6MM Remington Loads

[270man]

6mm lovers,

We strayed a bit from scalerman's original post, but I will weigh in with some opinions on one of my favorite calibers -- the 6mm Remington.

Bought my first one on the recommendation of an uncle who felt that it was just a bit better than the 243. After years of experience with the 6mm (and a few with the 243), I now feel that there isn't much ballistic difference. Practically, the 243 wins hands-down. One only has to look at how many manufacturers offer models in 243 vs the 6mm.

Having started with the 6mm, I have stayed with it without regrets. The first one was a Rem 700 BDL and it was a tack-driver right out of the box. Sub-MOA groups were common with both 100gr and 75gr bullets -- primarily Sierra brand. The second one was not quite as accurate but generally groups 1MOA (sometimes better) with the same bullets.

Originally, I saw the 6mm as an ideal combo rifle for deer and varmints. In recent years, other calibers have captured my attention and the 6mm is mostly used for whitetail deer. On the rare occasion I get to hunt coyotes at long range, the 6mm is my choice. My family and I have taken many mule deer with the 6mm, and I disagree with those who say it isn't enough. My experiences say it is -- but I don't disagree with someone who chooses a more potent caliber. For big mulies, I often choose the 270 over the 6mm -- as a matter of personal preference -- not because I think the 6mm won't do the job.

As for bullet choices, I have to ask "what is the application?" If it is simply to shoot tight groups, just choose what works best in your rifle. For deer & antelope hunting, I stick with 90gr to 100gr bullets with good terminal performance (e.g., Nosler Partition -- 95gr or 100gr; Remington 100gr PSP-CL). If I get 1.5 to 2.0 MOA groups with these bullets, I am satisfied. For lighter varmints, I want very good accuracy and fast expansion. Sierra, Speer and Hornady 75gr-85gr bullets work pretty well, as do Remington 80gr HP bulk bullets. Velocity of handloads needs to be appropriate for the range to an intended target.

Haven't yet tried the 95gr SST but see no need to unless one of you determines that it is a "miracle" bullet for the 6mm. One bullet has me puzzled but a sample of one isn't enough to make a correct judgment. It is the 100gr Nosler Ballistic Tip. In my only test of this bullet on big game, the BT went completely through an antelope at 300-yards -- without expanding. Muzzle velocity had been measured at 3100fps. I hope to try it on coyotes one of these days to get a better feel for its performance.

270man