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A new barrel for my Accuracy International arrived this morning from Sporting Services. The old 7,62x51 Border has had a fair few rounds through it over the years and I should really check the log book to check the round count at some point and even though it is being retired I will still hold onto it just in case...

I had recognised the need for a new barrel for a while however I was undecided on what to go for, we have a few .308's and 7,62x51's in the house and whatever the chambering I was going to need new brass so I opted for a 26" Border barrel chambered in 6,5x47. In theory the barrel should go straight on however I took the precaution of ordering some head space gauges at the same time.

So I will be shooting a 6,5x47 AI from now on tongueout

The brass also arrived this morning, I already have a selection of Scenar's in 123 and 139 grain plus some 140 Berger Hybrid's. I have Forster Ultra Micrometer Seater dies and neck bushing/shoulder bump kit which should get me going so all I need to do now is decide on the powder load. The rifle will be used to 1200 yards so I suspect the 140 Hybrids may be the best option.

Does anyone have any load suggestions? I prefer to use Viht powders.

There is still one final thing to come, I have ordered a specially built super long reflex suppressor from OneLessCharlie of this forum and that should be with me end of next week. We have ordered suppressors from OLC in the past however they were always for customer rifles and they are superb so I am looking forward to owning one of my own and shooting with it.

Pictures to follow when I have put it together.

You jammy bugger.

Not an AI, but I did have a Sako 75 rebarrelled by Lee at Borders in 6.5x47. The barrel was 26" if I remember correctly. I did mess around with all sorts of powder and bullet loads but eventually settled on a load, very similar to one recommended by another:

CCI primers, 38.7grs of Vhit N150 & 123gr Lapua Scenars which resulted in sub MOA and approx 3000fps.

I did get marginally tighter groups using Reloader 17 but wasn't as consistent.

Well the barrel is on, the old one was a pig to get off however a suitable sized lever did the trick and the new one screwed on very nicely. Next job is measure the OAL and get some ammunition loaded.

Right now I am struggling for powder so I may have to opt for Viht N140 or N540 to start with.

Sounds like a promising project mate :goodjob:

Alan

At the moment it looks the same as before but with a slightly longer barrel. I will post a picture up when the suppressor has arrived.

123 Scenars at 3025fps produced this 5 shot group after three sighters shot off a Versapod with no rear bag. I think this load is fairly close to where I want to be however proper testing starts at 1000 yards Saturday.

What breaking in procedure are you using?

That was 3 shots and clean followed by 5 shots and clean and so on, I know people clean after shot however I do not.

ovenpaa wrote:Right now I am struggling for powder so I may have to opt for Viht N140 or N540 to start with.

I've got a 2/3 tub of N150 (and 150+ 139 gn Scenars) - If you want them let me know...I'll be at the Trafalgar.