Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters 6CM vs Lapua vs XC

Heard Lapua was or will be making 6CM brass.

Is the CM as accurate as the 47 and XC ?

There's so little difference in the basic form and powder capacity of all three I seriously doubt there's a measurable difference in accuracy, everything else being equal.

The only difference might lie in small-rifle primers Lapua seems to be addicted to. But David Tubb, who developed the 6XC, claims experiments have proven that any case using over 35 grains of powder is more accurate with large-rifle primers. I've been trying to track that down and haven't been able to, though must admit I haven't had time to lean into it very hard. However, would tend to give serious consideration to anything Tubb says.

Thanks John. I figured that would be the case, of splitting hairs, as us Looney's like to do

Good point on the primers. Tubb has quite a bit to draw from so no doubt he might know. Seen a piece by G. Salazar years ago, using 308 small primer brass vs LR brass. Cannot recall if he was using straight 30, or another version like the 260 or 7/08, but basically he saw no net benefit. That said others might differ in their opinion, and/or experience. Results do vary - for many reasons as we know. I do believe there must be some merit in the "LR is better over x grains of powder" adage, as their must be a point of diminished returns on accuracy, and perhaps at that point or near it, one might get insufficient spark on larger capacity rounds. Bore size might well matter as could a few variables such as case design/shape.

I have seen many debate the "What's better the XC or 47" by competitive 6 shooters, but was not clear if that was ever settled. The Creedmoor should be another horse in the race. My hat is off to Hornady, and those arms makers who support quality R&D, and bring good affordable choices to market.

Thanks again Sir.

I only own the '47 and it is extremely forgiving with load development. My two rifles shoot everything well. YMMV
Matt

Matt, that's mirrored my experience with the 6.5 version, along with the 6BR. One of my past Smith's was a top comp shooter, and used the 47. It would be interesting in knowing his results if he used the XC and CM in identical platforms and ammo quality, etc. Surely would be close. I see the Lapua CM brass is more expensive than 47. Wish I had stock in Lapua! Lol.

Matt - what bullets do you often use, and any idea on barrel life. Shooting competition? Obviously a comp shooter gets them hotter....