Best .243/6mm-based Cartridge?

[jkpq45]

Hello All,

Looking for a .243/6mm cartridge which has reasonably long barrel life (2000 rounds?) while also getting decent performance from light- and mid-weight bullets (50-60 grainers at 3700+ FPS and 100 grainers at 2700+ FPS).

Possible Candidates:

1. Leave as 243 Win
2. 243AI
3. 6mm-06
4. 6x54R (this would be on a Mosin, not the single-shot break that the other cartridges would go on)
5. 6mm WSSM
6. 240 Gibbs (AWESOME!)

The barrel's been donated from an old Browning BRR--currently chambered in 243 Winchester. Should I change cartridges (the WSSM is calling....) or just leave it alone?

THANKS!
jkpq45

 

[Craigman]

Stick with the .243WIN components and data are cheap and plentful and it will satisfy your criteria no problem. 6mm Rem is another option too but you may need more than a barrel.

 

[cag215]

Leave as is.....shoot it first you might like it.

 

[jim243]

I am partial to the plain old 243 Winchester. I use 65 grain, 85 grain, 95 grain and 105 grain bullets for it and it serves me well.

Just my 2 cents.
Jim

 

[Sam1911]

Check out taliv's new competition rifle in 6 Super LR

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=673777

All the benefits of the .243, but with a sharper shoulder and long neck.

 

[WoodchuckAssassin]

Holy Hell that's a cool lookin' rifle! I've never wanted to be a SouthPaw so bad. Haha.

I don't think you can go wrong with any any 6mm cartridge. They shoot flat, and they're capable of killing everything from squirrels to bear. If you don't reload, it's tough to beat the good ol' .243 as far as availability and cost, but as another highroad member once told me - "The 6mm is everything the .243 wants to be when it grows up." All things considered, find a rifle you like in any of these calibers, and you'll be happy. Personally, .243 wins.

 

[FiveInADime]

There's just not that much difference between 6mm Rem./.243 Win/ .243AI. If you're going to have a new barrel chambered might as well get it in .243AI. You won't need to change reloading components if you already load for .243 Win.

 

[7.62 Nato]

If you're more interested in the 6mm bullet, than the 243 case I suggest checking out the 6x45. 223/5.56 necked up to 6mm. In an AR it's just a barrel change. The brass is easily reformed from 223/5.56. Fits standard mag COAL.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Well, I'm about to build (ok, have built) a 28" 6mm-06AI, but my velocity goals are much higher (90 gr. @ 3,700-3,800 FPS). For your purposes, the standard .243 case should be fine. I prefer the 6mm Rem. for it's long neck and ~100 FPS advantage over the .243, but there's no denying that 6mm is a more expensive route, even for the handloader.

 

[beatledog7]

Leave it .243 Winchester. Those velocities are easily achievable.

 

[kelbro]

I like my 243 but the 243AI has that little extra. Same with 223 and 223AI. Not big differences in performance but the brass lasts longer. Have to add that the AIs do not always feed as well as the parent cartridge.

 

[HOWARD J]

I have a Savage edge in 243 win
I use Prvi-Partizan cartridges either loaded or for reloading.
They come out of the chamber as clean as they go in--this gives me many reloadings with these cartridges.