25x47 vs 6.5x47 for NRL Hunter

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

As the title says I'm looking into getting a barrel chambered for NRL hunter matches, and I'm torn between the 6.5x47 Lapua or the 25 cal version.

Given the power factor requirements I'd have to send a 134 around 2840, or I could shoot a heavier 6.5 like a 144 lrht or 147 eldm in the low 2600s

I guess what I'm really hung up on is whether or not a lighter 25 cal bullet going 2850 offers any advantage in terms of recoil or ballistics over a slow high bc 6.5?

 

[codym]

I shoot a 25 creed for NRL hunter and I make power factor with both the 134 and 135 LRHT, not hard but not super easy. I would think you may have to run a longer barrel or step on the 47 case pretty hard to get 2840 out of it. Could be wrong just something to consider.

 

[hereinaz]

Get velocity for power factor and you are good. ^^^ that’s the info you need.

 

[Johnc427]

I also considered a 25x47 but from I researched it would be tough to make power factor unless it’s a 26”+. I shoot a 25 creed and 135LRHT in a 25” barrel at a very mild 2900. It hammers. And alpha brass is awesome

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

I also considered a 25x47 but from I researched it would be tough to make power factor unless it’s a 26”+. I shoot a 25 creed and 135LRHT in a 25” barrel at a very mild 2900. It hammers. And alpha brass is awesome

If you're coasting along at 2900 in a 25" creed it'd stand to reason that the 25x47 would easily reach 2840 with a 26" barrel at the same pressures.
How easy was the load development?

 

[wind gypsy]

Was just pondering specs for a 6.5x47 barrel for NRL with intention of shooting 144 LRHTs. I think the 25 cal would be cutting it too close on power factor for me. I am kind of stuck on the x47 because they just seem so trouble free and because I have a bunch of brass/dies already.

 

[Johnc427]

If you're coasting along at 2900 in a 25" creed it'd stand to reason that the 25x47 would easily reach 2840 with a 26" barrel at the same pressures.
How easy was the load development?

Yes I think that’s true. It might be getting close to pressure?? Not sure. I’m sure you could do it, I think the creed just offers a little more breathing room.

Load development was gravy. 41.5-42.5 gr of H4350 and .030 off the lands.

I wouldn’t hate a 6.5x47 with 144 LRHT.

 

[codym]

I’ve shot nrl hunter matches in a couple feet of snow in Colorado to high humidity and heat in Tx and NM. I wouldn’t want to be running a hot load in those conditions, you’re just asking for problems.

 

[Firestone]

If your stuck on a 25cal go with a creed, other wise the 6.5x47 would be great

 

[Bsnyder]

6.5x47 with a 144 is hard to beat. I burnt a barrel out running that combo at 2730

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

6.5x47 with a 144 is hard to beat. I burnt a barrel out running that combo at 2730

Right on

Did you find it was easy to get super low SDs/ES ?
I hate finicky load development, and my last 2 Creedmoors took considerable effort to get low SDs with accuracy.

How many rounds did you get out of your barrel?

 

[Bsnyder]

I had 2k on it when I pulled it. Yes it was easy. Varget or h4350 worked extremely well. I’m also an advocate of not running match rifles up near pressure because it’s all fun and games until your the guy they calling over the radio for to bring a cleaning rod because you stuck a round so the 6.5x47 makes it with a 144 at a mild load vs running a 25x47 up near. I know there are also guys who run 28 in 25 creed and 25x47 and have no issues with the 134/135 class. I have 1 25 creed and will put together another but the 6.5x47 is just easy.

 

[wind gypsy]

Right on

Did you find it was easy to get super low SDs/ES ?
I hate finicky load development, and my last 2 Creedmoors took considerable effort to get low SDs with accuracy.

How many rounds did you get out of your barrel?

I've had a couple 6.5x47s and i've not tried a single load that wasn't accurate and predictable with Bergers (prob 5 different ones), ELDs, or JLKs over varget or h4350. Ive only used lapua brass and 450s or BR4 primers.

Also, they dont show pressure until you get way up there. I just avoid pushing it close to where one would see pressure signs. Never a sticky bolt lift or any other nonsense.

