New build first day out.

[markg]

Finally got out today with my new 6.5 x 47 Lapua build. It is a Tikka CTR short Action with a Krieger 28 inch MTU contour barrel with 5R Rifling. Its has a new scope, an Athlon Chronos. I will do an in depth review later. So far I am loving all parts of this build.

I took it out to break in the barrel today and zero the scope and I was very please. It shot a sub 1/2 moa 3 shot group at 100yrds in the first day out.

I still need to do some load development but I was shooting the Hornady 140gr ELD-X with 35.5 grains of Varget. Next trip out ill bring the Lab Radar and see what she will do.

Many Thanks to:
Scott @ Red Star Targets (Scope)
Henry Remple (Smith work)
Joe @RPS International for the Barrel
Rick@ Alberta Tactical Rings

[Cement Bench]

nice

that caliber shoots well and looks like Henry did his magic once again

[Smokinyotes]

Looks really good mark. Should be a fun little gun

[Trochu]

So, am I getting a slightly used Athlon Chronos next year?

How do you like it vs the Burris, night and day difference?

[markg]

I am actually torn, this Athlon Scope is very nice in fact it beats my Razor in a few catagories. I will post a full review of it sometime this spring. How is your Burris treating you? You shooting it much?

I dont think I will be selling this one anytime soon!. Although I have considered getting a Revic, if funds are tight I will let you know.

[markg]

Originally Posted by Smokinyotes

Looks really good mark. Should be a fun little gun

I have to admit I am pretty happy, I think it has a ton of potential. I hope I will be able to get a load to approaches 2800/fps I will need close to 38 grains of Varget and that will be pretty hot. I will settle for 2750 range without pressure signs.

[Beeman3]

Nice gun, enjoy it. I think your velocity goal is possible. I shoot the 130 Berger Hunting out of my 6.5X47 at 2950 fps. 26" barrel with H4350. Friend of mine just bought a F Class x47 and it shoots the 140 Bergers at just under 2900 fps. I think his barrel is 30" though. He also uses H4350. The 6.5X47 is one of my favorites; guess that's why I own two of them. If you can't hit 2750 fps maybe try the Berger. It may have less bearing surface.

[Don_Parsons]

Good times ahead.

Awesome looking rig fore sure

👍

[Kurt505]

Definitly a sweet looking rig, makes nice little holes in paper too!

What’s the diameter of the barrel? I’m not sure if it’s just the camera angle but it looks pretty thick.

[50bags]

This whole rifle set up looks tempting. Nice work

[markg]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

Definitly a sweet looking rig, makes nice little holes in paper too!

What’s the diameter of the barrel? I’m not sure if it’s just the camera angle but it looks pretty thick.

Good Question Its an MTU contour. Very heavy (7 lbs) but seems to be very accurate.

[markg]

I am using a real cool development method i saw on 6.5 guys. I have some very promising results. Here is a link to learn about the method.

https://youtu.be/ACyfeeBHVOA

So I did 10 shots with Powder charges ranging from 35.5 to 37.3 and velocities varied from 2764 to 2863 I was starting to see some pressure signs at 37.3 The group for the 10 shots with that change in Velocity was 0.7 inches. That makes me giddy. I was also able to get Velocities over 2800 fps without any pressure signs and that has me grinning from ear to ear.

I was shooting Hornady 140 gr ELD-X and Lapua brass Varget Powder.
Chrono was a Lab Radar.

Here are the velocity results:
35.5 grs --------------------2764 Fps
35.7 grs---------------------2768
35.9 grs---------------------2777
36.1 grs---------------------2781
36.3 grs---------------------2804
36.5 grs---------------------2811
36.7 grs---------------------2824
36.9 grs---------------------2843
37.1 grs---------------------2844
37.3 grs---------------------2863

I think I have a good accuracy node at 36.3 to 36.7 with an ES of 20 in a 1/2 grain charge variance.

[marky_mark]

Originally Posted by markg

I am using a real cool development method i saw on 6.5 guys. I have some very promising results. Here is a link to learn about the method.

https://youtu.be/ACyfeeBHVOA

So I did 10 shots with Powder charges ranging from 35.5 to 37.3 and velocities varied from 2764 to 2863 I was starting to see some pressure signs at 37.3 The group for the 10 shots with that change in Velocity was 0.7 inches. That makes me giddy. I was also able to get Velocities over 2800 fps without any pressure signs and that has me grinning from ear to ear.

I was shooting Hornady 140 gr ELD-X and Lapua brass Varget Powder.
Chrono was a Lab Radar.

Here are the velocity results:
35.5 grs --------------------2764 Fps
35.7 grs---------------------2768
35.9 grs---------------------2777
36.1 grs---------------------2781
36.3 grs---------------------2804
36.5 grs---------------------2811
36.7 grs---------------------2824
36.9 grs---------------------2843
37.1 grs---------------------2844
37.3 grs---------------------2863

I think I have a good accuracy node at 36.3 to 36.7 with an ES of 20 in a 1/2 grain charge variance.

