Thread: Powder recommendation 6x45, 85gr bullets

Originally Posted by 243wssm

2750fps with an 85gn bullet from an 18" barrel is about the best you can get I think. You might get a tinch more with a suppressor. I guess the faster powder you can get is what you need.
I have a Sako AI 6x45 22" barrel, I get
58gn BT AR2206H 26.9gn 3180fps
70gn Blitzking AR2208 27.8gn 2980fps my current load, super accurate, 0.5" no problems; not using the 6x45 for deer now I have the 243WSSM
80gn Corelokt AR2206H 26.5gn 2863fps this load dropped reds like a 243
80gn Hornady AR2208 26.2gn 2820fps shot 300 of these, very very accurate. Pistol bullet v explosive, DRT on goats. no longer made :O(
80gn Rem HP AR2206H 26.4gn 2880fps these opened up too fast for my liking
87gn Hornady HPBT AR2206H 23.5gn 2504fps could go way hotter but gave up on the idea.
100gn Hornady RN AR2206H 23.0gn 2420 fps could go way hotter but gave up on the idea.

I have never found an inaccurate load for my 6x45, and all my different loads grouped close to each other. It is a unicorn calibre, a rarity. It is a mystery why no manufacturer has picked it up.

refer to the ADI online load data, Rifle - ADI World Class Powders and Ammunition I found the load data for AR2208 my searching '6x45 varget load data' etc AR2208 is slightly more accurate in my rifle over AR2206H by small margin. As I have plenty of both powders, and both give me accurate loads, I have looked no further.

If you want your bullet to exit your deer and leave a blood trail, I have one solid recommendation - 80gn TTSX. I use it in the 243WSSM and if I was going after deer with the 6x45 or a 243 that's the only bullet I'd now use. Expensive but so much better than any other if you want an exit wound, with the possible exception of a partition bullet which haven't tried. 80gn bullets are the best weight for the calibre in my opinion.

Hey @243wssm thanks for the data. I think you’re right regarding the velocity. Been going through some predictions with guys on another thread, and next thing to explore with the rifle is going slower. More realistic pressure and greater accuracy (hopefully)

My first 6x45 was like you described, could fill the magazine with mismatched loads/bullets and slot them into a 1” circle easy. Just not finding that with this short barrelled one.
I’m contemplating a move to a bigger case (eg 243) because there’s no point carrying an accurate cartridge without sufficient power