two load choices

[AlbertaAl]

Originally Posted by markg

We talked about switching from Varget to H4350 and I found this chart. Seems like the Varget is a bit faster than the H4350 in the 6.5x47 Lapua that was tested. Interesting.

Varget isn't a compressed load and is the listed as as the LEAST temperature sensitive of all powder - perfect for our environment. So, if it works in your rifle - that's a bonus !

[Beeman3]

Mark I have tried the 147 ELD-M with R26. Could not get enough R26 into the case to get any speed. IF I can't get the 147 to 2750-2800 fps I may try a 140 Berger Hybrid or a 140 ELD-M. It was extremely accurate though. I will try again with H4350 and also Varget. I know it is a very heavy bullet for the X47, but lots of F Class guys run heavy 185-225 gr out of their 308's. As far as powder goes I would look at RaynerShine or Higginson.

[AlbertaAl]

I've read that the BERGER 140 ELITE HUNTER is easy to work with.
I tried finding an accurate load for the Hdy ELD-X 143gr. using N550 and RL17 with the latter producing highest velocities and best accuracy.
My pet load is BERGER Classic Hunter 135gr with Varget @ 3750 w/24" bbl

When I shot 308 with 190gr. bullets I used RL17 with excellent success.

[243 wild cat]

Originally Posted by Smokinyotes

Myself i would use the lighter load, especially if the bolt is a little stiff with the hotter one. What is there to be gained other than premature wear using the hotter load. You are already dialling another few clicks wont make a difference,,

X2 on that with you dialling up a few clicks at that speed your still rocking it in there.

[markg]

Went shooting today with the hotter load. It went really well. Tommorow I will be shooting with the lighter load. Ill share those results. According to the data I printed there is only a 1 or 2 click of elevation ( 0.1 mil) difference at 600m

Last year when I moved from 500 yrds to 600m I had a really hard time hitting the gong.

Today magic happened. I was 14/15 hits. I just couldnt seem to miss. I changed the way I was putting my rifle in my shoulder pocket and was shooting using a Cabelas mat that has a place to "plant the bipod legs" It was super stable. There was virtualy no wind today and I think that helped alot.

Was pretty happy at the end of the day. Tommorow I am going out again and helping a friend sight in his 308 but I hope to shoot 30 or 40 rounds.

[SlightlyDistracting]

Originally Posted by markg

Anyone here ever try buying 5 to 8 cans of a particular powder like say H4350 and then mixing them vigorously so they esentially become one lot? Pros and Cons?

Absolutely.
It works great.

[SlightlyDistracting]

Originally Posted by markg

Went shooting today with the hotter load. It went really well. Tommorow I will be shooting with the lighter load. Ill share those results. According to the data I printed there is only a 1 or 2 click of elevation ( 0.1 mil) difference at 600m

Last year when I moved from 500 yrds to 600m I had a really hard time hitting the gong.

Today magic happened. I was 14/15 hits. I just couldnt seem to miss. I changed the way I was putting my rifle in my shoulder pocket and was shooting using a Cabelas mat that has a place to "plant the bipod legs" It was super stable. There was virtualy no wind today and I think that helped alot.

Was pretty happy at the end of the day. Tommorow I am going out again and helping a friend sight in his 308 but I hope to shoot 30 or 40 rounds.

I have a mat I lay down for my bi pod every time i shoot
Just eliminates another variable. I found it makes a difference for sure

[Bushrat]

Originally Posted by markg

. There was virtualy no wind today and I think that helped alot.

It makes a huge difference especially the farther you shoot. You need to shoot both loads in the same wind conditions or your results will be useless. Even 1 -2 mph wind difference at that distance will change things. Lots of People don't give wind it's due respect when shooting different wind conditions.

[Wisebuck]

Originally Posted by markg

I am shooting a 6.5x47 Lapua with 123 gr scenar's. I have a 30 inch Kreiger MTU contour barrel so my velocities are on the high side. I use Lapua brass and I have a couple of loads that are shooting around 1/2 moa.

First load is 36.5 Varget with velocity 2945 ES 12 and an SD 4.9 on 8 shots

Second Load is 37.7 Varget with Velocity of 3017 ES 15 SD 5.6 on 8 shots
This load is on the hot side but no obvious pressure sings but the bolt lift is a bit heavy.

I am currently shooting out to 500 yrds to 600m but I am working towards shooting out to 1KM. I am leaning toward the 37.7gr load. This is a recommended competition load from Accurate shooter.com

http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/65x47/

The lighter load is very nice and accurate. If i was only going to shoot out to 500 yrds this would be my choice.

Both shoot approximately the same accuracy wise

The Photo is of the brass with the 37.7 Varget load. I am currently using CCI 450 small magnum primers.

Is it me or do those primers look flattened slightly?

[markg]

Went out again today. Shot the 36.5 grs. Velocity was about 2950 average and had excellent results. I had a 3 shout group that was less than 3 inches center to center. In fact I almost hit the bullseye on the first shot. Shot a total of 15 rounds at the gong with no misses. I had one flyer up high due to some sun flare at the end of the day. I kind squinted and pushed the shot. The gong was at a distance of 600m.

Dam happy with the 36.5 of Varget. That is the one I am sticking with.

This gives me hope that 1000m is achieveable.

[260 Rem]

Nice work there Mark.

[markg]

Originally Posted by Bushrat

It makes a huge difference especially the farther you shoot. You need to shoot both loads in the same wind conditions or your results will be useless. Even 1 -2 mph wind difference at that distance will change things. Lots of People don't give wind it's due respect when shooting different wind conditions.

Wind is a major contributing factor. I have a Kestrel and I get exact speeds but determining how much to dial with given angles or vectors of wind is challenging. Practice is helping and I keep a dope book. Still have a long way to go.

I have noticed a big difference shooting the 6.5 x 47 compared to shooting my 308. It's easier to get hits for sure.