6x45

[223ai]

All -

Am contemplating a 6x45, and I'd like to send 95 smk's (pointed) close to 2900 without having to go 6tcu. Barrel length above 27" is not ideal for me. The only reason for this is to shoot in matches that have a 6mm floor, but have a super accurate 6mm that doesn't die at 1500-1800 rounds.

Does anyone have any load data for heavy 6mm bullets for this round, shot in a bolt gun?

Thanks,
JP

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: 6x45

Watching with interest.

 

[ksthomas]

Re: 6x45

I've had three 6x45s over the years, and still have a heavy barrelled M70 in this caliber. Great round, easy to load for, terrific barrel life and accuracy . . . but your velocity expectations here are way too optomistic. You'd be well into proof load pressure levels before you came anywhere close to this level of performance.

Pick another caliber, and one that starts with a larger case to begin with. With this combination, 2,700 fps is a lot more realistic.

 

[justme]

Re: 6x45

Years ago I had a XP100 chambered for that caliber and loved it.

 

[buffybuster]

Re: 6x45

I have a 6x45mm with an 8-twist, 21" barrel. It shoots 107SMK@2590-2600fps. That ballistically matches closely with a 175SMK from a .308Win.

With 95SMK and a longer barrel you might be able to reach ~2750fps.

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: 6x45

Sounds like it might happen. I suggested the AI variant of the case to try to kick a few more FPS out of the 95, though fire forming takes the neck up load and go aspect of his idea and tosses it aside.

The 6BR with 30 grs of Varget and a pointed 107 stuck in the business end would be a clear winner.

 

[223ai]

Re: 6x45

Thanks guys...components are on the way.

 

[1lnbrdg]

Re: 6x45

The only thing the 6X45 has going for it is the parent case is cheap. Some of the Grendal or 7.62 Russian based case in 6MM are quite a bit better ballisticaly as well as having a pretty decent barrel life. PTG makes Remy 700 bolts for the Russian based cases.

I think I'd look in that direction.

240 Tomohawk
6MM Rat
6MM Hagar

 

[buffybuster]

Re: 6x45

The 6x45mm obviously has a very limited case capacity. That said, you get a lot of performance from 24grs of powder. If you're looking for 2800+ fps, a 6BR is the natural choice, though getting it feed smoothly from a magazine can be tricky.

 

[223ai]

Re: 6x45

Thanks. I'm going to step on it with 8208, a long barrel, and hope for the best. If I didn't have to deal with 6mm minimums, then this project wouldn't be something to discuss..I'd shoot my 223 with 82 bergers, and do just fine.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: 6x45

Keep us posted on your progress, I have been looking at the 6x45 or 6mm-tcu for few years now as a cheaper 308 equivalent.

 

[mws2000]

Re: 6x45

I have remington 700 in 6x45 with a Bartlien 24 inch 1 in 8 twist barrel. I'm getting over 2800 fps out of the 95smk with 25.5 grains of IMR 8208 xbr. 2.515 oal. No pressure signs. Checked with both a Pact chronograph and a Magnetospeed chronograph.

 

[223ai]

Re: 6x45

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mws2000</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have remington 700 in 6x45 with a Bartlien 24 inch 1 in 8 twist barrel. I'm getting over 2800 fps out of the 95smk with 25.5 grains of IMR 8208 xbr. 2.515 oal. No pressure signs. Checked with both a Pact chronograph and a Magnetospeed chronograph.</div></div>

Thank you! This is exactly what I was hoping to hear. I'm convinced that we can get them to 2900...

 

[thespecialist]

Re: 6x45

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JPipes</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mws2000</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have remington 700 in 6x45 with a Bartlien 24 inch 1 in 8 twist barrel. I'm getting over 2800 fps out of the 95smk with 25.5 grains of IMR 8208 xbr. 2.515 oal. No pressure signs. Checked with both a Pact chronograph and a Magnetospeed chronograph.</div></div>

Thank you! This is exactly what I was hoping to hear. I'm convinced that we can get them to 2900... </div></div>

Shouldn't be too much trouble. I pushed 87gr Berger VLD's north of 2950 fps from my 24" AR with 8208. There was more velocity to be had, I just couldn't get any more powder in the case

I ran 87gr Hornady BTHP's @ 2930 fps and had good luck out to 775 at my first match this past June.

