6x45

[longrangelead]

Any downside to using a SB die for a bolt action?

I haven't had any SB caused issues. I typically loose brass to other reasons like primer pockets or split necks before sizing the base .002" more than a regular die.

 

[Taudisio]

I just made a random dummy round and I’ll probably be ordering a PBB barrel on Monday. I now have 2,500 95gr TMKs and it looks like it’ll be a good combo. Anyone have any velocity numbers with these out of a 20” barrel?
View attachment 959102

I would guess 2750 should be attainable based on the velocity I saw with my 16”. I also have 1500 on my bench and I need to find an accurate load. I have a junior hunter I’m taking out for deer the next few weekends. After the season, I’ll find a load and post my findings.

If you have the option (a bolt action), I would throat the barrel/load them out farther than I can with an AR magazine/lower.

 

[Deadspace]

I would guess 2750 should be attainable based on the velocity I saw with my 16”. I also have 1500 on my bench and I need to find an accurate load. I have a junior hunter I’m taking out for deer the next few weekends. After the season, I’ll find a load and post my findings.

If you have the option (a bolt action), I would throat the barrel/load them out farther than I can with an AR magazine/lower.

It’ll be for my tikka. That round is 2.53 long and fits perfectly in the water 2.6 OAL mag.

@longrangelead did you ever AI the 6x45?

 

[Taudisio]

It’ll be for my tikka. That round is 2.53 long and fits perfectly in the water 2.6 OAL mag.

@longrangelead did you ever AI the 6x45?

I wouldn’t put 2800-2825 out of the picture then. I stopped when the powder got crunchier that I felt comfortable loading. If I had more room…. Let us know how it goes!

 

[Deadspace]

I wouldn’t put 2800-2825 out of the picture then. I stopped when the powder got crunchier that I felt comfortable loading. If I had more room…. Let us know how it goes!

I’m liking those numbers. I have 4895 and 8208 on hand so I’ll be testing those out first with lapua brass and 205MAR primers.

 

[Taudisio]

I’m liking those numbers. I have 4895 and 8208 on hand so I’ll be testing those out first with lapua brass and 205MAR primers.

I haven’t played with those two powders in it yet (8208 is on my bench), I got my numbers from lc brass, #41 primers, and h335.

 

[KyleR1985]

I just made a random dummy round and I’ll probably be ordering a PBB barrel on Monday. I now have 2,500 95gr TMKs and it looks like it’ll be a good combo. Anyone have any velocity numbers with these out of a 20” barrel?
View attachment 959102

6x45 handi rifle, 19” barrel:

LC brass, cci41, 24gr 8208xbr, 95TMK, 2.5” OAL, 2630fps

Barrel only has 20 rounds or so fired.

It’s a satern 6x45 stubbed into a handi, with a fresh chamber from PTG 6x45 reamer.

I haven’t spent a ton of time with it yet, extractor wasn’t extracting or I’ve got a sticky chamber. Moving so I haven’t had time to diagnose. Was only able to fire a few rounds at range before moving to different gun.

I expect to be pushing 2700 with lever

 

[longrangelead]

It’ll be for my tikka. That round is 2.53 long and fits perfectly in the water 2.6 OAL mag.

@longrangelead did you ever AI the 6x45?

I did a AI in a 20" AR. I've only fire formed 100 cases and haven't got back to it yet.

 

[KyleR1985]

I just made a random dummy round and I’ll probably be ordering a PBB barrel on Monday. I now have 2,500 95gr TMKs and it looks like it’ll be a good combo. Anyone have any velocity numbers with these out of a 20” barrel?
View attachment 959102

M

Thread 'Does anyone use TAC in their 6x45?'

Jan 12, 2025

I have a 20" bolt gun that I'm working up a load for. I'm using Berger 87gr VLD-H, as this will be a hunting rifle. I tried H335 but velocities were lackluster (2,507 at max load).

I'm an experimenting with TAC in my 6.5 Grendel and my .223, and it seems like a natural fit for the 6x45. However, Berger nor Hodgdon have data on that powder in that caliber.

I have found a handful of pet loads from individuals, but I'd like to ask this community. Where is your starting point, and where did you stop? Velocities you got? Accuracy?

Those that respond minds well include their rifle/hand load...

• Megastink
• Replies: 22
• Forum: Reloading

@83cj-7

 

[83cj-7]

Sorry, I’ve never used the 95. I’m just stuck on what works. Sierra makes very accurate bullets, but in my experience they all seem “hard”. With the lower velocity from a 6x45, I’d be worried about not getting good expansion. Will it kill, yes of course, as well as softer bullets, no.

 

[83cj-7]

Since we are on the subject. Here are my two current 6x45s. Kinda opposite ends of the spectrum.

PBB Carbon 18”, Definace Ti, Hawkins Hunter. Weighs 7.5lbs as you see it!




Super effin heavy decked out for night hunting. Crazy fun to shoot because of the weight. You can see the bullets fly to the target through the NV.

