What should I go for 8 or 8.5?

I suspect 8.5 is enough although some suggest 8 is the safer option.

Can someone provide feedback - I'm looking to use 139Lapuas or 140/142SMKs and either 107/108 for cpt.

thanks,
Nigel.

Nigel, There are others with more experience than I with a 6.5x47, but I am going on my 3rd barrel in standard and 2nd barrel in hunter in 6.5, all have been 8 twist. .260 in standard and 6.5x55 in hunter. The 139 Lapuas seem to be the way to go with the 6.5x47, and if you happen to shoot in any kind of wind at all I would lean toward the 123's rather than the 107/108's. I have shot the 123 Sierra and the Lapuas and can't tell the difference. There are a few that shoot the 144 Lapuas and some can't get them to group at 500m for rams, also I prefer the 142's over the 140's, the 140's seem to leave a few more rams standing. Just my .02 worth.

go with an 8...the 8.5 would do fine with 139's and up...but may not stabalize the lighter 123 gr. pills

propwash wrote:go with an 8...the 8.5 would do fine with 139's and up...but may not stabalize the lighter 123 gr. pills

I think you've got that backwards, prop. Tighter twist is for heavier bullets.

My 8.5 twist Krieger shoots 139 gr Lapuas very nice. When working up a load, I didn't see a single group larger than 3/4" at 100 yards. Lots of them were in the .3" range. In general though, faster was better. Berger recommends a 9 twist for their 140.

Yes kind sir you are correct.....My logic was flawed. Not really but when I typed it that's what came out...I was waiting for somebody to catch it.

What Krieger has told me regarding the 8 vs. 8.5 is it depends on how hard you are going to drive the heavy bullets. They have recommended an 8 twist in my silhouette rifles for extra insurance it will stabilize th heavy bullets. For a 6.5-284 running 142 at 3k 8 is fine.

Greg