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: 6x45

Sounds like I need to get some 8208XBR for my 22" 223AI...

Tag for interest also; I've been thinking about a 6x45 or 6TCU myself.

 

[223ai]

Re: 6x45

Thanks guys. Waiting on the reamer, and my gunsmith is planning to throat this for long bullets accordingly. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the reamer will get here until early 2013, so this will be a 2013 PRS season project.

All other components are on the way. I'll keep everyone posted as we progress.

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: 6x45

Pipes, any reason you didn't want to go TCU?

 

[223ai]

Re: 6x45

Mostly because I am not a big fan of fire forming, and that's it. I hate going through all the forming process, shortening the barrel life, having to work up another load, and then losing the brass in a match. With this 6x45, I should be able to run a 6mm mandrel through the neck, and be good to go.

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: 6x45

Makes complete sense, thanks

 

[5spd]

Re: 6x45

I built my 6x45 in March of 2011 & shoot the 95g NHBT at 2675 Av. FPS for antelope and its accurate as all get out to 700 yards (No wind). Simple necking .223 brass up to 6mm.
While I do not shoot your specific load/powder or compete with it I know I could get more speed.
I have loads from a 58 vmax to the 95g nosler HBT.
Savage SA, 24" McGowan ss select bbl., standard stock.
6x45 load data:
http://www.predatormastersforums.com/for...558#Post1455558

 

[Cegorach]

Re: 6x45

Are there any "doughnut" issues with 6x45?

 

[5spd]

Re: 6x45

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cegorach</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are there any "doughnut" issues with 6x45? </div></div>
I have run into them only when loading a bullet into the brass and having it puff up at the base of the neck. That seems to happen only with the 65g vmax bullet and not with any of the other bullets at all. The brass I have been using has loaded over 25 times as .223.
With new .223 brass Ive been using strictly for my 6x45 loads I have had no issues with dougnuts.
I do not turn my necks or get anal with it, just size & load.

 

[thespecialist]

Re: 6x45

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cegorach</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are there any "doughnut" issues with 6x45? </div></div>

never saw any using necked up LC or Winchester brass, but my Lapua brass started showing a hint of an outside doughnut at the base of the neck on it's 6th firing. I got 2 more loads out of it before the primer pockets gave up.

 

[WTW]

Re: 6x45

I just finished my 6x45 AR. It has an 18" barrel but have not messed with the really heavy bullets yet. My load that I setteled on with 75 grain V-maxes is 26 grains of TAC. Have not shot over a chrono, but I get decent groups out of it at 100 yards with a 3-9 Prostaff. I set it up to be a Yote's and Does type of rifle.

 

[223ai]

Re: 6x45

Left to Right: 260 w/140 amax, 6x45 w/95 SMK, 223 w pointed 82 Berger.

Dummy rounds are loaded for Aaron Roberts (www.RPRifles.com) to spec the reamer with PT&G. They are loaded to 2.500" OAL give or take, with the thought being to leave room for movement in the mag, to chase lands if necessary, and to give some more case capacity. The boat tail junction of the bullet should be sitting just below the neck/shoulder junction of the case.

No turning back now. Only waiting on barrel, action and reamer at this point.

 

[Cegorach]

Re: 6x45

I am interested in hearing how this works for you. I am getting premature brass failures in my .223 ai thanks to a poorly reamed chamber, and re-barreling to 6x45 or 6 tcu is looking extremely attractive. Match and hunting compliance, for Washington, would be very nice.

If you don't mind me asking, what action are you using?

