6.5x47 lapua

[ngoforth]

I have a criterion 26 inch 6.5x47 lapua 1-8 twist barrel. I have just finished my rifle and shot some 140 berger BT with 31.5 grains of RL-15. That was the starting load in the berger manual. Accuracy looks like it will be good since I have not done any load development just breaking the barrel in. Does anyone use Sierra bullets and have any load data for any of their bullets from 107 grains-142? I contacted sierra and they only gave me data for Vihtavouri powders. All i have is hodgdon and IMR. I don't want to try and find more powders. I have a Berger reloading manual but not sure if I can use their data for the same weight bullets from another manufacturers. Any suggestions? I just like to put holes in paper. I don't shoot matches or hunt so the cheaper the bullet i can use the better. Usually shoot 200 yards and no further.

[CharlieNC]

I'm shooting Lapua 123 Scenar with 38.3 gr RL15 in a similar barrel; I expect you will also have a similar node with that load.

[ngoforth]

Charlie is that an average load for your gun or is it on the upper end of the pressure limits? Looking at my Berger manual they list 35.0 grains of rl-15 up to a max of 38.0 grains for 120 grain bullets. With the scenars or sierras I think i could use the same data and be safe.

[CharlieNC]

Book pressure is at upper end but I have not seen any signs at 39 gr. Bullet dimensions are different, and I am seating long which increases case volume and drops pressure. Yes you should work up safely.

[dmm08300]

i shoot 120 gr bergers with 38.5 gr IMR4350 through my model 11 26" criterion and it will all but put them in the same hole at 100 yds if I do my part

[ngoforth]

I think I am going to drop down to the 120's and try them out while I am figuring out data for the 107's. IMR4350 has been a good powder for me in other calibers so i will give it a try.

[ngoforth]

I purchased some of the sierra 107 match kings and so far with Reloader 15 powder they have been very good.

[Dennis]

I'm shooting Lapua 123 Scenar with 38.3 gr RL15 in a similar barrel; I expect you will also have a similar node with that load.

The same bullet and powder above works the best for my 6.5x47.

[JW]

123 SMK 36.9 gr RL 15 .015 jump 2901 fps is the magic load for my criterion barrel ( identical to your barrel)
I only loaded to 38 gr though
Your barrel will let you know
Jack

[ngoforth]

I have read a great deal about using 123 grain bullets. I think I will try them. The scenars seem to be available while the sierras do not. Using the 123 scenars though raise my cost per shot back up a bit over the 107's. On the other hand I like tinkering with loads and I am sure I will try the scenars.