6xc with light bullets and faster powders?

[Damon555]

Having just built my second 6xc I'm looking to load it for long range and mid range varmints. All the 6xc load data I have is for the heavier bullets......>90 grains. I have loaded many, many 105 class bullets in 6xc(1) and am looking to load something lighter in 6xc(2).

Both my 6xc barrels are 28" Criterion pre-fits with an 8 twist. I'd like to develop a load with the 87 grain V-max.....but here's the catch....I'd like to use a faster powder than the usual H4350 or RL17. I've got Norma and Berger data but none of them list any of the faster powders. Specifically I'd like loads using IMR4064, RL15 or H335.....There is a huge amount of 6mm Creedmoor data with the aforementioned powders but nothing for the 6xc. With such similar case capacities there's got to be a bunch of uses out there for those powders.

Do any of you have safe starting 6xc loads for the 87 vmax (or similar weight) with IMR4064, RL15 or H335? Just looking for alternatives in case H4350 or RL17 go MIA for some reason.

 

[WyleWD]

You should consult with Hodgdon, Alliant, or Winchester on this, as I notice there is a copious amount of load data on the 6 Creedmor using lighter bullets complete with "Starting Loads". Although they are not the same, they are very close in configuration and performance. (JME) I've been using a 10tw 6xc for varmints, coyotes, and deer for about 10 years now utilizing 70-87gr hunting bullets. 4064, RL-15, H4895, and H-414 (WW760) have been all very useful in one application or another. JME, so please proceed with caution. WD

 

[Damon555]

Thanks WD.....It would be nice if more 6xc data was available. I know the light powders will work....I'm just apprehensive.....safety is paramount and I want to make sure that my loads are well inside the envelope of acceptable pressures. There is data out there....it's just hard to sift out the usable data.

 

[Walt Krafft]

My 300 yard prone rapid load is 36.0 H4350 90 Berger. My current 200 yard load is 34.8 H4895 under a 68 or 69 Berger. I did no load development, just put some together and my T2K shoots great with them. High X count cleans if I do my part. Varget will work, start at 34 grains. N140 and N150 also work. H4350 is the easy button. Stock up and go shoot.

 

[6xcshooter]

Light bullets , go with a 10 twist barrel you be happier.

 

[WyleWD]

Light bullets , go with a 10 twist barrel you be happier.

I have or have had 6xc's with 8, 9,10, & 12 Twist barrels. The 6xc just plain shoots. One of the easiest to find accuracy in that I ever messed with. JME. WD

 

[Dave Marshall]

I shoot 70gr Sierra Mk’s over 37gr of N140 in a Wilson barrel for winter offhand practice. Works ok for me.

 

[Zero333]

This may or may not help you. But here is some Quickload data for 87 Vmax with many different powders except some of the newer ones cause I haven't updated my QL.
==================================================

Cartridge : 6 XC Tubb
Bullet : .243, 87, Hornady V-MAX 22440
Useable Case Capaci: 45.910 grain H2O = 2.981 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.600 inch = 66.04 mm
Barrel Length : 28.0 inch = 711.2 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 58000 psi, or 399 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 107 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

