Mid-Size Cartridge Comparison
We are often asked “what’s the difference between the 6×47 Swiss Match, the 6XC, and the 6.5×47 Lapua necked down to 6mm?” All three cartridges have 30° shoulders and fit a .308-sized boltface. However, alone among the three, the 6mm-6.5×47 has a small primer pocket and small flash hole. The 6×47 Swiss Match (made by RUAG), and the 6XC (produced by Norma), have a large primer pocket and large flash hole, just like a .308 Winchester.
Forum member DesertLefty has provided a line-up photo, with 6mmBR and .260 Rem cases provided for comparison. As you can see, the three mid-sized cases (6x47SM, 6.5×47 Lapua, and 6XC) are very similar. The Swiss Match has the longest neck, while the 6XC enjoys the highest capacity. But performance is very similar among the three cartridges (with the 6.5×47 necked down to 6mm), and the same powders, particularly H4350 and IMR 4007SSC, work well in the 6×47 SM, the 6XC, and the 6.5×47 Lapua necked down to 6mm. The parent 6.5×47 Lapua case is rated at 63090 psi, while the new CIP rating for the 6XC 63844 psi (4400 BAR). Though the 6mm-6.5×47 has slightly less powder capacity than the 6XC, max velocities with 105-108gr bullets are quite similar. However, you should not substitute loads from the 6XC directly to the 6mm-6.5×47 or vice-versa. Because of the different case capacities and primer sizes, you should work up loads separately for each cartridge.
Is there any chance of having the diagram of the 6mm Lapua cartridge included in your diagram section,or could you put me onto a site where I can get this info.
Many Thanks
Steve
When I checked in Quickload, the 6XC had a max pressure of 65,000 PSI.
EDITOR: I talked with Norma’s engineers today. The Quickload numbers are not official. The actual CIP rating for the new Norma brass is still pending final certification, but is anticipated to be lower than the 63,090 psi rating for Lapua 6.5×47. The Norma loaded 6XC ammunition is running significantly lower pressures than that. It shoots a 105gr moly’d Berger at 3025 fps–about the speed of a Dasher or BRX (smaller case), running 63,000 or so psi.