 

[khuber84]

X47 needs to be ran at relatively high pressure to run the heavy 25 Cals at 2850+ for power factor. With 144-156gr 6.5 cal, you can run 200fps slower and still make limits. If you want to run a 25, you need a creed. It's still running higher psi to get the 2870-2900fps.

I've ran 25cm in prs at 2880 with 135 Bergers, and now I run a 65cm with 153.5 at 2630. I prefer the low and slow. The wind holds isn't much different. The 150+ gr bullet hits targets very hard and you can definitely see your missed anywhere with the bullet mass. The slower speed gives you a bit more reaction time to get your eyes back to target before the bullet gets there.

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

X47 needs to be ran at relatively high pressure to run the heavy 25 Cals at 2850+ for power factor. With 144-156gr 6.5 cal, you can run 200fps slower and still make limits. If you want to run a 25, you need a creed. It's still running higher psi to get the 2870-2900fps.

I've ran 25cm in prs at 2880 with 135 Bergers, and now I run a 65cm with 153.5 at 2630. I prefer the low and slow. The wind holds isn't much different. The 150+ gr bullet hits targets very hard and you can definitely see your missed anywhere with the bullet mass. The slower speed gives you a bit more reaction time to get your eyes back to target before the bullet gets there.

Right on man that's a very helpful comparison, do you feel like there was any perceivable difference in recoil between the lighter faster 25 creed vs the heavier slower version?

 

[khuber84]

Right on man that's a very helpful comparison, do you feel like there was any perceivable difference in recoil between the lighter faster 25 creed vs the heavier slower version?

I do not, I'm actually running near 3gr less powder with the 65cm than the 25cm. I mean recoil in 25# rifles is minimal anyway, but the 25cm feels a bit more snappy, and the 65cm more of a slow push. There are some really good muzzle brakes that control muzzle rise, and keep the rifle tracking flat under recoil. I'd try to keep most your weight in the barrel, light glass, and balance the rear with weights as necessary.

My nrl hunter build for 16# class is a 26" hvy palma 65cm, titanium action and Magnesium chassis, triple pull, Zco420. I really like the hnt26 but cannot add weight to rear for balance.

I have a light palma to put in the hnt26 with vortex LHT 4.5-22, for 12# class, still rock the triple pull.

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

I do not, I'm actually running near 3gr less powder with the 65cm than the 25cm. I mean recoil in 25# rifles is minimal anyway, but the 25cm feels a bit more snappy, and the 65cm more of a slow push. There are some really good muzzle brakes that control muzzle rise, and keep the rifle tracking flat under recoil. I'd try to keep most your weight in the barrel, light glass, and balance the rear with weights as necessary.

My nrl hunter build for 16# class is a 26" hvy palma 65cm, titanium action and Magnesium chassis, triple pull, Zco420. I really like the hnt26 but cannot add weight to rear for balance.

I have a light palma to put in the hnt26 with vortex LHT 4.5-22, for 12# class, still rock the triple pull.

I like it
That tracks with every recoil calculator I've played with.
I'm running Ken's Salmon River Solutions TI pro 5 port brake (2oz), and an MPA Hybrid chassis with an Origin action.
My ZCO 5-27 is chunky but I can run a triple pull if I keep the barrel around 4 lbs.

Or... I could just buy a Seekins PH2 NRL 6 Creedmoor and run production.

 

[khuber84]

Or... I could just buy a Seekins PH2 NRL 6 Creedmoor and run production.

I have one of those as well. It's bout the only 6cm you can keep light enough to work with. Put a 14" A419 universal arca rail on it utilizing front sling stud and front action screw.

I haven't shot it since this spring, you've reminded me I have too many rifles!

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

I have one of those as well. It's bout the only 6cm you can keep light enough to work with. Put a 14" A419 universal arca rail on it utilizing front sling stud and front action screw.

I haven't shot it since this spring, you've reminded me I have too many rifles!

I don't want another rifle either, but I'm getting damn tired of pulling my PRS barrel off during the season for every Hunter match.

At the very least I should probably get another action to minimize the swapping of components.
And maybe another stock, trigger, and scope

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

Ok this is making me lean hard towards a 25x47, 2754 makes power factor, and these are extremely consistent bullets.
https://www.hornady.com/bullets/rifle/25-cal-.257-138-gr-a-tip-match#!/