6.5x47 or 6mmbr - Which one for "Precision Varminting" up to 600m?

Slug870

Slug870

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I've been doing some reading on these two fine calibers for a varmint rifle, and it would seem that both are very accurate, very flexible in terms of bullet weight selection, and very effective at 600m (the range which I would like to base my next varmint rifle on). The issue I am stumbling on however, is there are those who would say that the 6.5x47 lacks the performance (compared to the 6mmbr) under 300m, and conversely that the 6mmbr should not be depended on to perform to the standards of the 6.5x47 from 500m and beyond. Of course there are many articles/posts/etc which contradict each other left right and center; but I would like to hear some thoughts/opinions/etc from those with real world experience who have an educated opinion on one or both of these calibers.

Please, discuss...
 
What is the varmint?

Single or mag loading?

do you care about recoil?

What action do you plan to use?

That will determine the choice very easily.

Jerry

PS, if you are thinking of using Savage, I have a Shilen barrel instock that suit what you are looking for.
 
I should have known to post more info in my initial post, forgive me.

As far as components, I load for 6.5x55 and for .243, which means both bullet sizes are plentiful in the gun room...

The varmint(s) in question would be mainly coyote, groundhog and crow;
Looking at a single for this build;
Recoil is not an issue with either caliber;
For the action, it will be a Stiller or Barnard.
 
I have taken the 6mm BR out to 800 yards with ease on Montana prairie dogs that are smaller than a 2 litre pop bottle

Edge
 
with your trader rating of about 1 gun a month I would build both and you will sell one at the end of summer,

if doing just one on a budget I would build the 6br but if you might shoot out to 1000 yards for giggles later next year then get the 6.5, you will like them both, and either custom action will work,

I would be more concerned about stock choice than the 2 choices for caliber

I have both in more than one gun and enjoy them all

Jefferson
 
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6BR... why? Cause part of the fun is watching the "show".

6.5X47L may recoil enough to bump you off target.

Otherwise, eeny meeny

If thinking Stiller or other Rem type action, consider the new promag Archangel stock. Drop in your barreled action and you have a great mag fed platform. Yes, you suggested single shot but a fast follow up is also fun AND the ergonomic and feature on this stock make it a great value.

YMMV.

Jerry
 
I own both and they are identical ballistically. Check out the numbers for 105- 6mmBR, 120, 130, and 140 - 6.5 x 47L. The 6mmBR is very difficult to get to feed through a bolt rifle while the 6.5 x 47L is no problem. Both run out of gas about 7-800 meters.

The 6.5 has more recoil slightly while the 6mm is about half.

Steve
 
I have a 6 br on a 1-13 twist that launches Barnes varmit grenades at a steady 3400 fps. With a brake its a blast. Get to watch the show @ 20x. Gophers, yotes it doesn't matter. Longest confirmed hit, 720 yds on a gopher.
 
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SteveB said:
I own both and they are identical ballistically. Check out the numbers for 105- 6mmBR, 120, 130, and 140 - 6.5 x 47L. The 6mmBR is very difficult to get to feed through a bolt rifle while the 6.5 x 47L is no problem. Both run out of gas about 7-800 meters.

The 6.5 has more recoil slightly while the 6mm is about half.

Steve
Click to expand...

Really, they're that similar? Damn. I already have a 6mm and my next build was going to be a 6.5x47. I may have to re-evaluate....
 
Not difficult to get the 6BR to feed - just requires a spacer at the back of the magazine box. Been there, done that with hinged floorplate Rem 700 bottom metal.
 
I was not aware of the feeding problems of the 6BR at all, good to know. As well, I did not think (from the reading I have done) that the 6.5x47 had that much more recoil, not that it particularly matters.

Some great points being brought up here, and some sound advice; thank you to those who have posted so far.
 
6BR feeds just fine from a mag with the shorter varmint bullets.

The 6mm varmint/light bullet selection blows away the 6.5 selection

6BR uses only 2/3 the amount of powder that a 47L will.

I can vouch for DonP's account. He forgets that we walked rounds onto a gopher at over 900M with his gun

Disclaimer: My ego needs no stroking;I have absolutely no vested interest in what you choose and I am not trying to sell you something.
 
paperslayer said:
6BR feeds just fine from a mag with the shorter varmint bullets.

The 6mm varmint/light bullet selection blows away the 6.5 selection

6BR uses only 2/3 the amount of powder that a 47L will.

I can vouch for DonP's account. He forgets that we walked rounds onto a gopher at over 900M with his gun

Disclaimer: My ego needs no stroking;I have absolutely no vested interest in what you choose and I am not trying to sell you something.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your post.

Could you elaborate on what bullets fall into the "shorter varmint bullet" category please? I am just curious as to what the limitations would be.

The powder usage comparison is a very relevant point, again something I hadn't taken into account.

With regards to your disclaimer; I do not think (or do not like to think) that you or anyone else in this forum would try to sell me something off of this type of post. I have come to realize that the precision rifle forum is one of the few remaining forums on CGN where one can find true. unbiased info and advice from those who have the real experience and knowledge folks like me look for.
 
6BR is mostly known for its incredible precision in F-Class and ISSF shooting. Those shooters like to use high BC 105-107 grain VLD bullets. Long bullets make mag feeding more tricky because the bullet tip tends to push against the chamber when the round is at an angle leaving the mag. shorter bullets don't have the same issue.

In benchrest, the single most popular (and precise) cartridge ever devised was the 6 PPC. This is a cartridge that is untouched using bullets in the 60-70 grain range and there are MANY offerings. for varmint hunting you don't need anything special. You want fast and precise. The light bullets for the PPC used in a BR cartridge make this one of the ultimate varmint cartridges. People shooting 6.5's use them for hunting or for long range and thus the light bullet selection is not as good as for the BR.

...have a good look at what you read here. People make recommendations primarily because they they bought/use what they are recommending, not because it is objectively the best... more about validating their own choices. The other crowd are those that have "just what you need" in stock.
 
"...coyote, groundhog and crow..." Highly unlikely you'll be able to spot any of 'em at 600.
"...720 yds on a gopher..." Fluke. More like a miracle. Hitting a 3" or less target at that distance. Hold over measured in yards.
 
sunray said:
"...coyote, groundhog and crow..." Highly unlikely you'll be able to spot any of 'em at 600.
"...720 yds on a gopher..." Fluke. More like a miracle. Hitting a 3" or less target at that distance. Hold over measured in yards.
Click to expand...

Well, there is this newfangled thing called optics. :p
 
Sunray...19.5 min of elevation @ 725 yds. The rifle wears a 8-32 SIII. And no it wasn't the first shot. 2nd or 3rd with Paperslayer spotting. Luck had a hand in it, 2-5000 rounds of distance shooting per year helps as well. Piper.
 
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