Got a 6X47 that I built on a .223 Stevens 200 rifle. I can stabalize bullets up to 80 grains with no problem. But is there any good hunting bullets out there that weigh less than 80 grains?

I'm planning a pig hunt end of May, and would like to use this rifle. Doing the math I can get a little better than 3000 fps with a 70 grain and a little over 1000 ft-lbs of energy at 100 yards. Just can't find a good bullet less than 80 grains.

taylorce,

Barnes makes their TTSX in 80 grains and their TSX in 85 grains.

Another option would be the Rhino bullets in 75 or 85 gr. You can find them here.

I don't know of any other premium hunting bullets out there below 80 grains.

Here are a couple more options if you can move up the weight scale for premiums:

85 gr Nosler Partition
90 gr Swift Scirroco II
90 gr Lapua Naturalis

A final option might be the Sierra 85gr GameKing if looking at non-bonded bullets.

Hope this helps!

P.S. Your daughter's pink gun case is in transit!

graybird,

Doesn't have to be a premium bonded bullet, just wanting something that isn't listed as a Varmint bullet. This round isn't a screamer, and I haven't worked with bullets heavier than 80 grains to know if I can stabalize them. I've looked at the TTSX, but don't think they will work any better than my Win PSP bullets at the velocities I'm getting.

I was just looking for something with a thicker jacket. I was hoping Hornady 70 grain SP would fit the bill but they list it as having explosive expansion. When I went looking for lighter hunting bullets the only one I found was the GS Customs 62 grain HV bullets. I just didn't want to go under 70 grains as if this rifle performs like I think it will, I might try pronghorn with it this fall.

Can't thank you enough for the gun case BTW.

I have a 6x45 and have also searched for lighter hunting bullets.
I use a South African bullet called Capstan in 70 gr, but have had great success with 85gr Partitions.
Barnes has a 75gr X bullet but there is not much else out there. Possibly Speer's 80gr.
Incidentally, the 6x45 has gained its reputation in South Africa with the 85 to 110gr bullets for hunting.

I've just got to have some things come together to get this rifle to work for hunting. While it isn't what I'd call a big game performer I think it will work great on pronghorn here in Colorado. However to be legal I need to shoot at least a 70 grain bullet with 1000 ft-lbs of energy to be legal. To get everything to come together I need a 80 grain bullet with at least a MV of 2900 fps or a 70 with a MV of 3000 fps. Getting the 70 grain bullet to 3K looks easier right now. All the 80 grain bullets I've tried shooting will not even group at the powder charges near max.

quote:

85 gr Nosler Partition

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Sierra 85gr GameKing

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Possibly Speer's 80 gr.

I know you're asking for a lighter bullet for game but other than the monometals I'm not aware of any. I've used all noted above in 85 grains (Speer 85 gr. SPBT's, vice 80 grainers). They can/may/could be (?) easier to get a load worked up quickly than a Barnes, Impala, Rhino, Jaguar or GS.

My choice to try initially would be in the order they're listed, too; Nosler Partition, Sierra SPBT/HPBT or the Speer.

At the speeds the 6 X 45 shoots, one might want to reconsider what he calls a "hunting" bullet.

I my 6 X 45 I shoot the Hornady 70 grain SX.....yes...SX.....and have killed several deer easily with it.

At .243 or 6mm Rem speeds this would be considered by most as a varmint bullet.....

I'm sold on the 70 grainers for my 6 X 45

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:
At the speeds the 6 X 45 shoots, one might want to reconsider what he calls a "hunting" bullet.

I my 6 X 45 I shoot the Hornady 70 grain SX.....yes...SX.....and have killed several deer easily with it.

I'm sold on the 70 grainers for my 6 X 45

I've been thinking that as well, but hadn't found anyone with experience. I've been looking for 70 grainers but can't find any Hornady SP and was worried by there description of explosve expansion. I just realize that I can't push these as fast as the .243 Win or 6mm Rem.

You might want to try the 75 gr Rhino's.

Also, didn't Hornady come out with a 80 or 85 gr GMX bullet? I don't think they have a Interlock or A-max that goes that low. I don't remember.

