6.5x47mm Lapua or 6.5x284

[jdefranc938]

I just picked up a nice Remington 700 308 bolt face Short Action. My two choices for a caliber are either a 6.5x47 Lapua or the 6.5x284. If I choose the 284, I will be forced to use this as a single shot since it is a short action. If I go with the 6x47 Lapua, I can use the 5 round box magazine. This will be used for primarily for deer, ground hog, and of course fun with paper. As of right now no competition, but you never know From your experiences, what are the pros and cons of these two calibers and what would fit my needs better? Any info will be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance guys

Jeff

[Jim White]

Interesting question. Guess it depends on what you're looking for. I just spent some time looking over JBM ballistics comparing a 220 Swift (80 SMK), 22-250 (80 SMK), 6mm Remington (105 AMAX & 107 SMK), 260 Remington (142 SMK), 6.5x284 (142 SMK), 7x57 (168 & 175 SMK) and 7mm-08 (168 & 175 SMK) for 1000 yds.

Since I'm not to familiar with any of them except the 6mm, I used Hodgdon's reload center as a general guide and online forums for the 200 Swift & 22-250 with the 80 SMK for velocities. Basically I used the highest number listed. It may-not be what some can get but that probably applies to all the calibers so I just considered it a wash. Besides, I was just passing time.

I wasn't surprised that there wasn't a whole lot of differences between them but I was surprised the 220 Swift had less drop (barely) but the 6mm Remington had the best wind bucking ability.

I'm going to research it more to try and get real world velocities because I figured the 6.5x284 would be the front runner (even the 260 Remington had better numbers, much to my surprise) but it wasn't.

On the 6.5x284, they have a reputation of lasting around 1500 rounds, give or take (competition guns). The 6mmbr website has plenty of info on the 6.5x285 and perhaps some for the 6.5x47.

HTH,

[jdefranc938]

I decided on the 6.5x47 Lapua. Going with an 8 twist Bartlein barrel, McMillan A1-3 molded stock, Leupold Mark 4 8.5-25x50 LR/T TMR, Jewell trigger, Tubb's speedlock pin, and getting the 700 action blueprinted and spiral fluted. Just got the stock in and I will take some pics once I get back home this weekend. Project should be complete around May or June. And of course, pics of the entire build will be up when complete! Merry Christmas everyone!