6.5x45 / 6.5 TCU / 6.5mm-.223

[ColWhitecakes]

I've been interested in ordering an extra barrel for one of my savages in more of a "wildcat" type round. One based on a .223 Rem case is particularly attractive to me for the ease in obtaining brass and such. The two cartridges that most immediately come to mind is the 6x45 and 300 ACC. Then, I came across the 6.5 TCU, but haven't found much info on it outside of silhouette pistol loads. Why the lack of info? Judging by the load data for 10 & 14" barrels, it seems like it would be promising in a 24+" barrel and an appropriate powder.

 

[Chuckw]

i have built 3 in TCU so far and find that they will pretty much run with a 6BR when loaded HOT. case capacity is almost identical to the 6ppc. the last i built for a buddy uses an 8 twist barrel and he shoots the 95MK at 2900fps. we pushed it to over 3K but found best accuracy and good case life a little slower. if your wanting to shoot the light bullets, it will run 3700 with the 55 nosler but i always preferred the 65 vmax at 3450 or the 60gr sierra HP at 3600.

chuck

 

[ColWhitecakes]

Chuck,
Was that in the 6.5mm version or the 6mm?

 

[CJ6]

Have you thought of the 222 mag version (6.5 x 47)? I have an XP in that chambering (hunting use). I like it alot, low recoil ,accurate, and easy to load for.

 

[ColWhitecakes]

I thought about it, but my main interest in the .223 versions is the availability and economy of the brass. Plus, I'm already purchasing .223 brass for two of my F-TR rifles.

 

[Chuckw]

i missed that part. those i have built were the 6mm version. i, like you, initially chose the cartridge for the availablility of good cheap brass. in the long run, there is really nothing about it that i dont like. i couldnt tell you what to expect out of the 6.5 version but i would think it would duplicate the grendel. with the high BC 95gr bullets i see little reason to go to the 6.5 though.

chuck

 

[Hammer47]

I have had the 6, 25 cal, 6.5 and 7 TCU series and must say I liked the 6 the best. Had a .262 tight neck reamer made and since I like to turn brass this has really been the ticket. I keep the neck clearance so close that it is not necessary to resize the case, just push out the primer and reload. Gotta be careful about any crud trying to build up on the case neck though, must be kept clean.

Lotsa great benchrest bullets available in the 6 mm version too. Watch the benchrest estate sales for some real bullet bargains.

 

[stsbuyer]

Take a look at this post on Steel Chickens. This is for a reamer in 6.5 TCU built to shoot only 140 Amax bullets. He has some data in the post you may be intersted in.

http://www.steelchickens.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6943

Good luck, Paul

 

[ColWhitecakes]

Thanks, Paul. I look forward to checking it out.