IMR 4451 in the 6-44mm

[rogn]

Got a canister of IMR 4451 after reading the newest issue of Handloader and saw the claims for single digit ES. I have a 27" barrel chambered for a redheaded stepchild/6-44mm. I have this barrel from a good maker chambered by a good smith that has been decidedly underwhelming. Ive thought of sharpening one end and using it to stake out the milk cow. 4451 seemed like a potential Hail Mary for this barrel. Well started out with the lower side of my H4350 data at 35.0gr. behind a Nosler 107 CC, started by a Rem 7 1/2. 4 shots in a switchy wind and 29*. 300M and the first shot thru a cold fouled barrel landed an inch below the rest of the group. The next three(out of 4) landed in a horizontal line all touching, 6 inches left(?). A bit of 3 shot ups and downs in a redneck ladder never duplicated the first batch. Increasing the load to 35.4gr showed some improvement and the vertical was about a 1/2". This is showing more promise than a host of other powders(4350, 4351,160, RE19, and I forget what. And Berger, Nosler, Sierra. Now I have to find out why there is no 600yd match listed at Bridgeville R&P, DE this month.

 

[sparker]

I think you need something a bit faster. Try Varget, R15, 4166, 4320

 

[rogn]

Why do you think I need something faster. Im only running 90-95% density now with most of these powders. Theres no data out there so Ive got to work it up on my own, so far so good. But it is a tedious process

 

[RonS]

Rogn, what is the parent case for this cartridge? This is the first I've heard of it....

 

[rogn]

The 6-44BR was I believe the brain child of Roger Gower and colleagues back in the 80's it was developed for IBS hunter class shooting. It had the water capacity of the 30WCF as required to make hunter class. 308W was probably the initial parent but Remington in its hayday produced a URBR brass which was a high quality cylindrical brass with a small primer pocket. The brass was thin walled and quite uniform. I only lost 3-4 pieces in forming a 100 cases from this brass. The brass was good enough to go over a 100 loadings if not overworked. I had a few primer pockets loosen at the 80-100 mark. The cartridge was superbly accurate, and I think in the old days while having eyes and concentration it produced a few 250-20X 100 yd matches. With a 6X scope.
The brass is no longer produced, but Lapua makes the 6.5-47L small primer pocket brass which is easy to form to the 6-44. I went that way because of having all the dies and such for the original 6-44. Unfortunately Im not as smart as I thought I was since the case head diameter is larger w/ the Lapua brass. Im fighting with a barrel at this point that is good but not good enough. Ive a fair amount of time and money invested in this current gun and would like to get it behaving a bit better, and would like to wet feet at 1K. I have a 6mm Kostyshn 1:8 barrel waiting in the wings , but I dont want to start burning until Im more comfortable.
Sorry to run on so far. Just like the cartridge.

 

[RGRobinett]

The 6-44BR was I believe the brain child of Roger Gower and colleagues back in the 80's it was developed for IBS hunter class shooting. It had the water capacity of the 30WCF as required to make hunter class. 308W was probably the initial parent but Remington in its hayday produced a URBR brass which was a high quality cylindrical brass with a small primer pocket. The brass was thin walled and quite uniform. I only lost 3-4 pieces in forming a 100 cases from this brass. The brass was good enough to go over a 100 loadings if not overworked. I had a few primer pockets loosen at the 80-100 mark. The cartridge was superbly accurate, and I think in the old days while having eyes and concentration it produced a few 250-20X 100 yd matches. With a 6X scope.
The brass is no longer produced, but Lapua makes the 6.5-47L small primer pocket brass which is easy to form to the 6-44. I went that way because of having all the dies and such for the original 6-44. Unfortunately Im not as smart as I thought I was since the case head diameter is larger w/ the Lapua brass. Im fighting with a barrel at this point that is good but not good enough. Ive a fair amount of time and money invested in this current gun and would like to get it behaving a bit better, and would like to wet feet at 1K. I have a 6mm Kostyshn 1:8 barrel waiting in the wings , but I dont want to start burning until Im more comfortable.
Sorry to run on so far. Just like the cartridge.

Most of the ?x44/47 cases of that era were based upon .300 Savage brass - usually Win., or, Rem. - which featured web diameter (just above extractor groove) of about .463-.464", thus, the LAPUA 6x47, etc. brass is too tight, as it is around .469".
If you have a stash of either Win., Rem. brass of nearly any cartridge from 22/250, up, you can probably form brass for the 6x44.
Even contemporary brass of these brands is probably of compatible diameter. If your barrel remains unchambered, the 6x47 Lapua is very close. For a chambered barrel, the Rem. .308UBR (unprimed, small primer) brass is EXCELLENT - if you can find, or, have some. Again, you just need the .463-464" web diameter. Good shootin'! RG

 

[rogn]

Guess i should have made it simple and said it was a 1.75" 6BR. Got enough 6.5-47L brass for my lifetime, chamber is cut for the Lapua brass. Thanks , RG