6mm Remington
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At one time a had a Browning B-78 (a single shot, falling block), in 6MM Remington. It was the most accurate rifle I have ever owned. It shot 1/2 inch or so five shot groups at 100 yards. I used IMR 4350 under a Hornady 87 grain varmint (no crimping cannelure), bullet. The choice of bullet was an experiment...I theorized that, being a varmint bullet with a thin jacket, when it hit a deer's chest, the bullets would "blow-up" and shower the heart, lungs, liver with bullet fragments resulting in a rapid kill. However, after examining the several deer that I shot using such, I found that the bullets did not "blow-up", but merely shed their jackets leaving the cores to exit the off-side. In short, my theory was wrong but the kills were everything that I wanted...in many instances, drop in their tracks with no failures (no lost deer, or tracking required), so I kept it as my do all (varmints and deer). I killed many deer using that combo, but never took a quartering shot...always waited for a side presentation or passed up the shot (I would no more take a quartering shot on deer as I would on a prime beef.) I ended up selling that great gun and others, to help finance grad school.
What's your rifle? R.O.T.? I have a Ruger M77 (tang safety, 22" bbl.) with a 1:10 twist rate. I have used 100 grn. bullets in the rifle, but have settled on this loading for the past 30 years. It is an absolute killer on medium sized game (IMO):
Partial sized Rem cases
87 grn. Hornady S.P. bullets
45 grns. of IMR 4350
CCI 200 LR primers
I'm careful on case/trim length measurement, and I seat my bullets just shy of the lands/grooves.
I just got the newest Hornady manual (2016 ed.), my first reloading book in a long time. I see Hornady's data for the 6MM Rem doesn't even have a loading using IMR 4350 (affectionately known as old guy powder; that's me!) for any of their .243 dia. bullets. No matter, use this guide below, and check out data for the 6MM. Seems Hodgdon makes all the powder anymore, and IMR data is still valid for my loading.
www.imrpowder.com
Partial sized Rem cases
87 grn. Hornady S.P. bullets
45 grns. of IMR 4350
CCI 200 LR primers
I'm careful on case/trim length measurement, and I seat my bullets just shy of the lands/grooves.
I just got the newest Hornady manual (2016 ed.), my first reloading book in a long time. I see Hornady's data for the 6MM Rem doesn't even have a loading using IMR 4350 (affectionately known as old guy powder; that's me!) for any of their .243 dia. bullets. No matter, use this guide below, and check out data for the 6MM. Seems Hodgdon makes all the powder anymore, and IMR data is still valid for my loading.
www.imrpowder.com
Jim Watson
New member
I had a 6mm years ago, but no records or memory of the fine details. It will do anything a .243 will and a bit more but it lost the Battle of the Gunzines.
Hodgdon doesn't MAKE smokeless powder. They have the US distributorships for IMR, Winchester, and Vihtavuori that I know of offhand. They are in cahoots with ADI and Alliant. All the stuff they sell under their own label is made for them by one or another of those companies.
Hodgdon owns GOEX but black powder is still made in Louisiana where they moved from New Jersey years ago.
I gather there is a Pyrodex factory owned and operated by Hodgdon. I don't know where 777 is made.
Hodgdon doesn't MAKE smokeless powder. They have the US distributorships for IMR, Winchester, and Vihtavuori that I know of offhand. They are in cahoots with ADI and Alliant. All the stuff they sell under their own label is made for them by one or another of those companies.
Hodgdon owns GOEX but black powder is still made in Louisiana where they moved from New Jersey years ago.
I gather there is a Pyrodex factory owned and operated by Hodgdon. I don't know where 777 is made.
Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
Twist rate is important. When introduced, the 6mm Rem had a 1:14 twist, suitable for lightweight varmint bullets. The .243 competitor came (usually) with a 1:10 twist, more suitable for deer-hunting loads.
With varmint loads, the 6mm has a little more muzzle velocity. But the .243 generally groups tighter with deer loads.
So, check the twist rate.
With varmint loads, the 6mm has a little more muzzle velocity. But the .243 generally groups tighter with deer loads.
So, check the twist rate.
For a target load in a 29" 1:10 twist I like a 87 gr vmax on top of 40.0 gr of imr 4064.
Velocity is 3425, 5 shot groups are a little less than 1/2" at 100 yds.
Scope is a vortex pst on burris sig zee rings.
Note: this load is just under max listed with imr data. So work up to it.
This was dads custom varmint rig from before I was born.
It brings a smile when I take it out.
I really enjoyed finding the load it likes.
Velocity is 3425, 5 shot groups are a little less than 1/2" at 100 yds.
Scope is a vortex pst on burris sig zee rings.
Note: this load is just under max listed with imr data. So work up to it.
This was dads custom varmint rig from before I was born.
It brings a smile when I take it out.
I really enjoyed finding the load it likes.
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Jim Watson
New member
The .244 Remington was introduced with a 12 twist and a maximum 90 grain flatbase spitzer. This gets a lot of blame for its failure against the .243.
