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> Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliber
Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliber
@ 11:35 am (GMT) |
Bob MavinHi all, I'm looking advice.I've worn out the barrel on my Remington model 7. I have a new 24" Maddco barrel 6.5 cal with a 1:8 twist. I'm trying to decide on a caliber for hunting here in Australia. So far I'm leaning towards a 6.5x47 Lapua. I mostly shoot Fallow and a Red Deer now & again. Next decision will be what projectile. Cheers Bob |
Replies
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@ 12:45 pm (GMT) |
Bob MavinRe: Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliberI still use my 30-06, 308, 358 win, 243 22rf, 12g. Being 72yrs old now I'm going to build a general purpose (not long range) light weigh hack rifle that won't belt me on those quick awkward shots.I Know!!! I don't need it. love playing with a new caliber. Being a short 308 action, I think the 6.5x47 Lapua is the best to fit the magazine length and my mate has the reamer. I've picked up some 143gn ELDX and some Sierra 130gn TGK to try |
@ 01:55 pm (GMT) |
IainRe: Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliberSounds like a plan Bob. I am circling a similar project with similar goals, but in 7.08, partly because I already have good components, dies etc for 7.08, and I would like to avoid the added clutter that a new calibre would create for me.Creedmoor looks like being the dominant small 6.5 for a long while. A little bit more grunt, Lapua brass. Good (allegedly) factory ammo if you ever want it. You have obviously considered the old 260 Rem and decided against it. I probably wouldn't go down that path either. I'd go 6.5 Creedmoor over 6.5x47 every time. Beautiful case design for 2.835 mag length. Modern tapers and angles without being extreme. Mild to shoot. Adequate for your stated use. I don't think I would cut the barrel below 24" to start with though. It's nice if a GOOD reamer is available, but reamers are not expensive in the context of the total project cost. What's not to like ?. |
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@ 03:36 pm (GMT) |
Bob MavinRe: Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliberHi Lain.Ha ha, A new caliber is like a new girlfriend. Keeps you interested. I've researched the Lapua vs Creedmoor to no end. Now that Lapua are making small primer cases for the Creedmoor it does have a velocity advantage over the 6.5x47L, but how much do I need. My mate doesn't have a reamer for the Creedmoor, he's chambered a lot of 6.5x47 Lapua and getting 2850 with 139gn pills from a 25" barrel. I could buy a Creedmoor reamer but I think the 6.5x47L will be enough. I could go 26" barrel but I'll cut it to 24". Where I mainly hunt 400yds would be the maximum distance, except on the crops and that's where my 30-06 comes in to play. |
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@ 06:59 pm (GMT) |
IainRe: Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliberSome dodgy figures here methinks.Although a 140 at 2850 would certainly fill the bill, and I don't deny that someone has seen that number on a chrono, that is most definitely not representative of what one could reasonably expect, particularly at sane maximum pressures. I haven't been able to get that out of 140s in two 7.08 barrells, and that is with a bigger case and a bigger bore. Nosler show those numbers from the slightly bigger Creedmoor with a couple of rocket fuel loads, but again I suggest that equally those numbers,for the likes of me, would be a stretch. 6.5x47 load data suggests that 2500 to 2600, give or take, is a realistic expectation from even longer barrells. I can't get the link in, but loaddata.com has some numbers The discrepancy between that and your mate's numbers is far more than one would normally expect from barrell to barrell variations. If 2600 will do what you want, go for it, but if you are expecting 2850, I think there is a good chance that you will not make it with 140s in the 6.5 x 47. Of course you could also come back to the range of 120s available in 6.5 to make some more MV. To me, this is one the advantages of 6.5 over 7 for a general use rifle - much greater selection of bullets under 140. Decisions - decisions. |
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@ 07:33 pm (GMT) |
Bob MavinRe: Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliberThanks for your reply Lain.I'm in the dark with these modern calibers. I'm thinking it should be a better option than 243w. Have a look at this link. saying 2950 with 130gn in 26" barrel. If I could get 2800 in 24" I'd be happy. They're saying the Creedmoor has a 50fps advantage over the Lapua https://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/65x47/ |
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@ 11:16 pm (GMT) |
