Which of the 6mm’s are going to work best in a short barrel?

[Lynn313]

My next build is decided except for choice of calibers. It will be a Tenacity action, mag feed, on the folding version of Manners EH1A stock. The barrel will be 16” - 20”. Probably a Bartlein CF, but at that length the weight difference may not justify the cost - #13 profile. This rifle will be a paper, crow, coyote, & possible whitetail deer killer. It’s mostly for fun, compact, and being VERY accurate. I started looking at the 6mm BR Norma, but have heard of feeding issues. In addition to it I’m looking at the 6mm dasher, & 6mm XC. Quality brass availability is a must. Everything fired in it will be a hand load, but I have no desire to form my own brass. 6mm GT gets some attention, but lack of quality brass is a serious drawback.

I did a search looking at these calibers, but almost everything I found was on a long barrel. I’m hoping several of you have experience loading and shooting these through a short barrel. Thanks for feedback.

 

[Clancy]

I shoot a 6 BR with a 20.5” barrel and get 3345 from 68 gr Barts Avengers. I hunt everything up to deer with it. Primal rights magazine spacers in AI mags eliminate feeding issues.

 

[snert]

6x45. run 87 on coyotes, barnes bullet on deer. I don't have one...but I have a friend Fredo who does.

 

[Andy Legg]

What is the maximum COAL that would fit in the Magazine Length?

 

[Lynn313]

I shoot a 6 BR with a 20.5” barrel and get 3345 from 68 gr Barts Avengers. I hunt everything up to deer with it. Primal rights magazine spacers in AI mags eliminate feeding issues.

I’ll call and ask about the mag spacers. Thank you for the info.

 

[sawcarver]

6 dasher will get about 2700fps with a 105/108 in a 15"

6 creed is 2800 with 105/108 in a 16"

6-284 is 2950fps with 105/108 in a 16"

As far as loading dont over think it. My load for 6 dasher 30" f-class rifle and a 15" XP are pretty much the same

 

[boltfluter]

If you need a little more speed consider dropping down to the 95 grain Bergers VLD. You will need a short throat, something around .060 to .080, but they are tac drivers for me in my 6 Dasher. Just a thought.

Paul

 

[Lynn313]

What is the maximum COAL that would fit in the Magazine Length?

6 dasher will get about 2700fps with a 105/108 in a 15"

6 creed is 2800 with 105/108 in a 16"

6-284 is 2950fps with 105/108 in a 16"

As far as loading dont over think it. My load for 6 dasher 30" f-class rifle and a 15" XP are pretty much the same

Thank you!

 

[kyreloader]

Alpha 6 GT brass is very good!

 

[243winxb]

So, the quick answer to the question is that the different barrel length will not change the reload data but it will impact the velocity you get.

https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/re...-barreled-rifle-require-different-reload-data

 

[Hrsmn51]

I have a 6BRA built on Tikka action with a 20 inch barrel. I was recently experimenting with V540 and RDF 105's at 2800+. I believe the 87 would be better for varmints.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

Sounds like a neat rifle. Peterson brass is awesome with several good options in 6 mm cases. I wouldn’t spend more on the brass (Lapua) unless you’re seriously competing and maybe not even then.

 

[jackieschmidt]

Why not build a 6PPC and shoot 68/70 grn bullets at 3350.
I have shot 68 grn bullets at 3400 out of a 18.5 inch long 6PPC.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Creedmoor or 243. Feeds like butter

 

[BoilerUP]

I've got a 20" Dasher...107/108s at 2800+, 108s over 32.4gr Varget was 2850 a couple weekends ago.

Feeds without issue in a 700SA using Magpul 7.62AC.

 

[STOMP442]

I would go with the smallest case possible. No sense wasting all that unburnt powder in a giant fireball at the end of the muzzle. I have a 22" 6BR that I built on a Remington model Seven for the exact reasons you have mentioned. I am getting 2840 with 95gr TMKs and it works well for its intended purpose.

Have you thought about maybe the 6x45? In such a short barrel I would bet that it can come pretty close to getting the same performance as the larger calibers you are considering while being more efficient.

 

[Lynn313]

I have a 6BRA built on Tikka action with a 20 inch barrel. I was recently experimenting with V540 and RDF 105's at 2800+. I believe the 87 would be better for varmints.

Sounds like a fun rifle. I have to be careful because I’m wanting a “fun” rifle that I’ll probably shoot more than my other rifles. I see the Berger 105 EOL, then I go to wanting a rifle to get the max from them. On my 6.5 PRC all I shoot is the 156 EOLs. Berger is making a quality product.

 

[Lynn313]

Why not build a 6PPC and shoot 68/70 grn bullets at 3350.
I have shot 68 grn bullets at 3400 out of a 18.5 inch long 6PPC.

Jackie, that sounds like a fun smaller rifle would really be used by me!

 

[Lynn313]

I would go with the smallest case possible. No sense wasting all that unburnt powder in a giant fireball at the end of the muzzle. I have a 22" 6BR that I built on a Remington model Seven for the exact reasons you have mentioned. I am getting 2840 with 95gr TMKs and it works well for its intended purpose.

Have you thought about maybe the 6x45? In such a short barrel I would bet that it can come pretty close to getting the same performance as the larger calibers you are considering while being more efficient.

Stomp, that makes sense. I want a fun rifle for var it’s and playing. While looking I’ve started looking at 6 XCs, 6 CM, etc. All fine rifles, but more power than something to just play with. I’m finishing my 3rd bolt build in 2 years, and also waiting on an SP-10 being built. My wallet has got to have a break! What I don’t have is that “just fun” rifle that isn’t a .22.

 

[johara1]

It isn't the cal. as much as it is the powder, get cal. the will work with fast powder.... PPC with LT 30 or a BR with 8208...... jim