New 6BR, 1-7” twist - shooting heavies.

[bobnob]

Hello Folks, first ever post but have been lurking here for quite a few years.

I’ve just settled with my gunsmith on a new build. My first 6BR and a little different to many on here. This will be a sporter weight with a barrel around 21” for carrying on hunts and also being shot from the car. It will also ring steel to around a kilometre for fun.

I’ve specced a Hardy 1-7” twist barrel, intending to run the new long bullets eg the 110g SMK and 110g Hdy A-Tip.

Does anyone have any advice or thoughts or experience with running these heavier bullets? I know speeds won’t be particularly fast. I’m reckoning around 2600fps or a little more.

Would love any advice on powders too. We can only basically get the Hodgdon Extreme and certain Alliant powders.

 

[swd]

I would strongly recommend going with a Dasher or BRX for the heavies. Both have ability to push the 110 at 3000+. Varget or 4350 for the Dasher and BRX. For a straight BR Varget and 4895. I would think 2700-2800 would be doable with the straight BR. I have a BRA that will push 110’s at 2900 with 4895.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

your issue with shooting a full KM is your barrel length and lack of case capacity

 

[Texas10]

SMK and A-Tip for hunting??

 

[bobnob]

SMK and A-Tip for hunting??

Probably go with a 103ELDX or similar for pigs and goats.

 

[bobnob]

your issue with shooting a full KM is your barrel length and lack of case capacity

Yes but I’ll only be shooting at that range for fun. I have a 7 twist 243AI for when I get a little more serious. But I’m predominantly a hunter.

 

[Evan]

Yes but I’ll only be shooting at that range for fun. I have a 7 twist 243AI for when I get a little more serious. But I’m predominantly a hunter.

For now. Once that sweet little 6BR shows you how a gun should shoot, you'll go down the rabbit hole like the rest of us. Turn back now to save your sanity!

 

[1shot]

Follow @swd advice and go with a little more case capacity. Even if you don't run it wide open, you can always dial up in velocity, but only if you have the case capacity to do it. I have a BRX that is just scary accurate.
I hope this helps,

Lloyd

 

[Grimstod]

I would warn against the BRX or Dasher unless you have done a lot of fire forming and don't mind it. Really the 100-200fps is not worth it. The 6BR is scary accurate. Recoil on the 6BR will be a little more mild too which will make it more fun to shoot.

 

[johara1]

With the short barrel and a BR. both together in the same gun don't add up to much velocity with the 103 to 110 bullets.... jim

 

[Falfan2017]

The new 6gt seems like it would be perfect here. I wonder if you can get a reamer for it in Australia. The alpha munitions brass could be hard to come by.

 

[TAJ45]

The new 6gt seems like it would be perfect here. I wonder if you can get a reamer for it in Australia. The alpha munitions brass could be hard to come by.

Why reinvent that part of the wheel when you have chamberings readily available that are basically incremental 10% increases all the way into the low 40gr range?

PS. Welcome aboard. Many different ways to dig and furnish your rabbit hole and it is F U N !!

 

[bobnob]

It will be a straight BR.

Please pull me up if I’m off the mark, but with a 21-22” bbl I’d have thought around 2700fps or a little more would be achievable with the 103-105-107g bullets?

May run the 87g Berger Hunting bullet too. I’d maybe get up to 2950 fps?

Those speeds would do all I needed.

(I’m very much enjoying the replies and info. Thanks.)

 

[johara1]

I think I would go with a 8 twist and 22" barrel then you can shoot anything up to a 105 plus but you may need a longer free bore for the 115's then you are dead in the water for lighter bullets..... jim

 

[hammerjack]

You will get to 2700 + no problem in a 22" barrel

 

[Grimstod]

2700 is plenty of speed. Don't catch that speed demon virus. It burns barrels out fast.

 

[bobnob]

2700 is plenty of speed. Don't catch that speed demon virus. It burns barrels out fast.

I think so too for my purposes.

I want the rifle in a handy package. I also want it mild mannered and fun to shoot.

I also want to experiment with the cartridge in the context of my shooting. I’m not a target shooter. I’m a hunter who also does a fair bit of pest control / culling. I might as well do that with an accurate package and learn something too!

I appreciate the replies. Now that I have broken my duck and have started posting here are after years of lurkerdom, I’ll update you as the project comes together - and no doubt be asking for more advice!

 

[boltfluter]

Bob,

Just curious what your main targets will be? Your choice of a 6BR is right on the money for what you want to do. Easily one of the most user friendly and accurate rounds available today. If you need expansion consider giving the 87 V-max a try. Devastating expansion at most any speed!! Have fun and keep us posted. Shoot straight!!

Paul

 

[bobnob]

Thanks Paul.

I usually have some 87g Vmaxes on hand as I too like that bullet for small to medium game. In fact I have nailed quite a few critters with them around the farm!

(Foxes hate them.)

I’ve worked up a load in my SAAMI 243 Win that is great for pest work and this one really surprised me. 35g of H4895 / AR2206H with the the 87g Vmax gives me 2950fps and shoots consistently 0.6moa. This from a 22” factory Howa barrel! I honestly wouldn’t have expected such good accuracy with such low load density! Very nice and mild to shoot as well.

They will certainly get a try but my main interest with the 6BR lies with the 103-107g bullet range. I sure will report in when I get the rifle back...

Regards,
Bob

 

[mikecockcroft]

Australian rodents. Can I come help?