Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Building a 6mm/223 aka 6x45mm on the cheap

I have a Zastava mini-mauser in .223 Rem which I’d briefly contemplated doing this with but the Mag box would WAY be too short. It JUST fits 55 GR FMJs seated to the cannelure.

Seems like a 6-223 with 70 & 90 GR NBTs would be cats @$$ for vermin & deer.

I’d think a Howa 1500 in .223 would be a good place to start for one on the cheap. A Kimber 84M would be da bomb...

I’m planning one on a 700 clone. Preferred Barrel remage 8” twist. 18”-20” sporter.

Sako L-461 and A1 donors would preclude an inexpensive build and be confined on mag length.

Yes, same Savage 10 centerfeed action sans Accutrigger.

The 85gr SGK is DEADLY. 4 of the does below fell to that combo one day on a doe cull trip. Farthest was about 260 yards. None of them went more than 20 yards with a single shot into the boiler.

I didn’t know about McGowens when I ordered. Cheap was a focus on this build, so the more expensive barrels were out of the question. I have since learned of the McGowens, and they seem to be REALLY accurate. 10 or so years ago, they were about the same cost as Shaws.

My gun shoots consistently about MOA. With that said, my load “work up” was comprised of one bullet and one powder. It has been working ever since...

I definitely don't want a heavy barrel rifle. Plus a 243 you're talking 10 to 15 grains more powder. And I have an irrational hatred of the 243 Winchester.

I looked last night at Savage Prefits - SS, 20”, 1:8 twist, 11 degree crown, no muzzle threading or flutes:

ER Shaw - $290
McGowen - $330

Price was the same for lengths from 19-26”, other twist rates, and different crown options.

Some more 6x45 victims...

L-R

222 1-12" twist Benchmark barrel , Mcmillian Stock Sako AI action

6x45 1-8" twist Benchmark barrel Banser Stock Sako AI action

6x45 1-12" twist Shilen barrel Custom Sako L461 Action


[img]https://i.imgur.com/uZbKnO4.jpg?1[/img]

Both 6x45 shoot really well with 58gr and 85gr bullets

F

Yes, did the barrel swap myself. Basically used this method:
https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/change-rifle-barrels-in-minutes/100434

Made some vise "jaws" out of wood to hold the barrel, used some kind of white powder in the wood jaws to help "grab" the barrel (but I can't remember what for the life of me,) and removed the ejector plunger.

I cheaped out and bought only the barrel nut wrench and go-gauge. Twisted the factory barrel off, screwed the new one down on the go-gauge. Backed it off slightly and locked the nut down. It made for a "tight" chamber, but that is okay with me - I don't shoot factory ammo.

If you will pay shipping both ways, you are welcome to borrow my go-gauge if I still have it.

If y'all are building these on regular bolt gun platforms and not ARs why not build the 6x47 instead? It uses the .222 Remington Magnum case instead of the .223. It'll give you another 100 or so FPS. It's too long for the AR 15 action but it'll work well in a regular short action bolt gun. I know what you will say, brass! Yes .223 brass is much more plentiful and easier to come by. But you can get brass for it. I look at brass as an occasional purchase and .222 Mag. brass ain't gonna break the bank. And it gives you a longer neck which will aid in accuracy. Also, it's the same brass the .204 Ruger is made from. ,

Try it, you might like it.

Since you are looking for an inexpensive route how about a single shot? I bet rechambering or rebarreling an H&R Handi Rifle would not cost to much. A conversion based on a Ruger NO.1 or a Browning Low Wall would cost a lot more but would certainly be interesting.