I tried a few of the TSX and TTSX and not an option as they won't stabilize in my rifle.

.243/6mm bullets, MV sub 3000 fps, game white tail deer and pronghorn sized animals, as well as varmints.

87 grain Hornady
85 grain Speer, Nosler Partition, or Sierra GK

I haven't tried the other bullets but the Sierra is shooting right at an 1" at 100 with a MV of 2900+ fps. I did pick up 100 each of the other bullets mentioned to try. Cartridge is a 6X47 Rem with a 1:12 twist. The rifle really loves 70 grain NBT's but I want a better constructed bullet if I'm going to use it on game larger than varmints.

I've had good results with the 87 gr Hornady #190566

NP ! roger

I'd try the 85 grain partitions, been thinking about them out of a 243.
Those 85 Sierras should work fine at those velocities

Within 250 yards, NPs. Beyond 250 yards, any of them.

I like Hornady's over the Sierra's if they shoot well. The NP is a great little bullet, but I don't think they kill any better unless you shoot at very close range and aim for the shoulder.
The Sierra will come apart easier I think, but I've used Sierra GK in 140gr. in my 7mm RM on deer with great success. Have never lost one, and they all passed through. The closest was just over 100 yards. I may have a different opinion if I were using it in tighter cover.

Taylor, I'd use the Partition, or maybe the 95-100gr BT. Those heavy BT are supposed to be real killers in the 6mm's.

You have a varmint rifle there.

Use varmint bullets in it for shooting varmints.

Use some other rifle for larger game.

quote:

Originally posted by Antelope Sniper:
Taylor, I'd use the Partition, or maybe the 95-100gr BT. Those heavy BT are supposed to be real killers in the 6mm's.

,

Twist isn't fast enough for those bullets. I'm sure the 85 NPT will stabalize as the 85 grain Sierra does.

quote:

Originally posted by Savage_99:
You have a varmint rifle there.

Use varmint bullets in it for shooting varmints.

Use some other rifle for larger game.

The rifle is for my nine year old daughter to possibly hunt with this year. I made her the deal that if she passed hunters safety I'd take her on some sort of hunt. She is a little recoil sensitive but can handle a .223, this just doesn't seem like a big jump up for her. I have a buddy who will let her do a doe hunt in OK in November. I have no problem letting her use her .223, but wouldn't mind her using a heavier bullet if she can handle it. Since both rifles are Savages I can simply drop my rifle in her stock so the rifle fits her.

Besides since when is an 85 grain bullet moving at a MV of 2900+ fps not adequate for deer?

Taylor--I find the difference in .243 with 100 grain as opposed to .223 with 55 grain to be a very big jump recoil wise. If .223 is legal go with that for a nine year old girl. Bullet right spot have a sharp knife ready.

Actually if she's a good shot with the .223 and it will stabilize a heavy bullet the Winchester 64gr. flatbased holds together and penetrates deep.

Likewise, if you handload a slower 85gr standard construction bullet it will work like a dream even up close.

Most who scoff at smaller calibers have yet to use or test them.

If she can shoot an 85gr at 2500fps she'll be taking pictures with her first if you can put one in front of her.

The cartridge in question is not a 243 Winchester. He is asking for bullet choices for a 6x47 which shouldn't have a large jump in recoil over the 223. I would try the 85gr. Nosler Partitions.

Nosler Partitions for the big boys.Sierras for the little guys.

Although I'd probably prefer the Partition, the reality is that all of them will work reasonably well, especially if she shoots deer broadside and behind the shoulder.

quote:

Originally posted by kjjm4:
Although I'd probably prefer the Partition, the reality is that all of them will work reasonably well, especially if she shoots deer broadside and behind the shoulder.