58 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 65%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
ReloadSwiss RS 60 98.2 43.6 2.83 3513 100.0 58000 9515 1.148 ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 70 100.9 45.5 2.95 3495 99.7 58000 9945 1.150 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-17 97.3 43.2 2.80 3489 100.0 58000 9464 1.154 ! Near Maximum !
Elcho 17 97.3 43.2 2.80 3489 100.0 58000 9464 1.154 ! Near Maximum !
Norma MRP 107.0 47.3 3.06 3475 98.1 55189 10469 1.180 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S365 104.5 44.0 2.85 3459 100.0 58000 9030 1.166 ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 62 99.5 44.1 2.86 3444 99.9 58000 9405 1.176 ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 511 98.7 44.5 2.88 3440 99.1 58000 9634 1.165 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter 102.0 44.6 2.89 3438 99.1 58000 9619 1.165 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 760 96.2 43.1 2.79 3430 98.5 58000 9601 1.169 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H414 96.2 43.1 2.79 3430 98.5 58000 9601 1.169 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-19 106.4 45.0 2.92 3428 97.0 58000 9764 1.161 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 SSC 107.0 46.5 3.01 3427 94.9 56100 10101 1.169 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2209 105.6 44.4 2.88 3422 96.8 58000 9680 1.155 ! Near Maximum !
Norma URP 101.5 42.5 2.75 3422 99.8 58000 9291 1.172 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP19 ~approximation 101.5 42.5 2.75 3422 99.8 58000 9288 1.172 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N550 98.5 42.6 2.76 3420 99.8 58000 9397 1.177 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4350 101.0 42.7 2.77 3420 99.8 58000 9283 1.188 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP14 ~approximation 107.0 45.3 2.93 3415 96.9 57748 9676 1.164 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4831 106.5 43.2 2.80 3401 99.9 58000 9091 1.181 ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 11 94.7 41.4 2.68 3400 100.0 58000 8945 1.172 ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 52 93.6 40.9 2.65 3398 100.0 58000 8881 1.175 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 204 100.8 44.0 2.85 3397 96.7 58000 9485 1.163 ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA4 104.1 44.0 2.85 3397 96.7 58000 9485 1.163 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP4 ~approximation 104.1 44.0 2.85 3397 96.7 58000 9485 1.163 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon CFE223 86.5 40.8 2.64 3393 100.0 58000 8826 1.173 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Big Game 91.6 41.3 2.68 3393 100.0 58000 8853 1.172 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N560 107.0 46.3 3.00 3391 93.7 52604 10284 1.207
Somchem S385 106.7 45.7 2.96 3389 97.9 58000 9384 1.181 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4895 91.2 38.6 2.50 3388 100.0 58000 8871 1.181 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Hybrid 100V 104.3 42.7 2.77 3382 100.0 58000 8558 1.170 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2213 107.0 45.8 2.97 3381 94.4 54723 9912 1.182 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP11 ~approximation 92.0 38.9 2.52 3377 100.0 58000 8841 1.181 ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA11 92.0 38.9 2.52 3377 100.0 58000 8841 1.181 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-15 92.0 38.9 2.52 3377 100.0 58000 8841 1.181 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP4 NT ~approximation 101.6 43.7 2.83 3377 98.2 58000 9230 1.176 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 203B 92.4 39.1 2.53 3375 100.0 58000 8769 1.182 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831 SC 107.0 45.8 2.97 3369 94.4 57413 9438 1.167 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon BL-C2 87.0 40.2 2.60 3368 100.0 58000 8636 1.185 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP5/NP ~approximation 107.0 45.8 2.97 3368 95.9 51883 10020 1.217
Alliant Reloder-22 107.0 45.8 2.97 3368 95.9 51883 10020 1.217
Raufoss RA15 107.0 45.8 2.97 3368 95.9 51883 10020 1.217
