Thread: Tikka 6x45 / 6mm-223

Originally Posted by Bagheera

@Philipo sorry about the spelling.

Can people tell me whats the difference betweeen .223 and 6mm ? ( .04 mm I know)
Is it heavier bullet weights are easier to find ? Or shorter for COAL ?
On better barrel twists available ?
Or just opening up the calibre gives a smidgeonmore kinetic energy ?

@Bagheera here are my observations having owned both a 6x45 and .223.

The 6x45 made heaps of sense when .223s were twisted 1-12 as standard. These days a 1-8” .223 will eclipse a 6x45. Example:

My .223 20” barrel launches an 80gr ELD-M at 2750fps. I accept 1800fps impact velocity as absolute minimum (2000 better) and that gets me out to 585yds. Further than I shoot at deer.
The 85gr Sierra out of the 6x45 at 2850fps (shown in this thread) will reach 1800fps at 370yds. Totally agree that is far enough, however the wind drift is DOUBLE of the ELD-M at that range. That gives the real opportunity for a miss or wounding.

Don’t want to get into an ethical debate here, but what I’m saying is the .223 is slicker and will give you less drift and better hits. Energy is irrelevant.

Don’t get me wrong, the 6x45 is cool, and I have mates that use and love them. I just chose the efficient route now that the .223 is geared up for tight twist.