Finally, a practical and realistic response. All of the bullets you mention should do fine in a 6x47 for killing deer. I'd prefer any of them to a .30-30, for example. Since your velocity is not all that great, the "softer" bullets may give you better terminal performance. If you'll look at some of the old Sierra manuals you'll find illustrations of the 85 grainer in question which took mule deer. The performance of this bullet on deer-sized game is excellent, as would be that of most of the others. The Nosler Partition would do well since its nose is rather frangible, but its rear portion will act like an FMJ at those speeds, so it might or might not result in a deer hitting the ground as quickly as some others.

Don't let anyone B.S. you. Either the .223 with a heavier bullet or the 6x47 with a bullet in the 80-90 grain range will do the job. The 6x47 has a bit of an advantage, of course.

As to recoil, I have found that it is not so much the recoil from a round like those mentioned as it is the muzzle blast which intimidates young shooters. Although in actual hunting you will much prefer that she use a rest, have your daughter shoot a few rounds of 6x47 (with good ear protection) offhand at a relatively big, close target like a milk jug full of water at 30 steps. Shooting offhand, she will hardly notice the recoil at all, which means she will not be recoil-shy when shooting from a rest (where recoil is much more noticeable.)

I recommend sticking to his question on 6mm bullets. You cannot hunt big game with a 22 caliber in Colorado.

Barstooler

quote:

Originally posted by Barstooler:
I recommend sticking to his question on 6mm bullets. You cannot hunt big game with a 22 caliber in Colorado.

Barstooler

You are right about needing 6mm to hunt here but she is not hunting here as she is not legal age. she is going to hunt OK and as other mention 22 cal may be better.

If the .223 has a fast enough twist to handle 60-70 grain bullets, then there's no practical difference between the two; if the choice is between a .223 that can handle 55 grain bullets at the most, and the 6x47 with 85 grain bullets, I'd pick the 6x47 every time.

Try the CEB raptors--

http://site.cuttingedgebullets...s/available_calibers

look in the big bore thread for reports.

SSR

quote:

You are right about needing 6mm to hunt here but she is not hunting here as she is not legal age. she is going to hunt OK and as other mention 22 cal may be better.

If you choose to use the .223 instead of the 6x47, there are a number of good bullets to choose from. I load the old 60 grain Nosler Solid Base bullets for my grandson's .223 (his first three deer were one-shot kills). The 60 grain Nosler Partition is another choice, but the less expensive 60 grain Hornady Spire point has long held a reputation for good performance on deer-sized game. I've had mixed luck with the 64 grain Winchester SP as far as accuracy, but I loaded some for a friend's Rem 700 in which they shoot with gilt-edged accuracy, and they seem to do well on deer, also. Any of these bullets will shoot accurately in any twist of 1-14" or faster -- they don't need the corkscrew-stemwinding that the heavier specialty bullets do -- and besides, those heavy bullets are target bullets and may not act like you would like them to on game animals.

I personally have taken multiple deer with the following bullets with good results:

.224:

55gr Rem PSP
55gr Win
64gr Win Power Point
63gr Sierra

I have also used and witnessed quite a few deer shot with the 87gr Hornady Spire Point out to 400yrds. Its a really good bullet for deer size game, but can be a little destructive inside 150yrds when pushed in excess of 3300fps.

I realize you have asked about bullets, but if you don't mind some input from someone who has taken a few kids in that age range to get their first deer, go with the .223. Since you state she can tolerate the recoil I am under the impression she has already shot the rifle so she is a least a little familiar with it. Let her practice with it and get even more comfortable with it.

I've never seen an instance where a child, especially one her age, was not in an at least a somewhat controlled setting (ie: rest, accompanied by an adult, etc) on their first big game hunt so there is something of a "safety net" in place with regards to the shot.

I happen to know one fellow who took more than a dozen deer this past season with a .223 because it was the only rifle he had. At my suggestion he opted to use the Federal 62gr Fusion. He killed every deer he shot at and most didn't travel as far as his buddies kills with their 30-06, .270. 7mm Rem mags.

