Re: 6.5X47 starting load for 130 VLD's & H4350 ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JLR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Stan,
We've built a ton of these things and they have all shot right around 3000fps with a Berger 130 and 42.2g of H4350. Obviously, that load is specific to our OAL and reamer, but it gives you a starting point. I'd steer clear of RL15 for sure. Strange things happen in the heat!</div></div>
I've got 4 different rifles chambered in 6.5x47L. I run Krieger and Bartlein barrels all between 22" and 26". I shoot 130 VLD's in all of them. I "was" shooting 42.5gr of H4350 and I've NEVER been able to get over 2,940fps out of any of them. This was also right on the pressure limits with my rifles also (some over).
Also, at 42.5gr of H4350 I was having problems with the case being so full of powder it was pushing my bullets back out of the neck and giving me very inconsistent COAL (measured off the ogive). This is with .002" neck tension and a seating depth of 2.129" off the ogive (well withing Mag length).
I've shot the 4350 for over a year now. It's accuracy has been excellent, but I've switched to 37.5gr of Varget and it has maintained excellent accuracy and eliminated all the above mentioned problems since its less powder in the case. I'm still only getting around 2,890 fps with this load, but it's accurate.
My point is, I've never been able to attain this mysterious 3,000fps with the 130VLDs and I've got 4 rifles, 2 different brands of barrels, chambered by 3 different gunsmiths. If anybody has any "Lapua Magic" let me know. The only other option i haven't tried is RL-17, but I don't want to fight the temp sensitivity. Also, there is N550, but its costs alot more.