Beginner question: 6x45mm and .243 Win

[tgcourses]

This is probably a dumb question, but as both a new shooter and the only girl shooter I know, it's been hard finding good advice. I'm thinking about expanding my shooting to other calibers and cartridges and also thinking about trying my hand at reloading.

From what I've read both the 6x45mm and .243 Winchester both take a .243 diameter bullet; but is it the same bullet for both cartridges? Or are there different 243 bullets out there for different cartridges? [Told you it was a dumb question! ]

The reason I ask is that if they both take the same bullet then I might experiment with both since I already shoot 5.56 and .308.

Thanks!

 

[hoghunting]

Yes they will both use the .243 bullets, but those bullets will have a weight range from around 55 grains to 100 grains or more. You learn by asking, so don't hesitate to ask.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[tgcourses]

Thank you so much!

 

[Andrew Leigh]

As a matter of interest a friend who has a .243 downloads to 6X45 for his daughter. So you may consider a .243 and you can play with it.

 

[tgcourses]

Thank you, Andrew.

 

[GP100man]

I see the 6x45 benefiting on the liter bullets , maybe up to 80-85 grs., the 243 for the heavier & the faster ya push the heavies the better accuracy you`ll see !

In my 243win I have found IMR4895 to cover most needs , from youth loads up.
No exp. with 6x45, is`nt that a 223 case necked to 6mm ???

I also play with cast boolits in the 243 , while it`s been a daunting task I have gotten to 1700fps with 2moa of accuracy!

GP

 

[cfullgraf]

From what I've read both the 6x45mm and .243 Winchester both take a .243 diameter bullet; but is it the same bullet for both cartridges? Or are there different 243 bullets out there for different cartridges? [Told you it was a dumb question! ]

Welcome to the forum and the only dumb question is the one not asked.

Your question has been well answered and to add, the shooting community/industry has not done well in naming cartridges to avoid confusion. The Europeans do a little better job but their system is not in common use on this side of the pond.

Generally, for a particular caliber, there is one diameter bullet but not always. For example, for 22 caliber, there are .223", .224, and .227" diameter bullets. The .224" diameter is the most common. 30 caliber is similar with .308" and .311".

Since you are interested in reloading, you will be investing in a reloading manual or two or three or... and the cartridge designations and appropriate bullet diameters will be included. Many of the hard bound book manuals have nice information on the history and use of each cartridge in the book. Nice, light reading.

There are also books that discuss only the various cartridges, not so much reloading data but history and/or dimensions. "Too much information" for some but a nice library additions for others.

Hope this helps.

 

[tgcourses]

Thanks everybody! I'm going to commandeer a nice little (unused for years) .243 bolt action rifle from a family member and find a new barrel for my AR. This seems like a good way to go.

 

[RainDodger]

I keep my .243 just because it's so sweet to shoot, and versatile. It will handle many different bullet weights and it's awesomely accurate, especially when you work up a good hand load. I don't think you can go wrong with a .243.

As an aside, I generally use IMR-4064 powder with excellent results.

 

[243winxb]

Bullets should be matched to the barrels twist rate. Berger Bullets website lists them. Sierra lists for heavy for caliber bullets. This bullet requires a 1x7" to 1x8" twist barrel.
6mm .243 Caliber (.243) 107 gr. HPBT Match and

6mm .243 caliber (.243) 95 gr. HPBT Match


Please Note!! This bullet requires a 9" twist barrel.

RPM of the bullet makes a difference

 

[gamestalker]

I just love loading for the .243, and I load for a bunch of different actions chambered for this jewel of a cartridge. .243 and .270 are probably my two most favorites to load for, and the easiest to attain good results with.

Always feel comfortable asking for advice here at THR. That said, welcome to THR, we'll be looking forward to hearing about your results, so please update us.

GS

 

[FROGO207]

First off --welcome to the forum.
You almost can't go wrong with a 243 if you use published data and the correct weight bullet for the twist you have. Most of my accurate loads (3 rifles) are at the lower half of the published data or closer to the start loads. Also there are many propellants that will give outstanding results as well. I like 3031 and either of the 4895 propellants for what I shoot in my 243. 3031 is best for the 90-100 grain jacketed bullets in my rifles IMHO.

 

[rc109a]

I have both the 243 in Remington 700 and a 6X45 AR. I use 100g SBT in both with great results. The 243 uses Varget while the 6X45 used H4895. I also reload 85g SBT in the 6X45 since I had 500 laying around...

 

[J_McLeod]

Welcome to the forum and reloading. I was a newbie here a few years ago, and I've loaded thousands of rounds using a Lyman #49 manual, Hodgdon online data and the advice given by many here without blowing up a single gun.

I've just started to load for .243 and I'm excited about it. There's a very wide range of bullets and powders you can use with it, which make it fun. It's also very practical because unlike .223 and .308 there's not really a good source of cheap ammo, and you load match grade stuff for half the price. Another great thing about it these days is that because .243 is a little over bored it uses some of the faster magnum powders. I haven't seen these go out of stock lately, so it's one of the few calibers you can keep shooting when there's a run on powder.

 

[splattergun]

Welcome to the forum and to the fascination. It's a thing which we all love to share our knowledge and opinions. (unlike my Algebra teacher, who was fond of saying "the only stupid question is the one you're about to ask, Mr. V.", while looking directly at me. no wonder I'm a math phobe).
Be sure you study the stickies at the top of this forum to learn the basics of getting started. 243 is a fun cartridge to work/play with. Lots of potential for accuracy and precision.