Need some help with this decision

[panhandle]

I'm in the middle of putting together a rifle for P-dogs and am having a real hard time deciding between the 22 BR using a 40 gr. Nosler BT and the 6mm BR using the 55 gr. Nosler BT. The rifle is a Savage 12 Low Profile Single Shot. I have ordered a Shilen 26" heavy sporter barrel for the 22 BR but I keep having second thoughts about the 6mm BR. Which would really be the best of the 2 calibers. I like the light bullets so hits can be seen but I have 7 22 cal. varmint rifles. Have a good shooting Ruger No.1 in 6mm Rem. that I use those 55 gr bullets in but haven't taken it over to Montana as yet. Can you guys help me make the right decision. I still have time to call Shilen and change the barrel specs. Told me there was a 15 week lead time on the barrel. Help!!!

 

[acloco]

I would actually base my decision on the cost of brass and bullets.

Primers - same price.
Powder - other than amount of powder, same price.

Dies...about the same, unless it is a true wildcat.

Thought about a 243, 243 AI, 6mm, or 6mm AI? I would lean towards the 243 or 243 AI,AI - fire form the brass ON your prairie dog hunting trip....and then load for bear on the next one).

Where in Montana are you shooting? I am from Montana....

 

[tightneck]

I'm in the middle of putting together a rifle for P-dogs and am having a real hard time deciding between the 22 BR using a 40 gr. Nosler BT and the 6mm BR using the 55 gr. Nosler BT. The rifle is a Savage 12 Low Profile Single Shot. I have ordered a Shilen 26" heavy sporter barrel for the 22 BR but I keep having second thoughts about the 6mm BR. Which would really be the best of the 2 calibers. I like the light bullets so hits can be seen but I have 7 22 cal. varmint rifles. Have a good shooting Ruger No.1 in 6mm Rem. that I use those 55 gr bullets in but haven't taken it over to Montana as yet. Can you guys help me make the right decision. I still have time to call Shilen and change the barrel specs. Told me there was a 15 week lead time on the barrel. Help!!!

Sounds like you already have too many varmint rifles... Come to the darkside and build you a benchrest rifle. :idea:

 

[Ackman]

I have both and like them both, but would go with the 6BR. No necking down, just chamfer- load - and shoot. It'll push 55BT's nearly as fast as the 22BR shoots 50's, and that 6mmBT has a much higher ballistic coefficient. The 6mm bullet will also hit harder. Either gun really could use a brake to keep the muzzle down.

 

[yamahaman36]

hey, i agree on the .243 too. i have a 243 set up just for varminting. i love it. 55 or 58 gr. bullets and plenty of range and speed. i would have thought that a 6mm would be a lil too large, but i also have a .223 which im crazy bout. it is accurate, plenty of speed, no recoil, not too noisy either, and cheaper to shoot too!! i realize it's a preference and any mentioned will work well, but i thought i'd throw in my 1 cent worth. the .223 dont have that reach way out and touch like a 22-250 or the swift, but where im from a 300 yard shot is likely the longest you'll ever shoot, and my 223 does that well as well as the 243 too.....well, that's my report for what it's worth. now if i can get to be great at reloading i'll be in good shape !!! lol.......thnx.....paul.

 

[Tommie]

Go with the 6BR.

 

[tootalloutdoors]

I've shot them both out of my savage model 112 single shot. They both shot extremely well. I just target shoot with them. The 22BR I had required necking down and some neck turning. Some people go through a lot of ammo shooting p.d.'s.
I'm in N.W. Montana and don't get over to do much p.d. shooting. But "A LOT" of necking down and turning might be a drag.
I'm back to a 6BR now. Personally I wouldn't even consider any of the others. The neck on my 22BR was .250" and needed to be turned using Lapua brass. Both my 6BR's have been no-turn .272".. It sounds like your twist rate is gonna be around 1x14 or so.
I hate the waiting. I put out a want ad for a savage BR barrel ans picked up a fresh Pac-Nor right here on this site actually.
If the barrel was going to be a 14 twist I guess I would go with the 6BR.
Toot

 

[panhandle]

acloco,
We drive out from Post Falls, Idaho and go to Miles City. It's a 12 hour drive. Usually meet with friends from Michigan for a 3 day shoot. Some day, I hope to be able to find a place closed to Idaho, but haven't found anything yet. Have a great time though, great shooting and good friends.

It kind of looks like the majority favor the 6mm BR with the light bullets. Guess I'll call Shilen and change my barrel specs. Thanks for your support and replies.

Dick Coss