6x45

[ToddMNicoll]

I have 2 questions. One: does anybody have the reloading data for 6x45, with the 90 gr Berger Match, from the Berger manual? Two: For a bushing sizing die (I use Redding), can you use the .223 die with 6mm range bushings?

 

[fredo]

First, welcome!

1. No, sorry. If you're loading for an AR @ 2.260 mag length, IMHO, any bullet over ~80gr is a waste. A bolt rifle rifle with proper throat length is a much better mousetrap for shooting mid-heavy .243 bullets. Not sayin' its not possible, just not worth the effort. The heavier (longer) bullets have to sit too far down in the case @ mag. length. That infringes upon powder capacity, and the resultant smaller case volume with drive pressure UP before netting any decent velocity...


2. Yes, you can indeed use a Redding Type S .223Rem bushing die w/proper bushings. 'Course, you'll need a mandrel for the initial necking UP process from .224--->.243 caliber...

6x45 is a GREAT little cartridge! The case itself is more than capable to run heavy boolits. Just can't do it worth a crap from an AR-15. Been there, done that & got the t-shirt.
That all said, a 6x45 AR with </=75gr bullets can be a real performer and absolute pisser to shoot! What is your barrel's twist rate, and what are you wanting to shoot? (targets, critters, etc.) If you're not dead set on those 90s, could prolly recommend a light/mid weight alternative that would run better @ mag. length...

 

[Shaggy357]

6x45 is same as 6mm/.223 and 6TCU. Do a search in your search engine for "6TCU Load Data" and you will find much more than you will use. H322, AA2015, WW748, H4895 and a lot more are good powders for this cartridge.

Steve

 

[fredo]

6x45 is same as 6mm/.223 and 6TCU. Do a search in your search engine for "6TCU Load Data" and you will find much more than you will use. H322, AA2015, WW748, H4895 and a lot more are good powders for this cartridge.

Steve

6TCU is almost the same as the 6x45AI, but not exactly.
Both have an 'improved' 40° shoulder.
Whereas the standard 6x45 retains the same 23° shoulder of the parent .223Rem case. Simply neck up any .223 (aka, 5.56x45) brass, and you've got a 6x45...

 

[swd]

Don't use TCU load data for a straight 6x45. Nasty things will happen.

 

[ToddMNicoll]

I was pretty sure my theory on the sizing dies was sound. I plan to build the rifle around the load. I use 77 grain SMK in my .223 upper, l wanted to go with a heavier bullet in this one. I'm not a fan of much other than Sierras. I thought they would have a better selection of match bullets in 6 mm. Bergers are my next choice. From what I've read, 87 grains is about as heavy as you can go for mag length. I figured 90 grains would be close enough. Between Berger and Sierra, that's the heaviest match bullet l could find to fit a 2.25 COAL.

 

[1lnbrdg]

I was pretty sure the .223 bushing die would work. Working towards another 6X45 now. Going to use a .223 reamer and a 6MM neck-reamer/throater to open the chamber up. Ok, it's just cheaper than buying a reamer when I had all of that already.

 

[rebel]

A 95 gr. Berger Classic hunter shoots well out of my 1 in 8 20" AR at 2.26. You just can't push hard enough to get hunting performance. I've tried all the powders mentioned plus IMR 3031 and N133. I prefer lighter bullets in the shorter barrel but in my 24 inch bolt I can run 87 gr vlds around 2800 give or take. I really like the cartridge and wouldn't hesitate to shoot our smaller southern deer with one. Good thing is the bolt and the AR like 85 gr. partitions. Not BR accurate but sub moa, and a proven performer on game.

 

[swd]

A 6x45 with a 95 Partition at 2650 is my go to deer rifle. The 85 Partition is ok but 95's are real killers in the 6x45. I've tried both.

 

[ToddMNicoll]

I failed to mention that it is for an AR so l need to keep the COAL at 2.26 or less. From what l understand, 87 gr is about the max bullet weight.

 

[swd]

The 95 Partition has a long shank but if you can seat it to your oal and get 2600 or so your GTG. 2650 in my rifle is a very mild load so I wouldn't be surprised if you can still get there. Same with the 87 VMax for varmints. H4895 and Varget and Ball C2 are good powders for the heavier 6x45 bullets.

 

[gemihur]

Bob Milek did some great work with the 6x45
https://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/retro-223-6mm-223-load-data-long-range-handgun/367647

 

[JSH]

4 years, he may have figured it out or already rebarreled it.
The 6-223 and it’s variations are dandy cartridges, that I think are overlooked by many. Bob Milek is the main reason I ever had any interest in it. The world is in need of more writers like him.
His data is dated for sure, but I would bet a steak dinner it would still shoot well. I would think he would be happy with some of the new powders offered since that time.
Seems new designer cartridges show up monthly, so fewer folks work with the wildcats.

 

[gemihur]

I have found IMR 8208 XBR to be the powder of choice for this 6x223