6mmXC Varmint loads wanted

[DanS]

I have a gunsmith/friend chambering a 1-10 twist Shilen for me.

Anyways, I plan to shoot coyotes and perhaps some varmints, so I an setting this up to shoot 55-87gr bullets.

Mostly 65 Vmax and 70 Nosler BT's. I haven't been able to find any loads for the 6XC in this light of bullets. I'd guess that the loads would be very close to the 6mm-250.

Can anyone help with powder choices?

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Don't turn your nose up at the 70gr Speer TNT! Very accurate bullet for the money.

Mike

 

[357Mag]

Dan -

I shoot a 6mm wildcat, in similar case capacity range as 6XC and 6 X 47.

I have found Sierra's 85 BTHPs to be hyper consistent on weight, and also extremely accurate. They're " old school ", but... the critters won't know
the difference !

If you are a fan of velocity, your powder choices will likely run to burn rates faster than RL-22 ( which I have chosen ).

Best of luck in your endeavors !

Regards,
357Mag

 

[DogBuster]

My 6XC has been up & running for 5-6 yrs now...
Great cartridge !! Mine is in a s/shot Savage with a heavy 27" Pac Nor w/8 twist....I have good LR success using Nosler 80-90 BTs and H 4895 powder...107 SMKs are pushed by H4350...I bought some RE17 but just haven't had time to build a load...LR p/dogs are my targets.........

 

[DCRYDER]

What exactly is this wildcat?? 6-250AI???

 

[DogBuster]

parent 22-250 case......necked up to 6mm

30* shoulder....improved case.....

Norma factory XC brass available.....

I really like it.......... ;D

 

[spclark]

H4350, H4831sc, N550, RL17, 8208XBR (the last is my favorite now after some 600 & 1000 yard matches late this year) all work well in the 6XC with heavier bullets than you want to use, so you might want to try RL15 (hammers in 223 & 6mm spacegun cartridges), N140 or even N133, or maybe AA2450.

I've had great results in OTC short-range events with the Sierra 85 HPBT. I know shooters who swear by the 70 gr. MatchKing. There are some nice hunting bullets out there at 60 grains & if that's your purpose I'd start with those & a faster propellant than used with the 90 - 105 grain target bullets more commonly used in the 6XC.

Did you choose a "standard" 6XC reamer or something that would provide a shorter throat? There's room to play if you only want to shoot the lightweight bullets. "Standard" reamers will put the lands out quite a bit in front of the short, light bullets. Those 85 BTHP shoot really well even jumped .1" or more but if you're "building to a plan" you might want to get a short-throat custom reamer, or one that has NO throat at all then carefully use a 6mm throater.

 

[DCRYDER]

Sorry DogBuster, I was asking 357Mag what his wildcat was. I'm well aware of what your cartridge is, i'm going to chamber a 6XC for a friend next week when the reamer arrives. And yes i agree it is a fine round.

 

[DanS]

It is short throated for the lighter bullets. This rifle will be used for coyotes and a little varmint hunting. Probably shooting under 350 yards. Most shots will probably be under 150.

I have used the 65gr Vmax and a 70 Nosler BT in a 243. I was very happy with the lack of fur damage with the Vmax. I may even try the 58 Vmax also. It's not as friendly as my 17 Remington, but the bullet has surprised me, especially compared to the mess that the Sierra 85gr HPBT does. The 85 is a great deer bullet though.

 

[wildchild]

Well if load data crosses with the 6-47 lapua Id try some 88 berger flatbase with about 39 grns of Varget. Ragged hole groups and 3400fps. Its a warm load in my rifle so id start with 37 and work up.

 

[357Mag]

DCRyder -

DC... please see your Private messages.

I don't want to highjack DanS' post.

Regards,
357Mag

 

[WyleWD]

You won't go too far wrong with R-17, R-15, 4350, or H414. My first pick would be the R-17 with a little extra neck tension, and a 75gr Vmax. WD

 

[WyleWD]

I got mine the other day and the first load I tried looks extremely good. I have a 27" 1-10 twist Lilja contour 5. Used Norma brass, Rem 9 1/2 primers, 70gr ballistic tips, and "approx" 42gr of R-17. Well under half an inch group at 100yds off a bipod for a rest. Work up carefully as your rifle may differ from mine. WD

 

[Kodiak99317]

Try 36g of N135 with a 65g FB and Win primers. That is my fireforming load and it shoots great at 3500 fps.

 

[DanS]

My fireform loads are 35grs of Varget with the 65 Vmax. Shoots usually under 1/2", but I'll have to find a regular load once I get fireformed brass.

 

[MTETM]

I have had very good results with several light 6mm bullets in the XC.

Try any of the high quality poly tip bullets or the TNT's with either Varget or H4895. Both have proven to work well in my rifles and maintain consistency across big temperature swings.
Remember the TNT's don't like to go "super" fast.

A good reference for starting data is the Hodgden reloading site and use the 6mm-250 data.