6mm-284 pet loads

[Adam in WI]

Hello everyone. I just picked up a used 6mm-284 Mauser. It's got a 1-10" twist 24" barrel. I'm looking for info on loads that have worked well for others. I've got 40 pieces of older virgin reformed 284 w-w brass. I went ahead and annealed the brass because some of them were too loose to hold a bullet at all.

I see Hodgdon has load data so I used that as a starting point. I began with 85 gr Barnes tsx and made my way up to 50.0 grains of IMR 4350. This yielded 3350 fps and primers that looked pretty round yet. Hodgdon data listed a max of 50.7 for 3400 fps. We'll see for sure, but I'm betting I've got a fairy generous (read: worn) throat and won't have trouble reaching or exceeding that figure.

I'm looking for powder & bullet suggestions for coyotes this winter. I'm not looking to save hides, I want it to shoot flat and buck wind. I was thinking 87 grain vmax. I can get my hands on a couple 90 grain ELDs to try also.

Anyone think the added speed will make the 103 ELD work in a 10" twist?

Thanks for the input.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

No way that 103eld will work in there past 100yds

 

[Adam in WI]

Wasn't sure. I've read a few accounts of people running the old 105 Amax in 10" twists. It's my understanding the 103 is supposed to be its replacement. Not a big deal if it won't work.

 

[jonbearman]

If someone has the ackley books there is a really good load in it. It likes slower powders I think like H 4831 from 40.8- 46.9 and work up slowly with the 87 grain bullet. The 75 grain Hornady bullets use H4350 from 38.3 -45.0 grains and again work up slowly. According to Hornady it will handle 100 grain bullets (flat base) mostly. Stay away from boat tails in the 100 grain area. It is right on their reloading site.

 

[Ironworker]

I once use to shoot that Fire breathing dragon cartridge. 10" twist is great for a 87gr V Max or 90gr Nosler BT. RE#17 and 19 worked well,as did H4350 .

 

[Adam in WI]

This is turning out to be an ideal scenario for me so far. I've wanted a hot 6mm for awhile, and almost bought a 240 Weatherby. This rifle shows up with brass, dies, and scope already mounted so I took the chance. Now to find that the highest performing powders are the basic IMR line (by book data at least) is a double bonus. I can get that stuff locally instead of having to run 60 miles to a better stocked store.

I think I may have to do something with the brass. Some of my fired cases won't take a bullet past the neck/ shoulder junction. Does running a mandrel through the neck take care of the issue alone, or does that thick spot need to be turned off?

 

[urbanrifleman]

You really might try R23.

 

[Kurz]

According to Hornady it will handle 100 grain bullets (flat base) mostly. Stay away from boat tails in the 100 grain area. It is right on their reloading site.

Directly from the Hornady 'Obsolete Load Data':



The last paragraph states:

6mm-284’s with at least a 1 in 10" twist will handle the full range of Hornady 6mm bullets quite well, making this wildcat suitable both for varmints and medium game. Hornady game bullets, in this as in other calibers, are designed with thicker jackets for better penetration and can be identified by their distinctive cannelures.

Old data and older information regarding any cartridge can be suspect simply because of the newer developments in powers, bullets twist rates. This is especially true when discussing slower than required twist rates such as the 1:10" suggested.

The 1:10" twist rate is the limiter here and additional barrel length will help utilize the slower powder burn rates to improve both velocity and throat wear.

Some of my fired cases won't take a bullet past the neck/ shoulder junction.

Sounds like you may have a ring from the brass from the necking down. Often referred to as a doughnut...

 

[expiper]

I used 560 and 90-95 grain bullets ,,,,Roger

 

[B23]

My 6-284 has a 12tw, I shoot 75gr Vmax w/51.3gr H4350. These 75gr Vmax, in my gun, shoot there best seated right out to nearly touching, my OAL 2.732 is only a couple thou off touch. This load is fairly mild and I know I could get a lot more velocity out of it with more or a different powder, like RL26, but it shoots sooooo darn good with this particular load I just can't bring myself to messing with it to chase more speed.

 

[WIB3]

Use to shoot a 6-284 for 1000br. It had naturally a 8 twist barrel. Shot 107 Sierras in front of 54gr of H-1000. Didn’t do bad. But that was 20yrs ago.

 

[WIB3]

I have a fire forming gun for a Dasher. It has an old Hart 10 on it. With 106EPS’s at 50 yds the bullets are sideways. Have also blown out brass with 105 Senars with the same results.