Norma 203 old 93.9 40.2 2.60 3366 100.0 58000 8635 1.194 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP3 93.9 40.2 2.60 3366 100.0 58000 8635 1.194 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester Supreme 780 104.7 46.7 3.03 3365 96.7 58000 9226 1.167 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H380 93.4 40.4 2.62 3365 99.6 58000 8935 1.185 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 748 84.5 38.5 2.49 3361 100.0 58000 8335 1.177 ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S070 100.7 42.1 2.73 3361 98.5 58000 9097 1.187 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R903 96.1 40.2 2.61 3359 100.0 58000 8564 1.194 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4320 93.9 39.1 2.53 3358 100.0 58000 8519 1.166 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4895 88.7 37.5 2.43 3358 100.0 58000 8561 1.181 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Wild Boar 87.3 39.5 2.56 3357 100.0 58000 8629 1.177 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2206H 89.0 37.7 2.44 3356 100.0 58000 8613 1.181 ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 516 89.9 40.5 2.63 3355 99.6 58000 8818 1.177 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4350 103.3 42.8 2.77 3354 97.8 58000 9012 1.172 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate MAGPRO 107.0 48.1 3.12 3354 91.6 51534 10189 1.223
IMR 4350 101.4 42.7 2.77 3353 97.9 58000 9000 1.172 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R904 104.6 43.7 2.83 3353 95.6 58000 9171 1.170 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S355 96.0 39.7 2.58 3352 100.0 58000 8565 1.189 ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 50 91.7 40.4 2.62 3351 99.7 58000 8741 1.181 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP7 NT ~approximation 95.2 40.6 2.63 3350 98.6 58000 8809 1.160 ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 9 89.7 39.2 2.54 3347 100.0 58000 8542 1.178 ! Near Maximum !
Elcho TR140 - preliminary data 92.9 40.6 2.63 3345 99.7 58000 8696 1.182 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 3031 91.5 36.2 2.34 3338 100.0 58000 7923 1.184 ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S065 99.3 41.1 2.67 3337 99.2 58000 8799 1.188 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Magnum 107.0 49.3 3.20 3335 96.4 52659 9626 1.207
Hodgdon VARGET 94.6 38.7 2.51 3334 99.9 58000 8517 1.172 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2208 94.3 38.7 2.51 3334 99.9 58000 8517 1.172 ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 507 86.4 38.1 2.47 3334 100.0 58000 8293 1.180 ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 7 88.1 40.0 2.59 3332 99.6 58000 8618 1.188 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot TAC 87.3 39.8 2.58 3332 99.3 58000 8709 1.179 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP7 98.0 40.7 2.64 3330 97.8 58000 8890 1.184 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R907 98.0 40.7 2.64 3330 97.8 58000 8890 1.184 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S321 84.7 38.6 2.50 3329 100.0 58000 8307 1.187 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4007 SSC 95.0 40.8 2.64 3329 97.8 58000 8884 1.184 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2520 87.0 38.8 2.51 3329 100.0 58000 8098 1.198 ! Near Maximum !
Lovex D073.6 89.0 38.8 2.51 3329 100.0 58000 8098 1.198 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S341 88.1 40.1 2.60 3328 100.0 58000 8324 1.180 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP3 NT ~approximation 96.8 40.7 2.64 3327 99.2 58000 8617 1.172 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N530 85.7 36.5 2.36 3327 100.0 58000 8207 1.179 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4064 95.2 38.0 2.47 3326 100.0 58000 8359 1.177 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4064 93.5 38.7 2.51 3325 100.0 58000 8088 1.216 ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S062 92.9 38.3 2.48 3324 100.0 58000 8223 1.191 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 8208 XBR 87.5 37.0 2.40 3316 100.0 58000 8117 1.179 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 201 90.1 37.3 2.42 3314 100.0 58000 8188 1.194 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S361 103.4 46.6 3.02 3308 94.6 58000 8926 1.183 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H335 80.7 37.3 2.42 3307 100.0 58000 7925 1.183 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N540 91.7 39.2 2.54 3306 100.0 58000 8043 1.188 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N150 101.1 40.4 2.62 3305 100.0 58000 8044 1.188 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 202 89.4 37.2 2.41 3305 100.0 58000 7909 1.189 ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 10 80.3 36.3 2.35 3305 100.0 58000 7891 1.184 ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 508 (PCL223) 80.3 36.4 2.36 3303 100.0 58000 7881 1.184 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R902 91.8 37.5 2.43 3303 100.0 58000 8085 1.196 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot X-Terminator 85.0 38.4 2.49 3302 100.0 58000 8218 1.182 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2495 88.0 36.4 2.36 3298 100.0 58000 7787 1.223 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H322 85.5 35.1 2.27 3295 100.0 58000 7696 1.179 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2219 80.3 35.1 2.27 3295 100.0 58000 7696 1.179 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2230 83.2 38.1 2.47 3295 100.0 58000 8008 1.193 ! Near Maximum !
