6.5 x 47 Lapua info

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quartermaster

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I'm having thoughts of doing a build in a 6.5 x 47 Lapua.

Do any of you guys have any experience with this cartridge? I know it has great accuracy potential, but one of my main concerns at this point in time is barrel life. This is supposed to have better barrel life than your typical 6.5. I'm thinking a 1 in 8" twist in a 28" tube. I haven't given much thought as to the action so far, whether it will be a custom action or a trued factory action. My primary use will be for paper punching and possibly some long range varmint shooting.

I do own a 6mmBR but the twist rate on that limits me to 90-95 grain heads

It is not a definate build at this time. I would appreciate any thoughts from anyone who may own one or from any smiths out there.

Thanks in advance,
QM
 
I've had one and the accuracy was great. However you'd probably be better off with a .260 since there's more load data.
 
I would do it. Barrel life should not be short enough to be much of a concern really. I have a 260 with around 2k rounds through it and it still shoots great. The Lapua should be even better. You will have great brass available, quite a few good projectiles too.

I would not worry about the load data personally. There are more than a few people shooting that cartridge.

Assuming you are loading your own? Having to buy commercial loadings would be the only reason I would go with something else.
 
If u don't mind buying lapua brass that caliber is great, I shoot alot of matches and not willing to loose 100 pieces of lapua brass in a weekend. I shoot 6.5 creedmoor and 260 all 3 are very close, and any will serve u well. I really like the 6.5 creed it's easy to load and if u want you can buy match factory ammo. Barrel life between the 3 are going to be a wash.
 
you could have a barrel made and see about having it chrome lined for extra service life?

My understanding is that chrome-lining is not conducive to optimal accuracy. I only know them to do this on general infantry rifles and machine guns, neither of which require exceptional accuracy.
 
Take a look back at some of my older posts. I have been shooting the x47 for several years. I had just a tad over 4000 rounds through my shilen when I sent it off for a new tube. Still waiting on the smith to get the rifle back to me. I have had none of the cratering problems experienced by others, but my stiller action has a smaller firing pin hole than a factory 700. The brass for the x47 is a thing of beauty, and holds up over many firings. I have over 10 loadings on my current brass, and the primer pockets are as tight as new brass.
I run wolf magnum primers, and either varget or h4350. The shilen I had before liked just about every load combination I tried except for 142smk's. Hopefully this new bartlein will just as good.

If you have any specific questions, let me know.
 
Thanks for all the encouraging posts. I'm not worried about finding data or spending the money on brass. Data is readily available and I generally buy good brass anyway.

Do you think my 8" twist and 28" tube decisions are the way to go?

I am really pleased with the remarks on your barrel life experiences. I was afraid that 1000 rounds would be asking a lot.

What weight head do you guys find most accurate? I have read a lot of good things about 120 or custom 130s.

My enthusiasm is beginning to grow. QM
 
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zak's got a pretty good article comparing the 6.5x47 to 260rem etc.

i could be misremembering, but i think the biggest difference is small vs large primers and holy crap lapua brass is expensive
 
They're hard to find around here for one thing. Having owned one and moved on to a .260 I have to say the Lapua round doesn't really have any advantages.
 
There is an online barrel life estimator on 6mmbr.com
I don't think you gave enough info about your needs, but a tighter twist on the barrel for your br case will surprise you.
That said, good brass for the 260 is here and that round seems to have a lot of upside as compared to the 6 or 6.5x47 or the creedmore 243.
Have you gave any thought to the 6XC?
 
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