As I noted in an earlier post, I picked up a 14" Contender barrel by Ingram in 6x47AI. It shot quite well with H335, but this morning, I ran some loads through it using BenchMark, and the results were simply outstanding. In fact, I could not pick up the second & third shots from the first group and blamed the morning lighting (and I thought they may have been outside the "black." & in the gray) But to my delight, the group was nothing more than a very tight cloverleaf with all shots touching.

A couple more groups with this same load confirmed its potential as the worst went 0.780. I tried working up, but I could not reach the same velocity level as H335 allowed. The best accuracy with BenchMark (80 grain Sierra SSP) came at 2770 fps. The H335 loads, which show less pressure than the BenchMark loads, are around 100 fps faster. But 2770 fps is more than enough to make the 80 grain Sierra work its wonders, and I'll take accuracy over a little velocity on any given day...

Of course, I am still partial to my 15" VVCG barrel in 6x45, and I prefer its full bull profile as opposed to the tapered Ingram barrel (though I do like the looks of it). The 6x45 has an inch of barrel in its favor and does 2703 fps (80 grain Sierra SSP) with its best load, and the accuracy is simply superb.

I may sell one of these little sixes, so my question to you: which would you keep and why???

The 6x45 is simple to form (simply neck up), but the 6x47AI poses no special problems and fireforms with relative ease. And the availability of brass for it poses no problems either as .222 Rem Mag brass runs $20/100 (I prefer the match quality Federal 6x47 even though it's nickel, and, despite it not being made in some time, I was able to find plenty of it as well).

So give me your reasoning on which to keep and which to sell...

Sell the 6x47AI. I had one once and unloaded it on some guy recently. Boy was he sucker for buying it!
Bill

But seriously, keep the 6x47AI. Don't keep a barrel because of looks. No animal ever died or great groups occur from a "pretty" gun. Preformance is the key. High velocity, great groups are always more important.

Bill

[ 12-17-2002, 16:18: Message edited by: pahandgunhunter ]

Bill-
I am really enjoying the 6x47AI. I just wish I had more time to spend shooting instead of working...

By the way, do you know how many times the fireformed brass had been fired? I forgot to ask when I bought the barrel, but I just like to keep records on such things. (My wife wishes I could keep records with my checkbook & for taxes like I do for reloading stuff <grin>

Bobby if it ain't broke then don't fix it. The 6X45 has served you well and you can always sell the other 6X47AI to someone else You have a PM Tommy

Tommy-
I got it and responded in a PM.
Bobby

PM back at you. Thanks

Tommy-Another PM to you along with a regular e-mail