks who shoot rapid fire strings and need to keep the barrel temp moderated
www.vihtavuori.com
Rifle reloading data | Handloading | Rifle calibers | Centerfire Rifle bullets | Reload your own ammo - Vihtavuori
Vihtavuori offers rifle reloading data for numerous calibers and bullets for match and hunting purposes. Never exceed maximum loads.
www.vihtavuori.com
I'm cherry picking in this photo here:
Tested some Reloader 15 behind the 123gr Scenar in 99 degree weather this afternoon. Shit it was hot and humid out.
123gr Scenar
Virgin Lapua brass
CCI BR4
2.705 COL/2.162 CBTO
35.0 - 36.2 Re-15
This isn't a comp gun, it is a fun rifle. I'm perfectly happy to sacrifice velocity for barrel life. That being said; ES and SD didn't knock my socks off today. It will probably tighten up as I get higher in the charge weights.
Groups followed the trend of this 26" Krieger barrel: usually in the .4 - .8 range until it throws an awful 1+ MOA group (the famous "scatter node") right before coming back to something good. This was no different. 35.9gr threw an ugly 1.1" group, but then 36.2 threw a .281". That was the highest charge tested for today.
Velocity specs are in the photo.
That is the third time I've shot a 1+ MOA group, and then followed it up with something in the .2s. So far the trend for this barrel has been to keep 3/8 or better accuracy for a half grain of powder...well see as I test this load a bit further later on.
Tested some Reloader 15 behind the 123gr Scenar in 99 degree weather this afternoon. Shit it was hot and humid out.
123gr Scenar
Virgin Lapua brass
CCI BR4
2.705 COL/2.162 CBTO
35.0 - 36.2 Re-15
This isn't a comp gun, it is a fun rifle. I'm perfectly happy to sacrifice velocity for barrel life. That being said; ES and SD didn't knock my socks off today. It will probably tighten up as I get higher in the charge weights.
Groups followed the trend of this 26" Krieger barrel: usually in the .4 - .8 range until it throws an awful 1+ MOA group (the famous "scatter node") right before coming back to something good. This was no different. 35.9gr threw an ugly 1.1" group, but then 36.2 threw a .281". That was the highest charge tested for today.
Velocity specs are in the photo.
That is the third time I've shot a 1+ MOA group, and then followed it up with something in the .2s. So far the trend for this barrel has been to keep 3/8 or better accuracy for a half grain of powder...well see as I test this load a bit further later on.
Played around today, trying to verify some loads (5-shot groups). Long story short, I had a bit of an equipment issue that took me a few groups to diagnose. However I did get to test a little higher up on the charge weights with the 130gr Norma Golden Target bullets and H4350.
Below is a composite of my last group from two months ago (cut and glued on the left) with my last two groups on the right.
Please excuse the "POA shift" written in the middle of the target...I meant to write "POI"...the things you notice when you review your handiwork.
Edited to add; I've had this rifle rebarreled with a 26" Krieger, M40 contour, 1:8tw by Matt Stewart of Stewart Rifles. He's put together a heck of a shooter for me.
Below is a composite of my last group from two months ago (cut and glued on the left) with my last two groups on the right.
Please excuse the "POA shift" written in the middle of the target...I meant to write "POI"...the things you notice when you review your handiwork.
Edited to add; I've had this rifle rebarreled with a 26" Krieger, M40 contour, 1:8tw by Matt Stewart of Stewart Rifles. He's put together a heck of a shooter for me.
26 inch proof competition barrel. Sped up 30 FPS at 150 rounds.
135gr Berger Classic Hunters. Lapua brass. COAL 2.770.
38.8 gr of Alliant 2000-MR. 2840 fps. 90 degrees 3000 DA.
A very consistent and accurate combination.
135gr Berger Classic Hunters. Lapua brass. COAL 2.770.
38.8 gr of Alliant 2000-MR. 2840 fps. 90 degrees 3000 DA.
A very consistent and accurate combination.
I've never thought of using 2000-MR in the 6.5x47 but have 8 pounds of it that I bought for another cartridge. Thanks for the post, I'll give it a try
I am running 130 Hybrids out of a 18" barrel and an Ultra 7 can. 37gn Varget, CCI450's shooting 2700fps, SD 0.
6.5x47L
Berger 144 LRHT
Lapua Brass
CCI 450
38.4gr N550
2.820” COAL
2790fps out of 26” barrel
Berger 144 LRHT
Lapua Brass
CCI 450
38.4gr N550
2.820” COAL
2790fps out of 26” barrel
I've shot the 6.5x47 on and off since 2014, and I still use Jake Vibbert's load back in the day when that's what he shot. He recently told me it was the smallest group he ever put on paper.
123 Scenar
37.7 VarGet
BR4 in Lapua brass
Works like a charm.
NOTE: I POSTED THIS INCORRECTLY.... IT WAS A FULL GAIN OFF. THIS IS THE CORRECT CHARGE WEIGHT.
123 Scenar
37.7 VarGet
BR4 in Lapua brass
Works like a charm.