There was also the matter that the Model 70 was pretty much the definition of a good looking bolt action at the time and the Model 722 was definitely a Plain Jane. Heavier, too.
The same chambering was renamed 6mm Remington with 9 twist barrels in the better looking Model 700, but it was too late to play catch up.
There were supposedly some transitional .244s with 10 twist, easy for Remington because by then they were making .243s for which that was standard.
I never heard of a 14 twist under either name, that is common in benchrest 6mms which seldom shoot more than a 68 grain bullet.
There was also the matter that the Model 70 was pretty much the definition of a good looking bolt action at the time and the Model 722 was definitely a Plain Jane. Heavier, too.
The same chambering was renamed 6mm Remington with 9 twist barrels in the better looking Model 700, but it was too late to play catch up.
There were supposedly some transitional .244s with 10 twist, easy for Remington because by then they were making .243s for which that was standard.
I never heard of a 14 twist under either name, that is common in benchrest 6mms which seldom shoot more than a 68 grain bullet.
burninghXcsoul
New member
I have a Remington 788 in 6mm I use to shoot groundhog matches. I don't have the exact loads but I have found that Varget and IMR 4064 with either a 87gr Hornady Vmax or 85gr Sierra Varmiteer give the best accuracy, right around .5" to .750" at 100 yards.
My old Remington 700 in 6mm is a bit of a picky eater, but it does well with 95 to 100 grain Nosler, Berger and Sierra bullets if they're sitting on top of RL22.
I also have one 75 grain bullet load that absolutely sizzles and is quite accurate as well but I can't remember off the top of my head what powder it uses. It's not a deer load though.
Mine is gathering dust in the back of the safe, but as I age my plan is to progress from my harder kickers down to the 6mm before retiring from hunting altogether. Goes without saying though, the Good Lord willing; every day is a gift.
I also have one 75 grain bullet load that absolutely sizzles and is quite accurate as well but I can't remember off the top of my head what powder it uses. It's not a deer load though.
Mine is gathering dust in the back of the safe, but as I age my plan is to progress from my harder kickers down to the 6mm before retiring from hunting altogether. Goes without saying though, the Good Lord willing; every day is a gift.
I also recently acquired one.
Not real familiar with them and I have only put about 10rds on target with it.
Set up is how my deceased BIL left it.
Had not been out in over 15 yrs till this month (dec 2016)
I will say after all that time scope was still pretty close even though its a cheap old thing.
Great long range varmit rifles as I understand.
My BIL used to shoot prairie dogs and such with it.
Remington model 700
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Not real familiar with them and I have only put about 10rds on target with it.
Set up is how my deceased BIL left it.
Had not been out in over 15 yrs till this month (dec 2016)
I will say after all that time scope was still pretty close even though its a cheap old thing.
Great long range varmit rifles as I understand.
My BIL used to shoot prairie dogs and such with it.
Remington model 700
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Jim Watson,
And to add, didn't some other companies (Ruger, etc..) use a 1:10 twist on their 6mm's while Remington used a 1:9 twist on both their 243's and 6mm's?
I like to shoot the Hornady 87gr HP over a fairly mild load (35.5gr) of 4064. This is out of an old tang safety M77 Ruger, very accurate and easy shooting. This rifle is also glass bedded and has an old VariX II 2x7, one of my favorite hunting rifles.
And to add, didn't some other companies (Ruger, etc..) use a 1:10 twist on their 6mm's while Remington used a 1:9 twist on both their 243's and 6mm's?
I like to shoot the Hornady 87gr HP over a fairly mild load (35.5gr) of 4064. This is out of an old tang safety M77 Ruger, very accurate and easy shooting. This rifle is also glass bedded and has an old VariX II 2x7, one of my favorite hunting rifles.
Jim Watson
New member
I don't doubt it, they had plenty of 10 twist blanks for the much more popular .243, after all.
A friend has a 6mm Rem full house target rifle, but I don't know his twist.
You need an 8 twist for a 105 SMK or VLD and they are making even longer bullets that call for a 7 twist if you want to take a 6mm Anything to Long Range.
A friend has a 6mm Rem full house target rifle, but I don't know his twist.
You need an 8 twist for a 105 SMK or VLD and they are making even longer bullets that call for a 7 twist if you want to take a 6mm Anything to Long Range.
Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
Likely I was mistaken about the 1:14. But even a 1:12 isn't the answer for the common 100-grain "deer bullet". 
Gunplummer
New member
I had an Arisaka I put a .244 barrel on and did use it for deer. I do not remember the weight, but Hornady made a RN heavy bullet that worked OK for deer. It was just OK, not great.
Many times I read the story the story about how 244 flopped and then was reintroduced as 6mm, about how this gave the 243 a leg up.
