Hunting with 6.5x47 lapua

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Badbadger

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Hey guys, I have always hunted with the large magnums. I have a 6.5x47 lapua that I use for targets but figure why not use it for hunting. I'm looking for some real world feed back on max distances you guys have taken game with the same, Or similar cartridges (260, 6.5 creedmoor, ect). I hunt WT, mule, elk, sheep, and bear.

And to skip the old "the round is only as good as you are" or "it's all about bullet placement" conversation, let's just assume that is not a factor haha.

And If I do end up using it for hunting, i will be shooting 130g Berger vld hunters at approximately 2900fps.

Thanks for taking the time,
 
Badbadger said:
Hey guys, I have always hunted with the large magnums. I have a 6.5x47 lapua that I use for targets but figure why not use it for hunting. I'm looking for some real world feed back on max distances you guys have taken game with the same, Or similar cartridges (260, 6.5 creedmoor, ect). I hunt WT, mule, elk, sheep, and bear.

And to skip the old "the round is only as good as you are" or "it's all about bullet placement" conversation, let's just assume that is not a factor haha.

And If I do end up using it for hunting, i will be shooting 130g Berger vld hunters at approximately 2900fps.

Thanks for taking the time,
Click to expand...

So, the 6.5x47 Lapua will be a fine choice for the animals you list.
However, ditch those Bergers for hunting game. Use the 130 Accubond, the Nosler 129 LRAB or the 130 Swift Scirocco instead.
D.
 
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Thanks for the replys. And I have to agree with 220, IMO Berger makes the best bullet.

What would you call a "effective" max range. The ballistic celc says it carries 800 pounds of energy to 900 yards. And the 6.5 bullets have exceptional SD.
 
I shot a Muley buck with a '47 two years ago...130 Ber VLD (H) MV @ 2850 fps. Lung shot at 190M. Bullet came part inside...Bang/flop kill. No meat damage.
 
220 said:
Nothing wrong with the Berger VLD hybrids!
Click to expand...

Great bullets, but not dependable on game.

Badbadger said:
Thanks for the replys. And I have to agree with 220, IMO Berger makes the best bullet [for targets and paper punching]..
Click to expand...
Fixed it for you. :)

Using those thin jacketed bullets on game gives spectacular kills UNTIL.......the presentation is not exactly what the shooter thought, and
a bigger bone is encountered. Then you get bullet "blowup", a big surface wound, and NO penetration. The result is often a lost animal, which
will escape to die a slow, painful death. It is not a matter of IF, only a matter of WHEN. Use a bullet that will get to vitals from any
reasonable presentation, and you will be better off in the long run.
 
The 6.5x47L shoots the 130VLD(Hunting) so well, I am dragging mine into the bush this year as well.

Don't have anything to offer as far as distance limitations, I know what mine are. I'm not one to say what yours are.
 
My 260 Remington loaded to 2760 with Barnes TSX 130 grain were deadly on mule deer and very accurate.
The load described is a little faster so don't see why it would not be effective.
 
6.5x55 with 129 ablr at just over 3000fps works great. Through both shoulders of a large white tail at 350yards or so. I don't trust the Bergers holding together through bone. I agree with eagle eye.
 
My 6.5x47 shoots the 123 scenar and 129 lrab into the same hole at 100 yards. The last doe I shot was with a 130 Berger at 245 yards. Bang flop. If I don't tag out with a muzzle loader and normal hunting rifle first, I will be using the 6.5x47 with the 129 lrab at my extended range spot. There is quite a following of people successfully using the scenars on game at the campfire and I believe Mr. Sinclair is quoted in saying he uses the 130gr Berger for most of his hunting as well.

The bullet test (stickied in the hunting rifle forum)I did also had quite a few "match" bullets preform better than "real" hunting bullets.
 
Thanks for all the info guys. I am stuck now haha. Quick background, the rifle I am using is a desert tech. I was considering selling the 6.5x47 lapua barrel for a 7wsm barrel. I know the 7wsm will get the job done well past 600 yards.

I already have everything and am all set up for the 6.5x47 so if It can get the job done out to 6 or 700 yards as a max effective range then I don't need to do the switch.
 
Yeah mine shoots 123 Scenar into one hole too, figured the Berger VLD Hunter would be a more solid design for deer sized game.
 
Ive used the 6.5x47L on deer out to a bit over 520m. They've all dropped reasonably quickly and all have been pass thru shots.

I've primarily used the 120gr Ballistic Tips, but a couple of 130gr VLDs were used as well as some 120gr TTSXs.

I would use it on Elk out to 400yds using the 120gr TTSX.

Ive used a custom Kimber 84m and Stiller.

I've shot a couple animals with Scenars in other calibers. The Scenar is a better game bullet than the Bergers. I'd compare the Scenar to an SST or Ballistic Tip. Bergers are explosive.
 
My 6.5x47L took down a small buck in -20 weather last weekend.

130gr HVLD. Deer was standing Broad side, slightly quartering away, 120 yards, pass through, lungs and heart all mush. Large exit hole, deer ran 25 yards and died very quickly. Was happy with the bullet and gun, even though my LRHS wouldn’t zoom due to being frozen solid...
 
Loaded 127gr Barnes LRX’s in mine. Haven’t shot a deer with it yet, but I’ve taken lots of deer with the same bullet in a 260 Rem. 260 was spitting them out at 2990, the 47 around 2950. So, I’m sure they will work every bit as well.

For the Berger’s I’ve taken a lot of deer with Berger’s and never had a deer got far, but I’ve stopped using them for the fact that they blow up, and usually damage a lot of meat. Although it never happened to me, I always worry about their performance on a less than perfect shot, or shot angle.
 
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