Been thinking of a lighter rifle for PDs and maybe an antelope or deer now and then. Posted over on the Savage Shooters site, but would like to hear suggestions over here. The 6MM International seems to be somehat of an ideal one.
My thinking:
* 6mm International uses a modest amount of powder compared to the bigger 6's. Grs of water capacity is 44.06, 243 is 52.81, 244 is 54.57.
* gets 3300fps with 70gr varmit bullets, should get 3000+ with 87gr hunting bullets. Haven't found any data for the 87 or 100 gr bullets yet.
* neck length is 372", 243 = .240", 244 = .351".
* Richard Franklin says the 6mmImproved is easier on barrels than the 243, the International should be even better considering amount of powder and length of neck.
* Lapua brass is available and comes with annealed necks. Size it and load when using a no trim neck. Didn't like the prospect of forming cases that require annealing, fireforming, forming dies, etc..
* Only drawback seems to be the price of dies, but that isn't too significant when geting setup for a new cartridge.
I have a Savage 12BVss that I could put on a lighter stock, somewhat lighter contour 22" bbl and replace the 2# Nightforce scope with a 1# scope. Seems like a 4# or more reduction in weight. Used w/o a bipod, it could go more like 5# less. Be a good truck and walkabout gun.
Thanks, JimDee
My thinking:
* 6mm International uses a modest amount of powder compared to the bigger 6's. Grs of water capacity is 44.06, 243 is 52.81, 244 is 54.57.
* gets 3300fps with 70gr varmit bullets, should get 3000+ with 87gr hunting bullets. Haven't found any data for the 87 or 100 gr bullets yet.
* neck length is 372", 243 = .240", 244 = .351".
* Richard Franklin says the 6mmImproved is easier on barrels than the 243, the International should be even better considering amount of powder and length of neck.
* Lapua brass is available and comes with annealed necks. Size it and load when using a no trim neck. Didn't like the prospect of forming cases that require annealing, fireforming, forming dies, etc..
* Only drawback seems to be the price of dies, but that isn't too significant when geting setup for a new cartridge.
I have a Savage 12BVss that I could put on a lighter stock, somewhat lighter contour 22" bbl and replace the 2# Nightforce scope with a 1# scope. Seems like a 4# or more reduction in weight. Used w/o a bipod, it could go more like 5# less. Be a good truck and walkabout gun.
Thanks, JimDee