I think the problem you're running into and have already found out is when you get to those lighter bullets, they tend to become target or varmint bullets, with all your hunting bullets being in the heavier weights.

On the other hand, I've got some 80 gr TTSX on my bench you can use a few, if you want to sling a few down range to see what you can get out of them. I wouldn't buy a box just to test. Just let me know.

Not only does one want to keep the bullets somewhat light...he also wants them to be short.....

Those .223 magazines don't offer a lot of space.

That was another reason for the Hornady 70 grain bullet...it's a bit snubby.

How about the Sierra 70 grain Match King? Is the jacket thin on those as well? What velocities are you getting with the 6-45 or the 6-47? DW

quote:

What velocities are you getting with the 6-45

about 2,800 FPS from the 20" barrel

I know it may not have the glamor of some of the others mentioned, but Remington made an 80gr JSP.

Being the cup and core type it might be short enough to work with your twist. If I am reading into your post about the heavier bullets seems the heavier ones might not be stabilizing properly. With the Rem's they are at least cheap enough to try out.

quote:

Originally posted by dwheels:
How about the Sierra 70 grain Match King? Is the jacket thin on those as well? What velocities are you getting with the 6-45 or the 6-47? DW

I know I'm not close to top velocities with my rifle yet. With 55 grain bullets it likes the middle of the road loads, and with the 80 grain bullets I've tried it likes the begining loads. I haven't ran them across a chrony yet, but plan to on the next outing. Along with some 70 grain NBT's I picked up last night at Sportsmans Warehouse.

I've only used H322 so far but have picked up some H335 and BLC-2 to try and find some loads it might like a little better. Wolfe publishing shows some data on the 6x47 getting better than 3200 fps out of a 20" barrel with 65 grain bullets. I've let my subscription expire so I can't pull up the charges.

quote:

I've let my subscription expire so I can't pull up the charges.

Hodgdon website has loads for both the 6 X 45 and the 6 X 47

quote:

Hodgdon website has loads for both the 6 X 45 and the 6 X 47

That is where I'm getting most of my data, however the loads at Wolfe are using RL-7 for the top speeds. I couldn't find any RL-7 last night or I'd have tried working some loads up myself using it.

Graybird, I'll hold off on the 80 grain TTSX bullets. I orderd some of the Rhino's to try. We will see how they do as well as the other stuff I got first before I go and get some Barnes.

I use the 80 grn Speer Hot Core (now replaced by Speer with something new, I understand). They have been excelent on Red deer and Fallow. Mainly pass-throughs out to 250 yards. Going a lot quicker than the 6/47 though; 243, 3270fps. Can't think of any reason why they won't work at a slightly lower velocity though.

You might also consider the Sierra 80 gr SPT Single Shot Pistol bullet. They list it as a Pro Hunter type bullet, it should be accurate and hold together reasonably well at the velocities you are talking about. Too bad Nosler doesn't make their old Solid Base 75 gr Spitzer any more. It would have been perfect for what you are looking for.
Sierra 80 gr Prohunter Single Shot Pistol

The more I shoot this rifle the more I love it. I shot some three shot groups with it yesterday and din't have a single group that I couldn't hunt with. I'm running short on brass hence the three round groups, but I have three new loads to try that all grouped well under 1" and one that was better than .5" when I subtract the bullet diameter.

I was running 70 grain NBT's H322 and CCI 450 and BR4 primers. Now I'll go back and duplicate the load and try my hand at a few five shot groups to see if the accuracy is really there. This little rifle sure shoots better than I do.

My former TC Bullberry 6mm TCU (223 improved) shot about 3,000 w/85 BTHP and 3200 w/70 TNTs.

I always wanted to pop a deer w/70 Sierra Match HP, think they are no longer mfg. But did kill 2 w/70 TNTs, one neck shot from a 20" 243 RSI No.1, 3400 MV at about 40 yds. The other, lung shot at 200 yds, ran about 60 yds and fell over, WRECKED the lungs......nasty Internal damage

Vapo correct, I was shocked putting a TNT thru my TCU and it sailed thru a hardwood sapling about 5-6".....well, it punched a hole!