Lovex D073.5 83.5 37.9 2.46 3294 100.0 58000 7909 1.202 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2460 83.3 37.9 2.46 3294 100.0 58000 7909 1.202 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP2 NT ~approximation 88.9 37.3 2.42 3290 100.0 58000 8000 1.178 ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 40 82.3 35.5 2.30 3289 100.0 58000 7738 1.183 ! Near Maximum !
Lovex D073.4 82.2 37.3 2.42 3284 100.0 58000 7800 1.197 ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S060 89.5 36.8 2.39 3281 100.0 58000 7983 1.178 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R901 88.1 35.4 2.29 3280 100.0 58000 7777 1.204 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R905 107.0 44.9 2.91 3280 93.0 50152 9499 1.239
ADI AR 2210 81.6 35.7 2.31 3278 100.0 58000 7782 1.181 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N140 91.5 38.0 2.46 3273 100.0 58000 7606 1.188 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant AR-Comp 86.8 35.6 2.30 3272 100.0 58000 7342 1.192 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP11 TZ ~approximation 86.4 35.6 2.30 3272 100.0 58000 7342 1.192 ! Near Maximum !
Nitrochemie A/S 0300 77.5 33.6 2.18 3271 100.0 58000 7426 1.189 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2700 95.0 41.9 2.72 3270 97.6 58000 8357 1.190 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 3100 107.0 45.3 2.93 3269 98.2 51304 9043 1.257
Hodgdon Benchmark 86.8 36.2 2.34 3269 100.0 58000 7733 1.181 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester WXR 107.0 44.8 2.90 3268 94.4 47335 9757 1.269
Bofors RP15 107.0 44.8 2.90 3268 94.4 47335 9757 1.269
ADI BM2 79.9 36.0 2.33 3268 100.0 58000 7715 1.181 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2206 88.9 37.2 2.41 3268 100.0 58000 7848 1.178 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N135 97.4 37.4 2.42 3266 100.0 58000 7424 1.197 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2200 79.3 34.1 2.21 3260 100.0 58000 7549 1.178 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-12 85.4 36.9 2.39 3259 100.0 58000 7504 1.186 ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 12 107.0 48.3 3.13 3255 92.8 47668 9850 1.259
PB Clermont PCL 517 107.0 48.3 3.13 3248 92.5 47403 9839 1.263
Alliant Reloder-10x 83.0 33.2 2.15 3236 100.0 58000 7249 1.197 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S335 89.5 37.1 2.40 3225 100.0 58000 7316 1.199 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2015 85.5 34.6 2.24 3225 100.0 58000 7175 1.204 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831 107.0 44.0 2.85 3224 92.3 49904 9056 1.242
Bofors RP1 NT ~approximation 80.1 32.8 2.13 3220 100.0 58000 7145 1.173 ! Near Maximum !
SF033 fl, russ. 5,45x39 79.6 34.4 2.23 3217 100.0 58000 7047 1.211 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 107.0 44.0 2.85 3213 91.7 46020 9515 1.279
Accurate 1680 72.7 32.1 2.08 3211 100.0 58000 7072 1.181 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP5 NT ~approximation 107.0 46.2 2.99 3209 89.7 49015 9241 1.251
Hodgdon H4198 80.6 32.0 2.08 3207 100.0 58000 7009 1.174 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 200 79.5 32.9 2.13 3207 100.0 58000 7058 1.213 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N133 91.2 35.3 2.29 3201 100.0 58000 6965 1.190 ! Near Maximum !
=============================================

First column = Powder name
Second = Case fill %
Third = Charge weight in GRAINS (gr)
Fourth = Charge in Grams
Fifth = Velocity FPS
Sixth = Powder burned %
Seventh = Max Chamber pressure PSI
....
....
=========================================

List is from highest velocity to lowest and I cut off everything that didn't make 3,200 fps.

 

[Damon555]

Thank you for the Quick load data! Very, very helpful. I see lots of data in there that is right about where I thought the charge weights would be based on what the 6 Creed data says in my manuals.....The 6XC uses roughly 3 grains less powder than the 6CM.