Hunt & Live

Q&A · Hunting

Is 6x47 Lapua the best caliber for PRS competitions and varmint hunting?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

The 6x47 Lapua is an excellent choice for PRS competitions and varmint hunting, offering a flat trajectory, low recoil, and high accuracy. While it excels in precision and varmint hunting, other calibers like the 6.5 Creedmoor or 6mm Dasher may be preferred by some for specific applications. The 6x47 Lapua's performance is hard to beat, but it depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the shooter.

Effective Range and Kinetic Energy

The 6x47 Lapua is a 6mm caliber with a 47-grain bullet weight, which provides a high ballistic coefficient (BC) and excellent long-range accuracy. It can deliver kinetic energies of over 1,300 ft-lbs at 400 yards, making it a formidable varmint hunting round. For PRS competitions, this caliber’s flat trajectory and high BC enable shooters to engage targets at extended ranges with confidence.

Reloading and Bullet Selection

To get the most out of the 6x47 Lapua, reloaders should focus on selecting bullets with a high BC, such as the 105-grain Scenar or 108-grain Sierra MatchKing. These bullets have a BC of 0.7 or higher, which helps to maintain accuracy and reduce drop at long ranges. A good starting point for handloads is a velocity of around 2,900-3,000 fps, achieved with a 47-grain bullet and a moderate load of H4350 or Varget powder.

Rifle and Scope Selection

For PRS competitions and varmint hunting, a rifle with a good balance of accuracy, weight, and ergonomics is essential. A rifle with a medium to heavy barrel (24-26 inches) and a weight of around 10-12 pounds is ideal, as it provides stability and reduces recoil. A high-quality scope with a 24-40x magnification range and a first focal plane reticle (FFP) is also recommended, as it allows for precise holdovers and windage adjustments at long ranges.

6x47-lapua-varmints lapua caliber competitions varmint hunting
Share

Find more answers

Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.