6mm rem vs 243?

[tjassman84]

Going to build one or the other just wanted to see some opinions on both. Thanks

 

[tjassman84]

This will be a coyote gun

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I like the 6mm Remington. Just as fast as the 243 Win. And in my experience, it is more forgiving with accuracy. Very easy cartridge to develop accurate loads with.

 

[tjassman84]

Thanks

 

[tjassman84]

What barrel twist are you using

 

[CJ6]

If you plan on using the 6 mm Rem in a repeater action with bullets heavier than 85-87 grs. use a long action, you'll be much happier. If you plan to single feed in a short action the 6mm Rem gets my vote.

 

[birdog]

I like the 6mm Rem. It is very accurate and it has a higher Muzzle Velocity than
the 243. It's MV is closer to a 243 AI.
I have had both and if I had to choose one, 6 mm Rem would be my choice.
Might even to 6 AI. Very Impressive.

 

[AckleymanII]

I have shot the 6 Rem since the early 80's. Beware, this case should be put on a long action, NOT a short action.

6 Rem loads that I shoot:
60g Sierra or Berger at 4000 with Win 760-groups in the low 2's
80g Sierra Blitz BT at 3600 with IMR 4064 fed 210- tiny groups

6 AI-26"-14" twist-zero freebore- you screw the whole deal if you go to a 10" twist on velocity

70g Nosler at 4100-4150 using Win 760, 9 1/2
80g Sierra Blitz BT-3800 using R#19

Components are difficult to find, I cannot stress this enough.

If you want a hot rod, then consider the 243 AI, but the std 243 custom with short to zero freebore is awesome for a coyote rifle, and I shot the 80g Sierra Blitz Bt at 3500 with IMR 4064...not a fur friendly load.

Your varmint rifle will be ruined if you put a long throat when you want to shoot shorter bullets. Don't let anyone talk you into a set up for shooting 105g bullets unless you want to shoot a 105g bullet, 243 caliber varmint bullets DO NOT LIKE a lot of bullet jump when you are trying to attain bug hole accuracy.

If you want something different, consider the 6x47Lapua, the numbers are impressive on this case, and the OAL is shorter which will give you more latitude in OAL using the magazine box.

 

[hunter243sgk]

I wish I had heard what ackleyman had to say about setting a 243ai up for the 105s.Before I had my pac-nor 243ai barrel done that way.I think I will see just how small of a bullet I can shoot.

 

[stacy]

I HAVE A 243 ACK. 1/8 TWIST THE LIGHTEST MINE LIKES IS 85GRS BUT IT SURE LIKES 87GRS BERGERS AND 105GR I HAVE A 6MM ALSO ITS A FINE CARTRIDGE BUT ITS A 1/10 !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[AckleymanII]

Hunter, in the beginning, you may do really well with a short bullet seated anywhere near the lands, trial and error will tell. 105g throats usually have .100 of freebore or close to it which means you can't touch the lands with 68g Bergers and below. A light bullet with more bearing surface will serve you well with a long throat, ie. 80g Sierra Blitz bt, 75g Sierra Hp, 80g Sierra single shot pistol bullets if you can find any.

If you set your gun up for 105's, then it may be prudent to shoot a 105g A max at everything, if it is accurate for you.

 

[Jaybo]

If reload 6mm would be my choice if i didn't reload 243. A lot more 243 on the shelf then 6mm both are great calibers.

 

[Webster]

I shot a Rem 700BDL 6mm Rem for 30 years and handloaded. Mine came from the factory with a short action. I don't understand the need for a long action. I shot 75-105 Gr bullets all fed OK. Like others said the most important thing if your buying a custom barrel, get the correct twist and freebore for the bullets you intend to shoot. I have a 0.065" freebore on my 6BR. It's Ok but I wish I got zero freebore. It's a 14 twist and it shots 58-70 gr bullets OK. 75 gr groups open to 2", 85 GR groups are about 10". Most factory barrels are a fast twist for 100-105 gr bullets.

 

[hunter243sgk]

Ackleyman I had in mind to run the 80g and bigger pills when I had that barrel made.I have never heard of those 80g pills where did you find them?I worked up some very good loads for deer season with the 95gnbt and the 100gsgk.But I have not tried anything smaller than the 87g v-max yet.And yes I do worry that as the throat goes out I will be limited to the larger bullets.Thats why I wished I hadn't set it up with so much freebore .104 I think it was.Oh well I am still learning!!!

 

[rwk]

6mm rem.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

What barrel twist are you using

Sorry, quoted the wrong text. Repost.

My Ruger is a 1 in 11" so I can't shoot the real heavy bullets. I currently shoot the 75gr Sierra HP in the Ruger. My other 6mm rifles (6XC and 243 LBC Turbo 40) have 1 in 8" twist barrels so they can handle the Berger 105s/108s with no problem.

 

[scope eye]

243 if you don't reload, 243AI if you do.

Dean

 

[sundance]

I have a 6mm ackley with an 8 twist Bartlein that shoots the 70 gr Sierra HPBT molycoated very nicely. It makes prairie dogs into astronauts at 300 yards or less.

 

[onelastshot]

My favorite has always been the 6mm Remington, I've got two of them. If you hand load the 6mm will definitely give you an edge over the 243.

 

[tjassman84]

Thanks guys, I might try a 6mm AI