I was born after that came about. My story with 6mm starts with my dad. A new 6mm was purchased shortly after his favorite Rem 223 had been stolen. He was an active coyote and deer hunter and whatever else popped up. Fun yes but in the 70's times were tougher. Coyotes were worth 80-95 dollars skinned fleshed stretched washed and sewed. Deer meat was cheap and available. The rifle then was mainly a Ruger 6mm M77V with a Weaver K6 Wide angle. The recipe involved 85 or 87 gr. bullets from Nosler or Hornady, and H380. He would go to 100 yards downrange and make two crosses with black electrical tape on a box, one just about two inches above the other. The sighting in was done when three shots were all inside the intersection of the top cross when aiming at the lower. One year the rifle was off and there was consternation. Instead of adjusting the scope, dad put the rifle down, and went to the eye doctor for new glasses. When they came in, the rifle was right back on target.
I was indoctrinated early on the 6mm vs. 243 debate. I was told about things such as sharp case shoulders vs. graceful ones, and how extra case capacity is a good thing. He said that he could load it up closer to a 25-06 than a 243.
We were not landowners. But some of my dad's friends were. And individually at different time they have related to me some great shots he had made on a distant trotting critter. The hilltop shot from behind on the far running yote which toppled him over (and only one natural hole could be found). When a rancher tells you your dad is a good shot, it means something. This man and rifle fed us and put packages under the tree for several years.
There was the time a buddy wanted my dad to take him out after the big buck. The large man brought a big gun, and dad his 6mm. It was a crisp cold morning, with a dusting of snow across the meadow, when just coming into some golden tall grass at the edge of the willows a large mature whitetail buck erupted. He was in full acceleration and before long he would be hitting full stride and gone. The large fellow with us shouldered the rifle as my father began to take aim. In rapid succession both let loose. I had seen enough bang -flop on coyotes to know the rhythm, and timing, and to know who's shot dropped that buck in its tracks. Tha mount is proudly displayed on our buddy's wall. But two out of three knew who really dropped that deer.
That old rifle sat in the corner for about 11 years when times got better and fur went south. But getting into rifles myself now as a young man I had brought home a new thing, and just the ticket to beat my old man: a new Ruger target 25-06. I was getting it rested on the bench in front of a 200 yd target when out he came with the dusty old 6mm. " Let me show you what that 25-06 can't do." he proclaimed. He carefully rested that old rifle and loaded in three very old handloads. After the shooting I went to look. There were three 24 cal holes 1.25" apart at 200 yds. He always said that he seated bullets to the lands or very close, but when I measured the throat later that day, it was nearly shot out. Bullets almost left the case before contacting anything. I dont think he was aware of this, but faith in your equipment is a powerful thing.
I was born after that came about. My story with 6mm starts with my dad. A new 6mm was purchased shortly after his favorite Rem 223 had been stolen. He was an active coyote and deer hunter and whatever else popped up. Fun yes but in the 70's times were tougher. Coyotes were worth 80-95 dollars skinned fleshed stretched washed and sewed. Deer meat was cheap and available. The rifle then was mainly a Ruger 6mm M77V with a Weaver K6 Wide angle. The recipe involved 85 or 87 gr. bullets from Nosler or Hornady, and H380. He would go to 100 yards downrange and make two crosses with black electrical tape on a box, one just about two inches above the other. The sighting in was done when three shots were all inside the intersection of the top cross when aiming at the lower. One year the rifle was off and there was consternation. Instead of adjusting the scope, dad put the rifle down, and went to the eye doctor for new glasses. When they came in, the rifle was right back on target.
I was indoctrinated early on the 6mm vs. 243 debate. I was told about things such as sharp case shoulders vs. graceful ones, and how extra case capacity is a good thing. He said that he could load it up closer to a 25-06 than a 243.
We were not landowners. But some of my dad's friends were. And individually at different time they have related to me some great shots he had made on a distant trotting critter. The hilltop shot from behind on the far running yote which toppled him over (and only one natural hole could be found). When a rancher tells you your dad is a good shot, it means something. This man and rifle fed us and put packages under the tree for several years.
There was the time a buddy wanted my dad to take him out after the big buck. The large man brought a big gun, and dad his 6mm. It was a crisp cold morning, with a dusting of snow across the meadow, when just coming into some golden tall grass at the edge of the willows a large mature whitetail buck erupted. He was in full acceleration and before long he would be hitting full stride and gone. The large fellow with us shouldered the rifle as my father began to take aim. In rapid succession both let loose. I had seen enough bang -flop on coyotes to know the rhythm, and timing, and to know who's shot dropped that buck in its tracks. Tha mount is proudly displayed on our buddy's wall. But two out of three knew who really dropped that deer.
That old rifle sat in the corner for about 11 years when times got better and fur went south. But getting into rifles myself now as a young man I had brought home a new thing, and just the ticket to beat my old man: a new Ruger target 25-06. I was getting it rested on the bench in front of a 200 yd target when out he came with the dusty old 6mm. " Let me show you what that 25-06 can't do." he proclaimed. He carefully rested that old rifle and loaded in three very old handloads. After the shooting I went to look. There were three 24 cal holes 1.25" apart at 200 yds. He always said that he seated bullets to the lands or very close, but when I measured the throat later that day, it was nearly shot out. Bullets almost left the case before contacting anything. I dont think he was aware of this, but faith in your equipment is a powerful thing.
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