6 X 45, yes or no?

[SouthernCharm]

Well currently don’t have a small caliber to plink away out to couple hundred yards and the 6x45 has gained traction over the 223. Bucks the wind better, light recoil and able to hunt games with it if I so choose. Will mainly use it for target shooting, sage rats, and maybe antelope. I do reload so im open to other choices, however I’m liking the case (cheap), powder use, and small rifle primer ( was readily available over lg rifle primers and cost). Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Deere_Man]

6 x 45 is cool and all, but I don’t see much advantage over a 1:8 twist 223

But cool factor outweighs actual ballistics in several situations.

 

[HandgunHTR]

Lots of good info in this thread.

M

Thread '6x45'

Feb 13, 2024

For some reason this cartridge has intrigued me lately. Those of you that have one or played with one could you post up your thoughts and experience with it? I'm most interested in performance with bullets on the heavier end (87-108gr). Actions,mags, barrels and barrel length, velocities attainable, usable powders and reloading data, etc. Any info would be appreciated. Oh... and bolt gun info would be preferred, I'm located in Canada so we aren't allowed those scary black rifles lol. Thanks!

• Moose83
• Replies: 172
• Forum: Firearms

 

[SouthernCharm]

Lots of good info in this thread.

M

Thread '6x45'

Feb 13, 2024

For some reason this cartridge has intrigued me lately. Those of you that have one or played with one could you post up your thoughts and experience with it? I'm most interested in performance with bullets on the heavier end (87-108gr). Actions,mags, barrels and barrel length, velocities attainable, usable powders and reloading data, etc. Any info would be appreciated. Oh... and bolt gun info would be preferred, I'm located in Canada so we aren't allowed those scary black rifles lol. Thanks!

• Moose83
• Replies: 172
• Forum: Firearms

Thank you, my search missed that thread.

 

[Taudisio]

Big fan of the 6x45. I wish it was even more popular. It will do everything you described, with slightly longer barrel life than 5.56/223. Not much else to gain over the 5.56.

 

[30338]

If your state allows 22 centerfire for game, go fast twist 223 is the easy button. If like mine, it is .243 or larger, then the 6x45 makes a little sense. Mine is 7.5 twisted Hawk Hill barrel and shoots 75-95 grain bullets, all I have tried have been in that range, very well. Now thanks to the other thread, I am focusing on 87 vmax and they are shooting very well. Expect good on game performance also.

 

[SouthernCharm]

If your state allows 22 centerfire for game, go fast twist 223 is the easy button. If like mine, it is .243 or larger, then the 6x45 makes a little sense. Mine is 7.5 twisted Hawk Hill barrel and shoots 75-95 grain bullets, all I have tried have been in that range, very well. Now thanks to the other thread, I am focusing on 87 vmax and they are shooting very well. Expect good on game performance also.

Correct, state requires larger than 22 for big game. Like the idea of less powder than my 243. Thanks for the twist rate. Trying to figure out, get 223 shoot it a lot with factory ammo, change barrel to 6x45 in couple years or leap straight to the 6x45.

 

[HandgunHTR]

Correct, state requires larger than 22 for big game. Like the idea of less powder than my 243. Thanks for the twist rate. Trying to figure out, get 223 shoot it a lot with factory ammo, change barrel to 6x45 in couple years or leap straight to the 6x45.

Personally, I believe that is a "six in one hand, half a dozen in the other" situation. The performance between the two is nearly identical with the prevalence of the heavy bullets for the .223. I have a 7 twist 223 upper and an 8 twist 6X45 upper for one of my AR lowers. The .223 lower never comes out of the safe. I would say that it comes down to personal preference, however if your state doesn't allow .22 centerfires for big game, then just go with the 6X45.
A box of 87 grain V-Max bullets is $31. A box of 77 grain TMKs is $39. So, it would be a bit cheaper to feed the 6X45 as well.

 

[Deere_Man]

Correct, state requires larger than 22 for big game. Like the idea of less powder than my 243. Thanks for the twist rate. Trying to figure out, get 223 shoot it a lot with factory ammo, change barrel to 6x45 in couple years or leap straight to the 6x45.

I think I would jump right into a 6 x 45mm build now, or maybe even a 6 ARC.