The former 75 x bullet would be nice, I assume you have a 14 twist? I had an 12" twist TCU. Would do an 8 or 10 if again in the future.

I do know someone who flattened antelope way yonder w/70 B Tip.....as in 400-500 yds, using 243 in about a 19-20" custom bbl 788, take off match bbl, 14 twist, did fine. Read another report of a SWAT sniper, using a ltd. run of 700 VS in 243 on WT Deer, just put them thru the head/neck.....again 70 BTs.

Shot placement can really overcome shortcomings in bullets, but when you pick the best bullets for the job, AND place your shot thru vitals, your success is practically guaranteed.....

The 'mini' sixes are loads of fun Why I built my TCU and many BRs....

OH, FWIW, Sam Fadala used an 80 gr Speer IIRC, in his 6/222 Sako at 3,000 on Mule deer/lopes, about a 22" bbl, likely 14 twist but not sure. It's a flat base and may just work in a 14. The 12 will do up to 85/87 BTs for hunting accuracy.

quote:

Originally posted by 6.5BR:
My former TC Bullberry 6mm TCU (223 improved) shot about 3,000 w/85 BTHP and 3200 w/70 TNTs.

What barrel length and powders were you running? I went with a 12 twist 20" for my barrel. I thought I might want to run 80+ grain bullets that is why I went with a 12 twist. But I'm running out of magazine when I go any heavier or I run out of powder room. Just never intened this to be a single shot.

Seems I used H335 ALOT, and some 2015BR.

21" tube, 12 twist

Wonder if an 87 Hornady SP/HP would do? I would use them on deer in a second, it's flat based, might squeeze in.

quote:

Seems I used H335 ALOT

Good powder....I use BL-C(2) mostly.

I made the mistake of using a 1-14" twist....and it's OK for the short 70 bullet but in retrospect, I'd opt for the 1-12" barrel next time.

taylorce, Remind me to look up the data for my 6x47's using 70 grain Sierra BK and 85 rain Sierra HP GAMEKINGS. I would bet on the 85 grain Sierras being the ticket you are looking for. GHD ........send me a PM so I don't forget!!

GHD I'll send you a PM.

I'm using H335, H322, H4198, and BLC2 right now for my test powders. RL7, W748 and Norma 200 might be good options as well from some of the data I'm finding. Been thinking I might try some Ramshot X-Terminator as well.

Thanks guys, for all the info and the help.

Got to run my 6x47 across a chrony today! Made all them magic numbers was able to get a 70 grain bullet to run 3066 average for five rounds into an 1.5" group at 100. Should be good enough to do some pig hunting.

This rifle has been a joy to shoot! I'm seriously thinking of making another rifle with a little bit longer barrel and a faster twist. I've been looking at the magazine and think I can open it up some and give me more room to use longer bullets.

Here is the load I'll be using to hunt pigs. The flyer on the left is my slowest shot across the chrony, but it was the idiot behind the trigger that put it there. 26.5 gr H332, CCI 450 primer, 70 gr Nosler BT:


This load was just starting to show pressure signs but was by far my most accurate group with the Sierra bullets. My primer was starting to flatten and crater, no extraction problems. 27.1 gr H322, CCI 450 primer, 70 gr Sierra BK:

Those are some good groups!

Barstooler

Barstooler, he didn't mention the howling wind we were shooting in either did he!!

Taylorce, I like that little program you have there. Kinda takes the guess work out of where center is and getting an accurate measurement on the group.

Can you explain what some of the measurements are? I would assume that CTC = Center to Center, Max is the Max size of group, Off H:=horizontal distance off and V = vertical distance off with respect to the center of the group or where your + is located.

I'm still working on my scope problems. Looks like I might need to go with the shim instead of the Burris rings. I need a set of extended rings for my front for scope clearance.

Good luck on the piggies!!!

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:
Barstooler, he didn't mention the howling wind we were shooting in either did he!!

Taylorce, I like that little program you have there. Kinda takes the guess work out of where center is and getting an accurate measurement on the group.

