6.5m CM v 6,5x47 Lapua

[ovenpaa]

Does anyone here have experience of shooting the 6.5CM and the 6.5x47 Lapua? I am interested in shootability if there is such a word, accuracy, ease of reloading, load data and generally being nicer to shoot. Everyone tells me the 6.5CM is better but is this at a a particular bullet weight or distance or simply because the CM has a greater availability of factory ammunition.

I am interested either way and will admit now that I am a big fan of 6.5mm cartridges and shoot the 6.5x55 Swedish, 6.5x54MS and 6.5x47 Lapua amongst others.

[Whizzbang]

I have both. As you are aware there is almost nothing in it.

Arguably the added capacity of the 6.5CM should give it the edge for velocity that can be achieved but it's a small margin.

Some argue that the 6.5x47 is best suited to bullets in the 123-130gr range and that the 140+ suit the 6.5CM better due to its extra oomph.

Ironically, my accuracy node for 140ELD-M in the 6.5x47 is at the same velocity as my 6.5Creedmoor. The latter probably has a higher node I could chase as it also has a 2" longer barrel but I haven't bothered; the gain in drop/drift wouldn't justify the recoil and brass/barrel life and time cost.

In fact, I've been running 123Scenars through the Creed for PRS, since the recoil is less (important for seeing trace and splash/misses in PRS) and they are more available (unlike the Berger 140s, which I also use).

If I had a 6.5x47 alone, I wouldn't bother getting a Creed unless I wanted factory ammo. In fact for my purposes, I'd go with a fast twist 6mm (XC, Creedmoor, Dasher etc) instead.

If I had neither, but wanted a 6.5, I would pick the Creedmoor though.

My 6.5x47 is shot out and is being rebarrelled in... 6.5x47! I have dies, brass, bullets and powder so didn't see the point investing in a new calibre and waiting ages for a variation.

[Alpha1]

I don't have any experience with the 6.5x47 but I have a Ruger precision rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor I am currently using 139grain Scenars with Vit N555 in Lapua cases. All components are readily available. Its an easy cartridge to reload for.
I have also used Sellior and Bellot factory ammo with good results the S&B ammo is reasonably priced and the cases are reusable. Accuracy wise I can not fault it and low recoil. If it was shot out I would just get it re barreled in 6.5 Creedmoor.

[The Gun Pimp]

I've shot both regularly in competition over the years.

The 6.5x47 is an excellent round and initially Lapua offered ammunition in three bullet weights - 108gn, 123gn and 139gn. I always preferred the 123gn bullet. The Lapua ammunition is quite 'soft' as the round was initially conceived as an alternative to the 6BR for 300m ISSF competition.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is close - just a little larger case. If the majority of your shooting is at 600 to 1000 yds - the Creedmoor with a 139/140gn bullet is a good choice. At shorter ranges there is a good case for the 6.5x47 with the 123gn bullet.

Both are available in Lapua brass. Nicer? The 6.5x47 Lapua with 123gn bullet.

[ovenpaa]

Thank you all. I do agree having shot the 6,5x47 with pointed 123 grain Scenar for many years with my AI. Now I fancy a change and still like the idea of the 6.5mm bullet, I have just put together a rifle for stalking in 6,5x47 so have even more reason to consider a different cartridge, I am just not convinced with the CM quite yet.

[Alpha1]

Just wondering if the 123 grain Scenars will work in the 6.5 Creedmoor for the shorter distances I am thinking 100 to 300 yards. What do you guys think.

[phaedra1106]

123's work fine, personally I've settled on the 139 scenars as they out shoot me!.

I've used them in a 260Rem and both my current 6.5 Creedmoors, indoor 100yd tunnel range I consistently get around .30 to .35" groups, 10 shots centre to centre.

Those are using 36gr of N150 in StarLine cases.

Using the S&B 14ogr bullets (2905 Strela) I always get the odd fliers no matter what seating depth or powder weight I've tried.

I know Badger gets .5moa at 200yds with no fliers using the same bullets and pushes them pretty fast at 2720fps using 44.2gr of RS62.

I've tried them with 42.1gr of N160 at 2730fps but still get fliers with both rifles (Tikka TacA1 and Bergara BMP14)

[The Gun Pimp]

Just wondering if the 123 grain Scenars will work in the 6.5 Creedmoor for the shorter distances I am thinking 100 to 300 yards. What do you guys think.

No probs using the 123gn

[mag41uk]

Just wondering if the 123 grain Scenars will work in the 6.5 Creedmoor for the shorter distances I am thinking 100 to 300 yards. What do you guys think.

The 123 scenars seem to work fine in any 6.5 caliber.
I use the 108 scenars in my T3 260 rem. Work equally good as the 123`s out to 600yds.

[spartan7510]

I don't have any experience with the 6.5x47 but I have a Ruger precision rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor I am currently using 139grain Scenars with Vit N555 in Lapua cases. All components are readily available. Its an easy cartridge to reload for.
I have also used Sellior and Bellot factory ammo with good results the S&B ammo is reasonably priced and the cases are reusable. Accuracy wise I can not fault it and low recoil. If it was shot out I would just get it re barreled in 6.5 Creedmoor.

Any advice on grains of N555 with Lapua 139gr? Have the same have not started reloading yet for AI, be interested to know what works for you.