Looking for Advice on a New 6mm Build

[jlarose85]

I'm looking for some thoughts on a 6mm build that I'm going to be tackling this year. The base is going to be a Bergara premier short action that I'm going to rebarrel from .308. My application is going to be primarily varmint/predator hunting, but I will want to load some heavier mono's for deer if need be. The farthest shot I have an opportunity to take on my property is 300 yards, so this doesn't have to be a long range rig.

My thought as of now is to build a .243 Win with a 1:8 twist barrel. I think this should give me flexibility to shoot everything from 55gr ballistic tips for varmints to 95gr LRX's for deer. For some reason though I keep second guessing on if I should go with a 6 creed instead. Seems like if I do the .243 on an 8 twist that I'm not giving anything up other than the super heavy for caliber bullets that you'd use for long range shooting, but I don't have anywhere to shoot that would be considered long range so I don't think this matters for me. What are your thoughts on this? Am I on the right track?

Appreciate the help!

 

[Deputy819]

The farthest shot I have an opportunity to take on my property is 300 yards, so this doesn't have to be a long range rig.

You'd probably be happy with either one for your stated purpose(s). Will you ever have the opportunity to hunt/shoot at ranges beyond 300 yards? If so, don't rule out the 6x47 Lapua. Good luck with your decision.

 

[ARlife4me]

If i had to do it all over again I'd NOT do a 243win. I would go 6x47l over 6creed. My other choices would be 6dash or 6bra throated enough for the 95's

 

[belldar]

I grew up with a few standard 243s(loved them). That said I do not have a 243 now but have 2 6CM and they are perfect for coyote and the easy button for new shooter and youth deer hunting. I am not a creedmoor bandwagon guy(mostly 6.5) but the 6CM I can't reccemend highly enough over other options. Not too small, not to big, lots of components available, and it is very potent for its size.

 

[Huntaddict]

I run a 6 creed and love it. It is efficient, accurate, and components are available everywhere. Nearly perfect bullet weight to powder ration for both target and hunting loads.
I run 115 bergers at 2950 without pushing them too hard - 90% full case - if you only shoot 300 you are covered...It is an excellent round on deer sized game waaaaay past 500!

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

I have both, I've had a 243Win for many years. My latest is a Weatherby 307 with
7.5twt. If I have never had one or the other. I would look at components being available and cost. Good 243 brass is expensive to me. But I have a lot of 243 brass so I'm good.
Hope this helps.

 

[Greatgrandad]

Standard 243W can be a little hard on throats, but the 243AI reduces throat wear by a fair margin. 6CM doesn't give up a lot to the 243, and it is easier on throats. If you aren't planning on shooting it a lot and only for occasional hunting, then you may not care about the throat erosion issues.

Currently, I have four 243's versions, but I tend to hunt more with my 6mmRem and its 40 degree AI version pushing 105's.

 

[Wilderness Blacktail]

For some reason though I keep second guessing on if I should go with a 6 creed instead. Seems like if I do the .243 on an 8 twist that I'm not giving anything up other than the super heavy for caliber bullets that you'd use for long range shooting, but I don't have anywhere to shoot that would be considered long range so I don't think this matters for me. What are your thoughts on this? Am I on the right track

When u mention not giving anything other than heavy bullets up by choosing 243 are u referring to mag length??
Other than cases needing trimmed more often the 243 has nothing wanting and has more juice than the creed. No wrong answer in my book.

I would go at least 7.5" twist if u wanna run heavy monos and Id heavily consider 7". That way ur ready for all the best bullets that come about.