IainRe: Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliberI agree - way better choice than the 243 for what you want to do with it Bob. Certainly it should be quieter than a 243.I think of the Creedmoor, and I suppose the 6.5x47, as being a sort of modern answer to the old 250 Savage. A little more power than a handloaded 250, very sweet to use, but with the pluses of a much better case design, a better choice of bullets for hunting, and a poofteenth more frontal area. I think you are on a better track with 130s than 140s. The little that I have read about the 6,5 x47 suggests that 120/130 is a nice balance in that case, and I think would make your goals a little easier to achieve. Not sure about the TGK. It may be a little stout for fallow. Maybe a 120 BT, or for a bit more reliability on reds, the 125 Partition ?. You also have some options at 100gns, but I have never been a fan of starting low BC bullets at warp speeds only to have that speed wash off so fast that out where you need it, it's all gone and your left with a lighter hammer to do the job. There are some pretty impressive velocities being achieved on the range, but frequently with 30" barrels, which isn't really relevant to us. I have no practical experience with the 6.5s, so just thinking aloud here. |
@ 04:26 am (GMT) |
Charles WyattRe: Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliberGreetings from the Lone Star State. If one can find Berger in your caliber and depending upon the range, one might look at the 130 gr and 140 Berger VLD or Hunters. Due to a shortage in my neck of the woods, I had to defer and get some Nosler RDF for my 130 gr load workups. Some have negative things to say about the Nosler in favor of the Sierra Game Kings, but I have never experienced a flyer during the build. I am now moving into the 140 gr load workup and... Alas, Bergers in 6.5 just became available! However, there is still a shortage in 7mm. Sigh.... |
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@ 10:34 am (GMT) |
Bob MavinRe: Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliberThanks for your reply guys.I can get Bergers in 130 VLD hunting, 135 classic hunter, 140 Elite hunter & 140 VLD hunting. Charles, what velocity did you get with 130 & 140's with what barrel length? Cheers Bob |
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@ 03:51 am (GMT) |
Charles WyattRe: Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliberSorry for taking so long to reply Bob, but I just now logged back on to the forum. It seems that the velocity at the 40.5 gr. of RL17 is about 2800-2900 fps. Perhaps, when funds allow one will procure a chronometer and get actual measurements.Again, I apologize for not responding in a more timely manner and also the lack of accurate velocity in the Nosler RDF in 130gr. I have not begun to do the load workups in the 140s. Have a good one... |
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@ 03:54 am (GMT) |
Charles WyattRe: Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliberThe barrel length is a standard Bergara B14 HMR of 22". |
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@ 03:57 am (GMT) |
Charles WyattRe: Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliberQuote: The barrel length is a standard Bergara B14 HMR of 22". For clarification it is a Bergara B14 HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor.
Sorry for any confusion regard my posts. |
@ 07:53 am (GMT) |
Andrew MurrayRe: Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliberI know you're looking at the 6.5 calibre but have you considered the 223 with its original intended twist rate? 1:14I assume you're either in Vic or QLD with fallow and red deer as your primary targets? If 400 is your upper limit the bullets will likely still be stable enough for good accuracy but have the violent tumbling action to really ensure quick deaths. Perhaps that's an option? Just throwing it out there... Still would likely be a custom build due to the twist rate on the barrel. |
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@ 11:49 am (GMT) |
Bob MavinRe: Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliberQuote: Quote: The barrel length is a standard Bergara B14 HMR of 22". For clarification it is a Bergara B14 HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor.
Sorry for any confusion regard my posts. Charles, thank you for your reply. I've decided to go with the 6.5x47 Lapua with a 24" barrel. My gunsmith said I'll get 2850-2900fps with 130's, I'll give the 130 Sierra game changers a try. I intend this to be my main culling rifle other than my 30cal & 243w. It will have more knock down than my 243 in a lighter rifle than my 30 cal and recoil that my whole family can handle. Andrew, the 223 isn't legal to shoot Deer mate. |
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@ 02:42 am (GMT) |
Charles WyattRe: Looking for comments on a Rifle build in 6.5 caliberGood advice and choice.Let the fun begin!!! |
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