So I got a chance to try out a new build today. My third from Steve & Shane from EM Precision. This one is chambered in 6.5x47 Lapua. It happens to be nestled inside one of my favourite chassis, a Cadex Field Open Top.
The action is by KS Arms. The barrel is a Bob Jury Custom #10 heavy contour finished at 26". And it's topped off with an EM Precision Shockwave brake. The scope is a Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56 inside NF rings. And the bipod is an LRA light tactical.
I ended up using Lapua factory 139gr Scenar ammo. This was because I don't yet have my brass or bullet order. But Shane was good enough to offer up the factory ammo at cost so I could try out the rifle this weekend. Also, I need some fired cases to make a modified case for my OAL gauge so I can find the lands and do some serious load development. And because of the shortness of this round and the .308 magazine, I can easily magazine feed this beast.
I ended up doing the 10 shot/clean cycle to break-in the barrel. I also tried to get the scope on paper while I was doing this. It turned out that I was on paper in 2 shots and zeroed in 5 (all at 201 yards). After these first 5 shots, the next five turned out to be a pretty decent group.
So then onwards and outwards to 304 yards. After two sighters, I shot a 3 round group....self-explanatory.
The ergonomics were easily adjusted to close to where I have them on my .223 build in the same chassis. Very easy.
I must say that this rifle shoots just as well as my three others have from EM. And to say that this one has potential would be an understatement. I haven't even done any load development or seating depth tests. I expect that the accuracy will improve greatly once I find the lands and can optimally seat the 139gr Scenars. The factory ammo from Lapua is very good. I recorded speeds of 2659, 2652, 2653, 2646, 2662, and 2644. For an average of 2653 with an S.D. of just 6 (!).
I can't wait to do some OCW and depth tests to develop an even better load. And then stretching her legs out to a kilometre and beyond. Maybe even the mile (right Shane?
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More to follow....
Another EM Precision build
Threaded Mode
