6mm Rem loads from these powders & bullets...

[lukester]

I have a Ruger M77 in 6mm Rem for which I’m going to being loading. My goal is to enjoy the hobby, and shoot ‘em at the range, at 100 & 200 yds. So, strictly for accuracy w/out concern for dropping ‘hogs, ‘dogs, or deer… If you were me, how would you start the process of trying to find the sweet spot for my gun, with these ingredients? What would be your guess at the best powder/bullet combination? Any input would be very much appreciated.

Here how the pantry is stocked so far:
Primers - Winchester & Magtech lg rfl
Brass - Remington & a few Win.
Powder – H4831, Varget, IMR4064 (& H4350 if a trade goes through or IMR4350 if not)
Bullets (about 15 of each, from bulletsamples.com)
- Sierra 60gr ballistic tip
- Sierra 70gr bt matchking
- Hornady 75gr v-max
- Nosler 80gr ballistic tip
- Sierra 85gr spt varminter
- Nosler 95gr ballistic tip
Manual(s) – Speers#14, Hodgdon data from their site

 

[NCsmitty]

lukester, welcome to THR.
The 6MM is an outstanding round, and likes the slower powders as a rule.
I can only suggest using the starting loads listed for each bullet weight, and see if your rifle has a liking for any of them, then work up with the ones that show promise for accuracy.
You have some good bullets and powders to work with, so take your time and be safe.
A load that works in someone's rifle may not work in yours, so be careful using recipes that others may give you.
Cross check information from one source to another and make an informed decision on starting loads.
Good luck.

NCsmitty

 

[Birdhunter1]

Try the Hornady 87 gr. Vmax as well, it has a very good BC and has shot great in 6 different 243 or 6mm rifles I have tried them in. Of the powders you listed I have had decent results with H4350 but I had better luck with IMR 4831 (I think) and VihtaVouhri N560 rocked em all.

 

[loadedround]

I've been working on a load for Ruger 1B in 6mm also and so far I've been getting fairly good groups with H335 and the 75 br Hornady V-max. So far I can put 3 shots into 5/8" at 100 yds. I believe my rifle has the potential to do better and I'm experimenting with OAL since it's a single shot. I'm also going to try the same bullet with Varget since I now have a 8lb keg of it. Who said Ruger rifles couldn't shoot.

 

[lukester]

Thanks for the input so far, guys. NCsmitty - thanks for the advice. My plan is definitely to begin w/ starting loads from one or more manuals. Just looking for a likely place to start, with 24+ possible combinations of powder & bullets.

 

[smokey262]

I would try these

Primer-whatever you want, just be consistent

Brass-Remington, because you have more of them

75gr V-Max and Varget

95gr BTip and H or IMR 4350

 

[~z]

I realize you were not asking for another powder but here goes...RL22.
I have tried a variety of powder/ bullet combos and MY RIFLE likes RL22 with about any decent bullet I feed it. Good luck, welcome aboard, and enjoy the 6mm.
~z

 

[lukester]

Thanks for all the input so far guys. As an update, my trade deal (primers for H4350) apparently isn't going to happen, so I went ahead and picked up some IMR4350.

Just fyi...
The "ballistic techs" on the phone at Sierra were awesome - gave me the load min/max for their bullets w/ my 4 powders.
Same thing for the guys at Nosler.
I have the Speers manual, but emailed them for their advice on which bullet weights might be my best bet. They, too, were great in responding. (and recommended, the 70 or 85gr weights...)
An email to Hornady was answered in less than 24 hours - pointing out that the info could be "found in their manual" (of course) but that he would email me a page from the manual.