Thread: Seriously underrated 6.5x47 Lapua

Originally Posted by Sidney

plenty of people ran around 2900 in 6.5x55 with 140's. 22" barrels. I did... my 6.5x55AI ran 3050 and up to 3200 before pressure 24" barrel.. it was probably an exception to the average result in that version..

its no theory that loading manuals ran low pressure loads for 6.5x55... it was standard practice for years particularly in the time that modern rifles were not being chambered in 6.5x55. I would suggest that a lack of personal knowledge about stuff doesn't make it a theory.

I have run 6.5x47s and they tend to be 50fps-100fps light on the average modern 6.5x55... and well short of my AI version..

Small efficient modern cases get more bang for your buck not more bang in total...

Yes I agree with you on most of that and I can only speak from experience of one rifle..
You would think a case like x55 would leave a much smaller case like x47 well in its dust but this is simply not the case. The little x47 holds its own up against those larger powder wasters for sure especially once barrel length is reduced.
Lack of personal knowledge for me most definatly makes it theory in my books until Ive tried something for myself its all just theory. If I didnt operate with that school of thought Id be loading mild 2209 loads like every other sheep out there and be shooting 2600 to 2700fps.
Im confident that with the right powder if it exists yet the x47 could actually run even faster.

My Creedmoor maxed out velocity due to pressure with 44.5gr of RL16 but the x47 shows no pressure signs with a compressed load of 42gr RL16 yet is already 150fps faster than that creed load.
Its an interesting cartridge for sure and I have no doubt it ill be my daily shooter. I have more info on it by next weekend and will share some load development with several other powders and bullets too.

I had no intention of this thread becoming a 6.5 pissing match but will definatly aim to illustrate just how efficient this little case is when compared to its closer matched short action non magnum counterparts.