6.5x47 and RL16

Just waiting for the snow to leave - have some R16 and 6.5 Staball I want to try, but over 130 hybrids
So far Varget and vv150 are the winners in my 24" barrel.
 
The new reloder powders are tough for me to find. I've been shooting a 6.5x47 for a few years now and my best results are with H4350, V540, and R17. I sure wish I could get R16, R23 and R26 locally so I can give it a try. Just got cost effective to order 1 or 2 pounds online with the dangerous goods shipping.


Good luck. I've found the 6.5x47 very easy to load for
 
I have no experience with RL16 but am interested in responses and have been wondering about its use in this cartridge as well, if a fella could find any.

If you gentlemen wouldn't mind, please post or PM your data so far. I'm just starting out with my first 6.5X47 and have tested two bullets with Varget so far. To be frank, I'm not sure which bullet to go with - a lot of informal PRS inside 1000m (occasional out to 1500) and training for new shooters, kids, girlfriend, and daughter. Thanks to those who are willing to share and thanks just the same to those who would rather not :)

Rooster
 
I have used Re16, with the Lapua Scenar 136gr. Did a test against Varget and H4350, last month. Using Lapua brass, of course, S&B primers, 2.71” coal. Re16 gives higher velocities at less pressure. Did a ladder from 40.00gr-40.5-41.0-41.5 in Re16. 10 shot groups were all sub MOA with 41.5gr giving me a crazy 2920 FPS, with that 136 bullet, and no pressure signs. ES was 12, SD 4.
Keep in mind, my barrel is a 29”, so may be getting a good jump up on FPS then guys running 4-6 inch shorter barrels, all else being equal.
Also,it was -2 C temp. These loads were safe in my rifle, at mins 2 degrees, but could easily be over max in others.
I’d recommend with the 140 class bullets, to start in that 37.0gr range and go up from there to see where pressure shows in your own rifle.
I think that between the 3 powders, you could find a great load with all of them, with some diligent load work ups.
I really like Re16, is the most temp stable powder out there, and use it in lots of different calibers. It is a very dirty powder though, as a downside.
 
I use RL16 in three 6.5 creedmoors (variety scares me, haha). I shoot 143 eld x bullets in Hornady brass with federal 210m primers. I found RL16 produces excellent groups and it seems to be very temp stable, I’m a fan.

Both of my X bolts (yeah, that variety thing again, lol) shoot the same load accurately, 41.5 grains. My hells canyon speed (22” barrel) spits them out at 2760fps and my micro (20” barrel) slings then at 2680fps. Both are scary accurate out to 420 yards, I haven’t shot them beyond that yet (when topography dictates your range distances, haha).
 
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