Not bad for a guys first hunting season.

quote:

Originally posted by Cross L:
Try the CEB raptors--

http://site.cuttingedgebullets...s/available_calibers

look in the big bore thread for reports.

SSR

Totally worthless to me, while we aren't hunting in Colorado this time she might use it here in the future. So any bullet less than 70 grains isn't an option. When they first started talking about this bullet I begged for them to make it at least 70 grains, but my plea fell on deaf ears.

quote:

Originally posted by Stonecreek
As to recoil, I have found that it is not so much the recoil from a round like those mentioned as it is the muzzle blast which intimidates young shooters. Although in actual hunting you will much prefer that she use a rest, have your daughter shoot a few rounds of 6x47 (with good ear protection) offhand at a relatively big, close target like a milk jug full of water at 30 steps. Shooting offhand, she will hardly notice the recoil at all, which means she will not be recoil-shy when shooting from a rest (where recoil is much more noticeable.)

I can work on the recoil issue, when we started she wasd to death of the rifle. I loaded her up reducedloads and she worked up very quickly to full loads with 55 grain bullets. I'm sure I can do the same when I find an accurate hunting load.

quote:

Originally posted by taylorce1:

quote:

Originally posted by Cross L:
Try the CEB raptors--

http://site.cuttingedgebullets...s/available_calibers

look in the big bore thread for reports.

SSR

Totally worthless to me, while we aren't hunting in Colorado this time she might use it here in the future. So any bullet less than 70 grains isn't an option. When they first started talking about this bullet I begged for them to make it at least 70 grains, but my plea fell on deaf ears.

taylorce1

I don't think you quite understand how the Raptors actually work. They are an odd bullet, and do not actually obey conventional rules. They have to be light for caliber to stabilize. I don' t have any 6mm anything, and don't shoot 6mm. But I have tested and worked with most of the rest of the small bore and big bore Raptors, and there is not a conventional bullet made that can compare with the terminal performance of even the "light for caliber" Raptors. In addition to just terminal performance, because of the bands pressures are lower, velocity higher with equal loads. A very small difference in weight makes a hell of a big difference in stability of the Raptors, the reason you think your words fell on deaf ears is because they absolutely have to be light for caliber, or they do not stabilize in many of the slower twists. Believe me when I tell you that a Raptor does not realize it's light for caliber, it still believes it is a big bullet, and it performs like one or actually better. I just finished setting up a couple of 223s for my girls, my wife, and my 9 year old daughter. I intend for them to be using the 50 gr Raptor that has already proven itself here on many deer size animals this past season by a couple of friends of mine. They will use it for the smaller antelope in Africa up to impala size, maybe even more. Deep penetration and extreme trauma being the key to how these actually work, and what they do is incredible.

Michael

Michael458
Taylorce's need for 70 grains in a .24 caliber is due to the fact that Colorado allows this as the minimum caliber and minimum bullet weight for hunting Deer, Bear and Antelope.
For Elk and Moose .24 caliber and 85 grains are the minimums.
Yes her first Deer hunt will be in Oklahome but she lives and will eventually hunt in Colorado.

By the way Taylorce my vote is for the Sierra bullet but you probably guessed that already!

All of my sons started deer hunting with a 6x47 using 85gr Speer BT's. Conditions were controlled (reasonable range, good rests, non-alerted animals, etc.) and the Speers worked fine.

Snellstrom

Ahhhhh, OK, thank you for that clarification, I had no idea concerning minimum caliber and weight. My apologies for my ignorance in the matter.

Michael

I have a 6 TCU on a mini MK X that has been used to shoot many, many deer for 9-12 yr olds. One load, H335 and an 80 grn rem bullet. Unless it hits a shoulder, it exits. The few I have recovered under the skin have been perfect mushrooms with no break-up at all even after hitting a shoulder or leg bone. I have a crap load of them, if you want to try a few, drop me a PM.