 

[223ai]

Re: 6x45

I bought a Stiller TAC 30...I wanted a Surgeon, but there is a 6 month wait for the .223 actions, and I need this for 2013 matches. MY 223 is built on a stiller, and it's been a great action. My sons will be on a lefty 591, when the time comes.

 

[223ai]

Re: 6x45

As an update, the barrel is here, a Benchmark 5R 1-8 twist in RV contour. The Stiller action is also here, along with the Manners T4. At this point, we are waiting on the reamer. I'm hoping to have this ready to rock and roll for my first match of the 2013 PRS season in March.

I'm shooting for a barrel length of 28", threaded for TBAC 30P-1. I think this combo, with LC brass and 8208, can send the 95's close to 2900-2950 fps.

 

[thespecialist]

Re: 6x45

I'd say your velocity goals will be within reach. I was running 87gr BTHP's from Hornady at 2930 from a 24" Blackhole Weaponry (3groove/poly rifling) barrel in my AR. I actually got about 30fps more from 87gr Berger VLD's, both running 26gr of 8208 in LC brass.

I hope you have a long drop tube for charging the cases

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: 6x45

You got 'er put together yet?

 

[2ndPanzer]

Re: 6x45

Might help you guys out...

http://buckammo.com/Images/6x45_loaddata_1_1.pdf

 

[nashlaw]

Just stated playing with a 6-250 (22-250 necked to 6mm) and it feeds just like a 22-250 and puts bitty groups on the paper with 70g and 105g bullets. I almost went with the 6xc, but my builder did not have a reamer for it.

 

[223ai]

Ok guys, a quick update. The rifle is completed and generally shoots sub 1/2 moa at 2900 fps. This barrel seems to only shoot the 95 smk really well with a kiss in the lands, as the groups open up the more I jump the bullet. Still tweaking on it a bit...will keep you posted.

 

[1lnbrdg]

How long is your barrel?

 

[Niles Coyote]

Ok guys, a quick update. The rifle is completed and generally shoots sub 1/2 moa at 2900 fps. This barrel seems to only shoot the 95 smk really well with a kiss in the lands, as the groups open up the more I jump the bullet. Still tweaking on it a bit...will keep you posted.

Any updates pipes? I mean 223ai... tried any bergers?

 

[de3fanmck]

Anybody know any data for 6x45 with 55 grain ballistic tips and 748?

 

[selfbowhunter]

I have quite a lot of experience with the 6tcu and your goal of 2900fps with the 95mk would be achievable with it without much problem and some imr8208. we have been well over 3000fps thought it is quite hard on brass. you will be pushing the straight 6x45 to the absolute limit to hit 2900fps. with a screen name of "223ai" why bother with the standard and go straight to the 6x45ai aka 6TCU!!!

chuck

 

[5spd]

Anybody know any data for 6x45 with 55 grain ballistic tips and 748?

YUp..27g w748, any srp, spits about 3253 fps in my 24" bbl, 2.280" col, .510" @ 100 yds.
I now use Ramshot Exterminator since its uses less for the same speed & small groups and drops coyotes to 600yds w/ease.

 

[de3fanmck]

Thanks 5spd. Gonna try this soon. This is a new upper with a heavy stainless take off barrel. Gotta see how it cycles. May need larger gas hole but think I'll be okay. Can't find blc2 and don't wanna use my 4064 in this. Our supplies are limited here in central VA.

 

[6.5BR]

Had a TCU in a 21 Carbine, I would NOT do another, the 45 will do most all it can do in that size case IMHO. Looks cool, just no reason for me to form brass.

Good round, but if no limited on any caliber - I would opt a 223 8 twist. Just me, do like the 6, mostly in the BR or XC/47 - only bad thing to say on the larger 6s is the bore life.

 

[ShrockWorks]

What is the appeal of the 6x45 over a 6mm BR in a bolt gun?

 

[BoilerUP]

Brass cost & availability, bolt face, mag feeding and ejection concerns with 6BR