Great questions Pete,

In no particular order here are a few answers. Suitability for deer depends on the twist rate of the barrel. The 6PPC was designed for extreme accuracy at 100-200 yards so most barrels will have a 1 in 14" twist rate. That is optimum for bullets in the 55-70 grain weight range. Most of those bullets will be lightly constructed target or varmint bullets. Not optimal for deer. With a tighter (1 in 8" or 1 in 9") twist rate you can use the same bullets that you would in a .243 Win rifle, with similar results.

If the rifle has a standard 6PPC chamber such as the Sakos or Rugers so chambered it is a simple neck up proposition. Many 6PPC rifles have chambers with tight necks. In that case it will be necessary to neck turn before fire forming. In any case, seat the bullet so you have a slight jamb fit into the lands.

Sinclair international makes and sells reloading tools for the tighter flash hole of the PPC cases. The smaller flash hole enhances accuracy.

My sporter weight 6PPC (Sako) is a dream to shoot. It is accurate and its muzzle report is very subdued. I can't use it on deer though, because it doesn't do a good job of stabilizing the 85 to 100 grain bullets.

JCN

JCN,

Thanks for that...I am not 100% sure, but I think is particular rifle is some sort of custom. I have no idea what twist he specified for the barrel but he did mention neck turning the cases...

Do the case need to be annealed at all?

Regards,

Pete

I have a SAKO AI Hunter in 6PPC that I was tempted to take Whitetail hunting this fall. Its light weight, well balanced, accurate, and performed well in the groundhog fields this past summer. But finding a bullet short enough to stabilize in a 1/14 inch twist, and stout enough to penetrate into a deers vitals, gave me pause. I plan to try the 6 PPC next year if I can find a good bullet. The Hornady 70gr. Spire Point will be the first bullet I evaluate. (The .224 60 gr. Hornady Spire Point has a following as a deer bullet in .223 class rifles.)

rollinghills