Barstooler is the one who sent me the program to play with in the first place. I'm still trying to figure it all out myself but it is fun to play with. Sometimes you have to set a refrence to make it read the group accurately but other than that it is pretty easy to use. Here is a good write up on explaining it 6mmbr.com and here is a On Target demo of the program.

I've got an all in one printer and I'm scanning all the targets I shoot with it. This way I catalog all my loads as well as the groups I've got with them for future refrence. I'm terrible about keeping my notes organized and this makes it a little easier for me.

May have been windy but you didn't have any problems blowing up those 20oz water bottles with my rifle! Here are some more groups I was able to get with the Sierra BK bullets.

6x47, 70gr Sierra BK, 25.5gr H322, CCI 450, 2.400" COAL


6x47, 70gr Sierra BK, 26gr H322, CCI 450, 2.400" COAL


6x47, 70gr Sierra BK, 26.5gr H322, CCI 450, 2.400" COAL

For just paper punching, you might want to try some of the excellent 68 gn bullets the centerfire benchrest shooters use. Many good ones available.
I used 748 in my 6x47 for good accuracy, competitive on the circuit.

Sweet little program! Thanks!!!

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:
Sweet little program! Thanks!!!

Have fun with it, I sure am. I whish it would allow more custom text than 32 characters or would allow me to put the velocity in somwhere where I could attach it to the target pics. Then I really would be in a hurry to get a chrony so I didn't have to borrow yours.

quote:

Originally posted by taylorce1:

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:
Sweet little program! Thanks!!!

Have fun with it, I sure am. I whish it would allow more custom text than 32 characters or would allow me to put the velocity in somwhere where I could attach it to the target pics. Then I really would be in a hurry to get a chrony so I didn't have to borrow yours.

Once you get your data, you could probably go into Photoshop and attach your velocity.

The chrony is always here, if you need it!

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:

quote:

Originally posted by taylorce1:

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:
Sweet little program! Thanks!!!

Have fun with it, I sure am. I whish it would allow more custom text than 32 characters or would allow me to put the velocity in somwhere where I could attach it to the target pics. Then I really would be in a hurry to get a chrony so I didn't have to borrow yours.

Once you get your data, you could probably go into Photoshop and attach your velocity.

The chrony is always here, if you need it!

Didn't think of that one!

quote:

Got a 6X47 that I built on a .223 Stevens 200 rifle. I can stabalize bullets up to 80 grains with no problem. But is there any good hunting bullets out there that weigh less than 80 grains?

I have been loading 80 grn rem corlok for a 6mm TCU for deer. 9 one shot kills with only 2 or 3 bullets recovered, and then only after breaking a shoulder. it's a fairly short bullet so should work fine. Barring that, I'd try to find some of the old 75 grn nosler zippidos. I think I have most of a box of them somewhere if you want to try them.

I just checked, the 80 grn rem, are actually shorter then the zipedo's ( proper spelling of zipedo this time)!

Back40, didn't they make SP and HP versions?

The HP shot much better for me, but they would not be my choice on shoulder shots on deer, neck and broadside lungs fine. Great on crows

quote:

Originally posted by theback40:

quote:

Got a 6X47 that I built on a .223 Stevens 200 rifle. I can stabalize bullets up to 80 grains with no problem. But is there any good hunting bullets out there that weigh less than 80 grains?

I have been loading 80 grn rem corlok for a 6mm TCU for deer. 9 one shot kills with only 2 or 3 bullets recovered, and then only after breaking a shoulder. it's a fairly short bullet so should work fine. Barring that, I'd try to find some of the old 75 grn nosler zippidos. I think I have most of a box of them somewhere if you want to try them.

Thanks for the offer but I'll pass. I'd hate to love a bullet I can't get anymore.

6.5BR, I think they did offer both, the ones I have are softpoints. I know of a couple guys with 244 rem who used them on deer, and thought they were great.
Give the 80 grn rem bullet a try, I dont think you'll be disapointed.

The standard hornady 70gr sp is not explosive. I shot at least 10 roe deer with it at max velocity out of a 6mm rem (chrono'd at 3,500fps) and they held together well.

I'm about to put together a 6ppc load with them and have no doubt they will work extremely well at 3,000fps.

Good luck