NOTE: I POSTED THIS INCORRECTLY.... IT WAS A FULL GAIN OFF. THIS IS THE CORRECT CHARGE WEIGHT.
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Prob not going to get a ton of traction here but has anyone tested 153 A-Tips?
Have a bunch of 135s and 153s, but figured I might give the 153s a go first just for shits and giggles. Can’t imagine it will be much over 2600fps and I’m OK with that.
I’ll know the 135s are a great option if the heavies are not doing it, but I have a 7t blank sitting here waiting to get chambered and figured I would give it a try. Have plenty of Varget and 4350 so either would work.
Have a bunch of 135s and 153s, but figured I might give the 153s a go first just for shits and giggles. Can’t imagine it will be much over 2600fps and I’m OK with that.
I’ll know the 135s are a great option if the heavies are not doing it, but I have a 7t blank sitting here waiting to get chambered and figured I would give it a try. Have plenty of Varget and 4350 so either would work.
One of my barrels is a 1:8, so I tried a box just to see what they could do. Was able to get them to 2625fps out of a 26" barrel with N550, but overall didn't seem like an improvement over the 144 LRHTs that I have several boxes of. It may be better suited for 6.5PRC or 6.5-284.
Mainly for PRS/match use, not to mention I already have all the components other wise for 6.5x47. I’ll use the 135s if I have to, but I’ll give the 153s a try as well just to see how they’re doing.
Has anyone had any luck with the 139gr Scenar? Have not seen many discuss it for 6.5x47? Looking to get into the calibar and doing some research.
It and the 130VLDs were kind of the go-to bullets for this cartridge 12+ years ago. It's a great bullet, but kind of got eclipsed by the 136 Scenar-L and the 140+ Bergers, in my opinion. These days I only shoot the 120 Scenar-L in my short barrels and the 144LRHT in my long barrels. A have a buddy that still shoots the 139s but it's only because he bought 2000 of them a while back and has plenty left and a great load with it.
Is the 139 good? Yes, but there are better bullets out there.
Is the 139 good? Yes, but there are better bullets out there.
I've never thought of using 2000-MR in the 6.5x47 but have 8 pounds of it that I bought for another cartridge. Thanks for the post, I'll give it a try
2000-MR has been very good to me. My hit rate with it and the Bergers at 92% in competitions. Most of my misses are me not the load or the rifle.
I'm back to H4350 for the next 3K rounds but will go back to 2000-MR this Spring.
Just started playing with 6.5x47L #2, and was getting groups in the .4 - .6 range with factory 120 Scenar-Ls. Those have a factory COAL of 2.615 (forgot to measure CBTO).
Anyway, started off with the 120 Scenar-L over VV N150 as I'm sitting on a lot of both. I just loaded to 2.620/2.130 as I knew that the depth was fairly acceptable for my barrel. First five shot group of the day was the best. Was shooting in a 3 - 7 MPH full value wind, so perhaps things might tighten up a bit on a calm day.
I'm probably going to have to get the firing pin bushed. By the time I got up to 2,880 FPS, the primers were flowing back into the firing pin hole to the point where they were about .005" proud of the case head.
This barrel definitely likes the lower ranges though at this point. Between this load and the other I tested, the best groups were with my starting charge. The barrel only has 74 rounds down it right now though, so I'll put another hundred more downrange before I feel comfortable assessing how it's going.
Next, I'm going to shoot it while bumping the seating depth out in .005 increments to find a happy spot where I don't have to chase the lands for a few hundred rounds.
Load:
120gr Scenar-L
Virgin Lapua brass
CCI BR-4 (had flowing issues with the 450 too)
VV N150
Rifle:
FN SPR with 26" Brux barrel, 1:8, M24.
Anyway, started off with the 120 Scenar-L over VV N150 as I'm sitting on a lot of both. I just loaded to 2.620/2.130 as I knew that the depth was fairly acceptable for my barrel. First five shot group of the day was the best. Was shooting in a 3 - 7 MPH full value wind, so perhaps things might tighten up a bit on a calm day.
I'm probably going to have to get the firing pin bushed. By the time I got up to 2,880 FPS, the primers were flowing back into the firing pin hole to the point where they were about .005" proud of the case head.
This barrel definitely likes the lower ranges though at this point. Between this load and the other I tested, the best groups were with my starting charge. The barrel only has 74 rounds down it right now though, so I'll put another hundred more downrange before I feel comfortable assessing how it's going.
Next, I'm going to shoot it while bumping the seating depth out in .005 increments to find a happy spot where I don't have to chase the lands for a few hundred rounds.
Load:
120gr Scenar-L
Virgin Lapua brass
CCI BR-4 (had flowing issues with the 450 too)
VV N150
Rifle:
FN SPR with 26" Brux barrel, 1:8, M24.
Haven’t tried 139s, but I’ve had excellent luck with 136 Scenar Ls. In my experience they are some of the most consistent bullets made, even if the BC is a little lacking compared to other newer options.
I’m getting ready to test 130 Hybrids and 135 A-tips over H4350. I’ve only ever shot 140 Hybrids over Varget.
