Does anyone use TAC in their 6x45?

[Megastink]

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 breakdown. Thank you in advance!

 

[Taudisio]

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 breakdown. Thank you in advance!

I have a copy of some old load data that was compiled on a different forum.

For my own gun, I have a 16” 1/8 twist barrel bolt action AR15. I originally wanted to stay under 90 grains. I found a load my rifle liked with the 87gr vmax and x-terminator powder. Over max load but averaging 2688. I recently got a handful of 95gr tmk, thanks to another rokslider, and got them up to 2664 with h335, but I haven’t accuracy tested them, just pressure tested. My rifle shot the 80gr and 90gr nosler ballistic tips pretty slow.
LC ‘24 brass, Winchester #41 primers, COAL 2.355”
Photos are from 100 and 300 yards with my vmax load.

 

[Taudisio]

Hodgdon has load data online free for 6x45.
Attached is the load data from the other site for 87gr.

 

[KyleR1985]

@83cj-7

 

[peaches]

Not exactly the same, but TAC does well with 87 VMax in my 6 aRc.

 

[83cj-7]

Yup, I’ve used TAC. Excellent accuracy and speed. I stocked up on it when I saw that the speed and accuracy exceeded 8208.

Exterminator and 2230 are the same powder and work well in the 6x45 but you will hit pressure before you get to the speed of TAC. I just loaded the rest of my 2230 to use it up before I switch over to TAC. It shoots okay

 

[83cj-7]

Megastink - I have a lot of experience with hunting with the 6x45. I don’t recommend the 87 Berger. I never got anything more than pencil hole in and out. I did harvest a few deer with the Berger but it wasn’t a good experience. The 87 V-Max is THE bullet for the 6x45.

 

[Brucebarker024]

Yup, I’ve used TAC. Excellent accuracy and speed. I stocked up on it when I saw that the speed and accuracy exceeded 8208.

Exterminator and 2230 are the same powder and work well in the 6x45 but you will hit pressure before you get to the speed of TAC. I just loaded the rest of my 2230 to use it up before I switch over to TAC. It shoots okay

View attachment 822060View attachment 822061

What speeds are you getting? With the 87 v max and tac?

 

[83cj-7]

2850 was easy and accurate. I got all the way up to 3000, but the brass didn’t last long.

 

[KyleR1985]

2850 was easy and accurate. I got all the way up to 3000, but the brass didn’t last long.

What length barrel?

 

[Megastink]

Megastink - I have a lot of experience with hunting with the 6x45. I don’t recommend the 87 Berger. I never got anything more than pencil hole in and out. I did harvest a few deer with the Berger but it wasn’t a good experience. The 87 V-Max is THE bullet for the 6x45.

Man, that stinks to hear! I just tried that bullet with TAC today and was shooting stupid tight groups. You are not the first person to mention the VMax. I still have half a box of Bergers though. Maybe someone will trade me.

 

[83cj-7]

What length barrel?

20”

 

[KyleR1985]

20”

What's the lowest velocity you feel comfortable shooting deer with the 87 Vmax? I may have asked you this before, but couldn't find it.

Not looking for the absolute minimum. More looking for the "I've seen hundreds killed with the bullet. 90% of them were +2000fps. If I'm setting a lower bound where I have zero concern, it's 2000fps." -- or something to that effect.

 

[83cj-7]

Use 1200fps as the minimum velocity to still get expansion. I think it will still perform lower than that, but that is safe.

 

[30338]

I've used tac with 75 grain vmax with good results on accuracy. 26.8 grains of Tac, but work up. I may need to grab some 87 vmax. I have an 18" 7.5 twisted Hawk Hill on mine.

 

[Megastink]

I've used tac with 75 grain vmax with good results on accuracy. 26.8 grains of Tac, but work up. I may need to grab some 87 vmax. I have an 18" 7.5 twisted Hawk Hill on mine.

What speed were you getting? 26.8 sounds a little hot.

 

[30338]

2900 fps in my rifle. Start low and work up. My throat may also be a bit longer. Lot of variables.

 

[Megastink]

dang. I thought I read max loads for tax around 26gr? Im new to reloading, so I’m still learning.

 

[KyleR1985]

dang. I thought I read max loads for tax around 26gr? Im new to reloading, so I’m still learning.

Loading ammo at longer COAL will leave more room in the casing. More room in the case = less pressure, if powder charge stays same. It also means more room in the case, so you can fit more powder.

Loading long has advantages and disadvantages. And you can’t always do it.


And I think another general trend is that quite a few folks are loading hot, whether they know it or not.

Get comfortable with normal stuff first.

 

[Megastink]

Loading ammo at longer COAL will leave more room in the casing. More room in the case = less pressure, if powder charge stays same. It also means more room in the case, so you can fit more powder.

Loading long has advantages and disadvantages. And you can’t always do it.


And I think another general trend is that quite a few folks are loading hot, whether they know it or not.

Get comfortable with normal stuff first.

I just learned something. Thank you!