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6x45MM
Mobuck
Member Posts: 14,081 ✭✭✭✭
I'm looking for input from folks who have and/or reload for this cartridge. I'm fully into the AR(LEGO) fad and have decided this may be the next step up for Grandsons' deer rifle. At this point, I'm only lacking a barrel. In the interest of adding a suppressor, we have some fairly specific criteria for barrel length, weight, and muzzle thread. I have dies and cases but am looking for actual hands on suggestions. Thanks
Comments
Which 6x45 are you considering?
Hoping to minimize case forming to simply neck up and trim. I've done some preliminary dummy loads and found that the bullet I really wanted to use (65 grain OTM w/cannelure)for varmints/accuracy is going to be over OAL to fit the mag. Those cases will require trimming (probably to 43mm). Deer bullet of choice will be Nosler 85 grain Partition IF it works well enough. I also have several hundred old stock 80 grain SSP which worked well in 243 reduced loads.
As far as case prep...I simply neck up any 223/556 case and then trim to length. I use RCBS AR series dies with a taper crimp seater. I've never had any problems with bullet setback nor any problems with sizing. If you have any other questions, please ask. It is a fun little cartridge and can be quite accurate.
This is a great little cartridge which I have often used in small scale bolt action rifles for depredation and varmint hunting. The Mini-Mauser and 'Baby' Sakos were perfect while the Remington Model 600, 660 and Model SeVen were viable also.
The only drawback to putting this cartridge in an AR platform is boiler room, powder space for the necessary velocity which is limited by the magazine length. But as you suggest, lighter bullets of proper construction will do the job based on limiting the distance to target.
I have put this cartridge in a few ARs and I think it's adequate so long as the construction of the AR is adequate. As much as we like to think of this style rifle as a tinker toy set up, you need good components matched to function AND fit together in order to achieve accuracy. Failing this, you have simply put together a plinker which is of no worth in the hunting fields. You would be amazed to what ends dedicated gunsmiths go to in order to get the accuracy they require.
Depending on the age and build of your grandson, he might be better served with a lightweight bolt rifle suited to his stature. But if he has some size and strength then the AR will work if it is suited him.
Excellent cartridge, lots of bullets to choose from and good velocities can be gotten with some of the newer powders.
Best.
All the parts to finish are in my parts box and bullets in the storage bin so it might be ready by the late youth deer season and Grandson still has a doe tag left.
From Handgun Hunter Magazine:
Developed by a Nevada gunsmith named Wes Ugalde, the "T/CU" line of cartridges were designed using the very common (and cheap) .223 Remington as the parent cartridge. The four rounds that were developed consisted of one that shoots a 6mm (.243") bullet, a slightly larger round using a .257" bullet, one shooting a 6.5mm (.264") bullet, and the biggest using a 7mm (.284") bullet. Opening the .223 Remington case up to any of the previously mentioned calibers provides an advantage by reducing wind drift and providing more energy down range. The rounds he created were to be chambered in the T/C Contender. Warren Center of Thompson/Center Arms talked Wes into naming the rounds "Thompson/Center Ugalde," or "T/CU" for short.
The 6T/CU is practically identical to the older 6mm-223 Remington, also called 6X45mm that was developed in 1965. Initially the 6T/CU had been intended primarily as a metallic silhouette pistol cartridge, whereas the 6mm-223 Remington was developed as a rifle cartridge for benchrest and varmint shooting. The T/CU also differs because the cases have to fireformed to fit the chamber before load development can begin. This will create the sharp 40-degree shoulder with nearly straight case walls. The formed round will look very much like those created by Parker O. Ackley back in the 1950's when he would take a case and increase the shoulder angle then virtually eliminate all body taper. This allowed an increase in case capacity as well as velocity. These cases have simply been termed "Ackley Improved." The 6X45 only requires the handloader to run cases through the sizing die to expand the neck; shoulder angle and body taper remain the same.
This is the most common comparison.
Best.