6.5x47 Lapua Hornady (Stoney Point) .375 Headspace bushing

ElmerThud · Aug 25, 2013

Does anyone know if the Hornady (Stoney Point) .375 Headspace bushing can be satisfactorily used for measuring the 6.5x47Lapua dimension from midway datum on the cartridge shoulder to cartridge base?

I know the guage can be used with 6.5x55 SM Cartridges, but of course the cartridge case shoulder angles are different @ 25degs. on 6.5x55 SM & 30degs. on 6.5x47L

If I look at the Forster datum measurement system, it appears to be calibre specific and gives the impression if you're using 6.5mm it'll measure the datum on any cartridge associated with that calibre....??

Is anyone able to clarify & tell me please? ATB ET

SJB358 · Aug 28, 2013

I am not sure ET, but I would think if it works for the Swede, it should be reasonably close to working fine for the Lapua.

ElmerThud · Aug 28, 2013

Thanks Scotty. No one seems sure about this one :? & I haven't had any reply from either Forster or Hornady. I decided to have the workshop at our factory make up a bushing for me that should be ready later today.

I have the mid shoulder diameter from the Lapua drawings at .377" (9.58mm) so I had a bush made to that dia. I can use the guage to measure 'fired case' headspace measurement, resize a case approx .001"/.0015" shorter and then use Rizla paper to shim out the resized case and find the 'go/no-go' measurement in the rifle action.
I'm pretty sure that will then allow me to set my sizing die to make 'bob on' cartridges for the rifle. Should help find some additional accuracy and add to case life.

Lapua cases are pretty pricey :roll: at around $1.53 (£1 GBP Sterling) each.
Cheers, ET

SJB358 · Aug 29, 2013

Are you getting a Lapua, or working on it for a friend ET?

ElmerThud · Aug 29, 2013

This 6.5x47L belongs to my good friend Roger. It's the one he had custom built two years ago but it hasn't ever been fully finished and ammunition loaded to the best advantage.
Now we're addressing this issue before the stag season gets underway for us in Scotland in a couple of weeks time. I expect to be able to have this rascal shooting crows at 500yds in a week or so.
Frankly it shouldn't take much doing - but I need the correct data to do it properly. I'll attach a photo so you can see what we're playing with Scotty.
It has a pretty nice piece of wood on it....just a little smarter than an old brush stale!

DrMike · Aug 29, 2013

Most handsome, ET. I do like lovely wood on a rifle.

SJB358 · Aug 29, 2013

I remember that rifle ET!! That is probably one of them that made me drool...

Send me what you wanna shoot, and I can work up some loads for you buddy. Be happy to help with such a beautiful rifle.

ElmerThud · Aug 29, 2013

You're a star, thanks Scotty.
The biggest problem is Roger is a farmer & is somewhat 'slapdash' in how he reloads. That's not a detrimental comment to him, he knows what he's like, but time is an issue for him.
(He's a very fine hunter though and rarely comes in without his quarry)

When he sets up to re-size, often the cartridges don't chamber smoothly and he'll have sized a good number before he finds out, so the headspace tool will give him a go/no-go with him not having to get his rifle from the safe & mess about checking the fit.

I want to help him get the very best from a rifle that is a beauty & regardless of how he proceeds, still produces excellent accuracy - as indeed it should.

The barrel is a 1-8 1/2" twist. He uses the Hornady 129gn SST bullet, CCI BR small rifle primer & 37gns Reloder 15. Currently this produces average .4" MOA groups @ 100yds.........but this can be much, much better!! & can be half that.

Just a little help for him & a nudge in a better direction for his reloading procedure is all that's required. So your help will be very much appreciated. Cheers, ET