Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Decision Time on a mid range build...6mmBR, .243, or .260

Well, I have a 6x45 (6mm223) and 308. I'm in the market for a new build for an in between caliber. 6mmBR looks impressive, but 243 looks versital and I can use my 243 70gr BTHP Match which I stocked up on.... 260 is third.. kinda just looking. Your thoughts are appreciated

6.5x47 Lapua

6/284 no close runner up. Why run your bullets so slow with the BR's and all?

What will you be using the rifle for?

Actually, I'm not looking for a barrel burner, it's mostly for the 500-700 yard target shooting. The nice thing about the 6mmBR is it such a s short cartridge that most of the powder burns up quick and there is not enough powder to cause excessive throat erosion. For the same velocity, it takes 30% less powder than the 243. The great thing about the 243, is that it's been around for a while and brass is available everywhere. Cost is a factor, my research shows the 6mmBR, though expensive in initial cost, one started, the brass can possibly last forever, thus this will keep cost down.

Check out www.6mmbr.com and read the articles on the 6.5x47 Lapua and 6-6.5x47, there are some interesting comparisons being drawn between it and the 6mmBR cartridge.

I've always thought that a 6mm Dasher would be fun.

I've got a 6BRX in the works. Might take a look at it...

I know its not a 700 yard target rifle, but why not a 257 Roberts. It seems to fit the void you have for a hunting rifle.

ddj

243 WSSM . . . . . .

6mm br on a Savage action. 1/8" twist 28" long varmint contour.

Had the same dilemma.I already have 2 6BR's, and a 243 AI and was asking the same question. I settled on another 243AI with 8 twist tube (the other is a 10 twist) so that I can shoot 105's. The fact that I already have brass & dies made the choice easier for me.........

6mm Crusader

6XC w/8 twist (6mm/250)

Factory XC brass or use 22/250

Great selection of dies..

37/H4350 w/107 SMK = 2925 fps

6BR for me ive got one and Love it...awesome little caliber

Yupper, 243 performance with 10 grains less powder and mucho better barrel life.

I've got 8 Dasher guns/barrels. I kinda like em'.

The most sensible choice for a number of reasons is the 6BR. It is very accurate. Barrel life is good. Performance is adequate. It is a standard chambering so no messing around with custom dies. Lapua brass in 6BR is good enough that it`s just a load and go proposition. Almost too easy.
The only downside is that typical loadings do run to sort of high pressures. You don`t drive 107`s to 2900 without pressure!
I would build an eight twist. It will still shoot 85`s and will handle the 107`s as well. If you want to shoot 70`s, use a 12 twist which will handle anything up to 85. Not that good for anything over 300M though. GD

My 26" Ruger #1, Pac-Nor 3 groove 8t bbl shot 2840-2850, non moly 28.5gr Varget, 105 amax....Lapua of course. No problems.

An 8 twist 6BR would be the ONLY gun I'd own if I were ltd. to one and reload. Paper, varmints to deer....will kill varmints about as far as you can hit them, 55s @3800 if you want, 70s, 3400+, 87s 3k, 105s 2800-2900.

I like the std. 6BR fine as is, and for deer, I will not hesitate to shoot one up to 400 yds if the wind is not bad and I know the range. Shot placement is a cinch in a rifle that will shoot sub .5 MOA all day every day. You can practice alot, cheaply, low recoil and blast and you will learn your rifle very well.

Anyone that took my advice and put the 308 down and tried the 6BR never looked back! SO much more enjoyable. Alot of 308 tactical guys went to 260s, another nice round for a Short action build.

Personally, my next build is leaning very strongly to the 6.5x47....just because. BBL life aside, the 6-6.5x47 lapua is a very nice round. Then some just do a custom in 243 with 8 twist, shoot all bullets and prepare to do a bbl set back or re barrel as needed.

Good luck, any of those small to mid size 6mm and 6.5s are great. If you want to be different and wildcat, a 250-3000 Ackley has alot going for it.....and then there's always a 25BR.....yes...25.

I shoot the 243 and it works great.. it is deadnuts accurate and the brass is all over.. plus you can size brass easy.. as for it's killing power.. I have had no problem with it up to black bear here in the states.. I am so good with it I am not afraid of shooting large animals such as elk.. the bullet goes where I want it.. shot placement kills...

Both my BR's shoot fabulous little groups using 68grn Bergers. They are 8 twist......