I do need at least a 70 grain bullet to be legal in CO. As impressive as those Raptors are they won't work for me long term. I asked CEB if they would come out 70 grain flat base hunting bullet if they couldn't make the Raptor in 70 grains. I knew there might be stability issues because of length required to get 70 grains.

I've used the 70 grain NBT in the past to take pronghorn at 300 yards and it worked fine. I'm just not going to let my daughter take that long of a shot and I'm getting nearly 3100 fps at the muzzle, so I'm worried about using them at close range. I'm just trying to give her the best chance at success.

Perosnally I use 70gr Nosler BT's over here in the UK even for Red Deer (about the same size as Elk) so I guess the 85gr ones would work well too

quote:

Originally posted by tom holland:

quote:

Originally posted by Barstooler:
I recommend sticking to his question on 6mm bullets. You cannot hunt big game with a 22 caliber in Colorado.

Barstooler

You are right about needing 6mm to hunt here but she is not hunting here as she is not legal age. she is going to hunt OK and as other mention 22 cal may be better.

Snellstrom
one of us

Posted 16 May 2012 06:48 Hide Post
Michael458
Taylorce's need for 70 grains in a .24 caliber is due to the fact that Colorado allows this as the minimum caliber and minimum bullet weight for hunting Deer, Bear and Antelope.
For Elk and Moose .24 caliber and 85 grains are the minimums.
Yes her first Deer hunt will be in Oklahome but she lives and will eventually hunt in Colorado.

By the way Taylorce my vote is for the Sierra bullet but you probably guessed that already!

taylorce1
one of us

Posted 17 May 2012 11:28 Hide Post
I do need at least a 70 grain bullet to be legal in CO. As impressive as those Raptors are they won't work for me long term. I asked CEB if they would come out 70 grain flat base hunting bullet if they couldn't make the Raptor in 70 grains. I knew there might be stability issues because of length required to get 70 grains.

Tom, I told you so! Besides taylorforce1 only lives a few blocks from me, and I know him.

TF1, I have a box of Sierra 80gr Spitzers(flat base) bullets I will donate to you if you want to give them a try.

Barstooler

I'm good on the bullets right now Barstooler, the 85 grain Sierras are shooting good enough to get the job done. Plus I've got a whole bunch of other 85 grain bullets to try and see if they shoot better. My daughter can always use her .223 this year and hopefully by the time she is 12, I can have her moved up to at least a .243 or .250 Savage by then.

if you find a bullet with a 6s ogive or round nose.
the weight will be less of an issue.
the 6-s nose is how i fool my 223 with a 12 twist bbl into shooting 62 gr bullets.
it formerly wouldn't shoot anything more than 53 grs with any accuracy.

Sounds like there might be some pressure to get a doe in front of her with all this load development!

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:
Sounds like there might be some pressure to get a doe in front of her with all this load development!

I'll make sure she shoots well, I'll leave getting her infront of a deer to you.

I'd second the 85 grain Partitions, I've used them for antelope they worked like a champ out of my 243.

The laws do not leave room for common sense, individual skill, liberty or latest technology. I don't think any game wardens would pull your bullet and weigh it but better be safe than have the book thrown at you even if you killed the deer quicker than a piece of crap 10 cent bullet of legal weight.

quote:

Originally posted by boom stick:
The laws do not leave room for common sense, individual skill, liberty or latest technology. I don't think any game wardens would pull your bullet and weigh it but better be safe than have the book thrown at you even if you killed the deer quicker than a piece of crap 10 cent bullet of legal weight.

Yeah it doesn't make sense,but I guarantee you if a Warden reads the .222 RM headstamp he'll pull one. More than likely I'll be taken into custody until things could be checked out. That is why I've been looking for proper headstamped brass but it has been hard to come by. I've only hunted private property as well when I've used it on pronghorn, less chance of a GW stopping me. Then there is the number one reason, setting the right example for my daughter.

100 grain Sierra is what i use.