I have modified their test and done 2 rounds at each charge
Then it tells me a with a little more confidence if numbers may lead to a low sd or es thats repeatable

I got a 5 shot es of 5 fps last time i hit the range and two real tight groups with a es of 10 that i have to see if i can repeat

I really like their load development method

Personally id target the 35.5-35.7 and 36.9-37.1
If its repeatable you may just have to tweak the seating depth to dial in the accuracy
But im sure it will shoot lights out

[markg]

I am glad to hear that others have gotten onto that method and getting good results. It means I might be onto something.

What are you shooting Marky- Mark? Mind posting some pics?

[marky_mark]

Originally Posted by markg

I am glad to hear that others have gotten onto that method and getting good results. It means I might be onto something.

What are you shooting Marky- Mark? Mind posting some pics?

This time it’s a Bergara hmr 6.5 creedmoor
Using the 147 eldm’s and h4350
I’ve used it with success on my 6.5x284 and 300 win
Doing a load for my 338 lapua right now also

[Don_Parsons]

Dang,,, those velocities look good for the 140gr'ers...

Now you got me scratching my head now...

Ho Hummmmm...

You guys are hard on my bank account. LOL.

👍

[markg]

I wanted to get some opinions from you guys who shoot a ton (FClass or Prs) I was at the range today and tested a couple of loads I thought were promising. I choose the 35.5 or Varget and went with 37 of Varget.

One thing I noticed is that the velocities were quite bit slower today then my ten shot string test.

Thanks for your help i posted a video on you tube that kinda of covers where i am at,

https://youtu.be/AbM8601r-mI

[Beeman3]

How hard are you pushing it? Close to pressure? The velocity seems a bit low. My friends F Class 6.5X47 shoots the 140 Berger Hybrid at 2861 fps with Lapua SP brass, H4350 and a Br-4 primer. 30' barrel so I would expect you to lose 50 fps to his speed. With the same powder charge but using CCI 450's he is at 2907 fps. Went with the BR-4 because it shoots just a bit better than the CCI 450.

[markg]

I havent had a chance to get my hands on 8lbs of H4350 and try it yet. It seems 8lbs of Varget is much easier to find.

My understanding is you can push the H4350 a bit without pressure spikes that sometimes come with using Varget. I have had good results with the Varget but it seems like H4350 is the best choice for this cartridge.

[marky_mark]

Originally Posted by markg

I havent had a chance to get my hands on 8lbs of H4350 and try it yet. It seems 8lbs of Varget is much easier to find.

My understanding is you can push the H4350 a bit without pressure spikes that sometimes come with using Varget. I have had good results with the Varget but it seems like H4350 is the best choice for this cartridge.

Cabelas has it

[marky_mark]

honestly if your velocities are that far out i would almost scrap the powder and try h4350
I have a bunch if you need some to test

[Beeman3]

Actually when I look back at your post #12, the velocities really are not bad. Depending how accurate the are. I must not of been paying attention close enough. If you can find a accurate load with 140's running in the 2850 fps range I think you are good to go. Even 2800 fps isn't bad. What's a few more clicks of elevation. Maybe work up to pressure then play with seating depth.

[marky_mark]

What kind of chronograph are you using

[Smokinyotes]

Originally Posted by marky_mark

What kind of chronograph are you using

Markg has a Labradar

[marky_mark]

Originally Posted by Smokinyotes

Markg has a Labradar

its odd that his velocities changed that much??

[markg]

I glad someone else noticed that. I did see a significant change in velocity. I double measure my powder with an electronic and beam scale. temperature had been about the same. Only thing i can think of is i may have left one box of ammo out in the sun a little longer when I was setting stuff up but even then Varget isnt supposed to be that temp sensitive. I am somewhat perplexed by it.

[Cheyenne 1]

Originally Posted by markg

I havent had a chance to get my hands on 8lbs of H4350 and try it yet. It seems 8lbs of Varget is much easier to find.

My understanding is you can push the H4350 a bit without pressure spikes that sometimes come with using Varget. I have had good results with the Varget but it seems like H4350 is the best choice for this cartridge.

8 pounder of H4350. Not a problem
Higginsons has lots. And as usual always a good price.

[markg]

All i need now is an extra $300-$400

[Don_Parsons]

So I fine out today that my 308 uses the same bolt face as the 6.5 Lapua,,, oh boy... This was not what I was expecting. Ha

Now I have to figure out which rifle barrel I'm going to shoot out.

👍

[markg]

Dont look back Don, feel the power of the dark side! Seriously though you will love the cartridge (need a to be hand loader).