 

[longrangelead]

Have any of you messed with a 6-204/6-204AI?

I'm intrigued but want an idea if the juice is worth the squeeze having to buy brass and such.

 

[Te Hopo]

Have any of you messed with a 6-204/6-204AI?

I'm intrigued but want an idea if the juice is worth the squeeze having to buy brass and such.

Seems to be semi popular here in New Zealand, there's a few guys I've seen running then

 

[longrangelead]

Seems to be semi popular here in New Zealand, there's a few guys I've seen running then

any idea on speed for 95-115gr bullets?

 

[longrangelead]

Today I remembered why I haven't got back to my 6x45 AI project, I need a sizing die.

So, I my plan was to throw my 223AI bushing die in the lathe and modify it so it will use a 6mm bushing.

The problem was the 223 neck/shoulder ID opening is smaller than a 6mm neck OD.

The complication is that as the neck/shoulder opening is enlarged, it moves down the shoulder. That means either a straight section in the neck opening before the brass touches the bushing or, the surface the bushing stops against must be machined deeper to fully size the neck.(arrow 1)

Using a carbide boring bar, I machined the bushing surface deeper until the neck opening was larger the a 6mm neck.

I also did my Hornady 223 bushing die which required taking some off the top of the die(arrow 2) because the die retainer has a shoulder. (arrow 3)


Dies are hardened but it's only a hard skin. Using a carbide tool, it cuts nice and clean.

As you can see, both necks are sized 90% and are nice and clean after size and mandrel.


For the standard 6x45, sure there are dies available but as far as I know, there are no dies available, STANDARD OR BUSHING, for 6x45AI.

 

[Brontosaurus]

Today I remembered why I haven't got back to my 6x45 AI project, I need a sizing die.

So, I my plan was to throw my 223AI bushing die in the lathe and modify it so it will use a 6mm bushing.

The problem was the 223 neck/shoulder ID opening is smaller than a 6mm neck OD.

The complication is that as the neck/shoulder opening is enlarged, it moves down the shoulder. That means either a straight section in the neck opening before the brass touches the bushing or, the surface the bushing stops against must be machined deeper to fully size the neck.(arrow 1)

Using a carbide boring bar, I machined the bushing surface deeper until the neck opening was larger the a 6mm neck.

I also did my Hornady 223 bushing die which required taking some off the top of the die(arrow 2) because the die retainer has a shoulder. (arrow 3)
View attachment 959496
View attachment 959497
Dies are hardened but it's only a hard skin. Using a carbide tool, it cuts nice and clean.

As you can see, both necks are sized 90% and are nice and clean after size and mandrel.
View attachment 959499

For the standard 6x45, sure there are dies available but as far as I know, there are no dies available, STANDARD OR BUSHING, for 6x45AI.

What velocities are you expecting?

 

[83cj-7]

Today I remembered why I haven't got back to my 6x45 AI project, I need a sizing die.

So, I my plan was to throw my 223AI bushing die in the lathe and modify it so it will use a 6mm bushing.

The problem was the 223 neck/shoulder ID opening is smaller than a 6mm neck OD.

The complication is that as the neck/shoulder opening is enlarged, it moves down the shoulder. That means either a straight section in the neck opening before the brass touches the bushing or, the surface the bushing stops against must be machined deeper to fully size the neck.(arrow 1)

Using a carbide boring bar, I machined the bushing surface deeper until the neck opening was larger the a 6mm neck.

I also did my Hornady 223 bushing die which required taking some off the top of the die(arrow 2) because the die retainer has a shoulder. (arrow 3)
View attachment 959496
View attachment 959497
Dies are hardened but it's only a hard skin. Using a carbide tool, it cuts nice and clean.

As you can see, both necks are sized 90% and are nice and clean after size and mandrel.
View attachment 959499

For the standard 6x45, sure there are dies available but as far as I know, there are no dies available, STANDARD OR BUSHING, for 6x45AI.

Redding makes 6 TCU die sets. 6 TCU is 6x45ai. I had one and the dies. I also used a Lee 6x45 collet die to neck size the 6x45ai. Lee made me the collet die years ago for $40.

 

[longrangelead]

What velocities are you expecting?

50 fps gain?

as far as actual velocity, depends on the rifle and COAL. I'd like the do a Howa mini and a Tikka w/Waters mags.

If I could get a 108 to 2800 or more from a 18" Tikka, I'd be tickled.

 

[longrangelead]

Redding makes 6 TCU die sets. 6 TCU is 6x45ai. I had one and the dies. I also used a Lee 6x45 collet die to neck size the 6x45ai. Lee made me the collet die years ago for $40.

Are the Redding TCU dies bushing?

What speeds were/are you getting w/TCU?

 

[83cj-7]

They were not bushing dies. Not sure if they offer them in bushing type configuration.

I never saw much velocity gain with the AI and it didn’t feed nearly as well. This is what I got from chasing speed with the AI, partial case head separation and powder permanently stuck in my face.