Thread: Seriously underrated 6.5x47 Lapua

I havent gone into my load development much on this thread and that was for a couple of reasons, the first being that I was rushing to get this barrel finished for this hunting trip and the other reason being that it seems to shoot everything I have run through it.
I have lots of various 6.5mm bullets to test if any of you guys are interested to see that process but Im pretty decided on the 130gr TMK as my hunting load as it has done all I have asked of it in this rifle and my Creedmoor.

I have also loaded 100x 123gr A-Max which also shoot surprisingly well, the BC is .510 which is almost that of the 130gr TMK at .518.
I picked up 500 of the A-Max's at $50 per 100x for the Grendel so they will be put to good use. Its a pity they were discontinued only to be re introduced with a fancy new name (123gr, 130gr and 140gr ELDM) with a $35-$40 price hike of course, nice one Hornady!'

Both of the TMK and A-Max loads shoot sub .4" at 100 yards between 2900fps and 3100fps so I just dropped back to 3000fps for the 123gr A-Max with 2208 which gives no pressure signs and 2950fps for the 130gr TMK with RL16 to combat a compressed load situation which cause ES to open up and made it a pain to seat bullets consistently.

When I get a bit of time and suitable weather Ill test the other bullets I have on hand, the 143gr ELDX further (only did a ladder test), the 130gr ELDM, the 130gr Berger VLD hunter the Lapua 123gr, 136gr L and 139gr Scenar bullets.

I will test some other powders too, BM8208 showed great speed (3000fps) and ES with the 123gr Amax so Ill have to put that on paper.
W760 and Hodgdon super performance also might be an interesting experiment along with RL17.













A big thanks to Robert at Workshop Innovations for the gentle nudge away from the Harrells bench rest powder thrower and supplying my new RCBS Loadmaster light automated powder measure.. it has been great! Yet to throw and heavy or light charges! It has been spot on every time.