A 6mm follows me home...

[Jim White]

...it looked really lonesome so I just picked er'up and took her home. Anyway, its a Remington 700 BDL with a factory varmint barrel (I beleive its a Varmint Special). It has the glossy stock, black tip and cut checkering that favors that style of a (Remington 1100 vice the pattern I usually see) with a bright blue finish. I'm trying to figure out the birthdate. On the (factory) barrel it has LT (97) and a six digit S/N on the side of the receiver. From the Remington Society of America website, depending on whether the code is month/year or year/month its either a Feb 1970 or sometime in 1964 but I'm unable to get the letter "T" to cross over to a month.

http://www.remingtonsociety.com/rsa/que ... arrelcodes

I picked this up strickly for varmint hunting. Anyone have any experience with a rifle like this (barrel twist rate) and whats a good starting point for reloads (powder, bullets (weight & manufacturer)). She'll need some new glass but over all she looks like she's been taken care of. The owner said it shot great and it does pass the dollar bill test., The trigger feels good too.

Thanks,

Jim

[Rick in Oregon]

Jim: Congratulations on the new rifle. It almost sounds like a ringer for my first true CF varmint rifle, purchased around 1970.. Varmint Special in 22-250 Rem, glossy finish on the walnut stock blue action/barrel, impressed checkering, black forend tip. Those rifles could really be made to shoot.

Can't help on the "T" for any date reference, but I'm guessing you're right, in that it was made in the mid-60's or late 70's. The impressed checkering is usually the first tip, so if yours is cut checkering, it could be a very early gun, or late 70's when they returned to cut vs. impressed checkering to make all the traditionalists happy again.

You can figure the twist with a patch on a cleaning rod (you knew that!) I hope she's a real shooter for you, Jim.

[otter]

Jim, I'm afraid I can't help you with DOB of your new-to-you .243. I can tell you I got a Rem M700 CDL last year and it is a VERY good shooter. Only took about 5 rounds to get it dialed in at 25 and 100 yds then proceeded to shoot 1", 5-shot groups (@100 yds) the next 3 targets. I mounted a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x 40mm on top. The load used for that is: WW brass w/ WW Std LR primers, 100 gr Sierra SBT's, FL sized w/ RCBS dies, trimmed to Lyman Reloading Manual length specs. Also, I haven't shot it over the chrony yet, so can't help there, either. Haven't shot it a whole lot more, but what I have, I was pretty impressed.

[Jim White]

Rick,

I just got back from Russ Haydon's where I picked up a couple of rods, brushes, Wilson case gage, jags (and so on...) when I saw your post. I took another peek at the checkering and come to find out, the checkering is impressed. The pattern between the two types is slightly different too.

The twist works out to be a 1-9 as best I can tell. Surprisingly, the trigger is light and crisp, much better than my newer Remington VLTHSS 204.

I picked up some Hornady 75-VMAX just to try it out. Russ felt that was a good bullet for my intentions (Varmints) and in fact he said to drop it off and he would go through it. Haven't decided on the powder yet, I have plenty of Varget, RE-15, H4895, N135 & N540. A have little bit of IMR4064, H4350, IMR7828 and N165. I'd prefer a Hodgon Exterme Powder if at all possible or something thats not affected too much by temperature swings.

It came with dies, a few rounds and around 100 rounds of brass. It also came with a Redfield 6-18x40, but as soon as the $$$ are saved up, I'll find a good scope to sit on top, probably a 6.5-20 or maybe a 8.5-25 Leupold VX-3. In this case I'd prefer a 40mm but those 40mm scopes with a 30mm tube just look different to me, so I may have to go with a 50mm, maybe one of those with the curved objective.

Otter;

For what ever reason (and I don't know why) I like Remington bolt-action rifles. In fact, the only firearm I have that has never been fired is a Remington 720, the Cadillac of Enfield Rifles. I won it at Camp Perry several years back. After several months of research I sure hoped I picked the right one. Had it been in .243 instead of 6mm I would have snagged it up just as quick. In fact, I left a 223 there (BDL Varmint Special). I hated it, but I felt I needed the 6mm just a tad bit more than a 223. If its there next month, I may have that one too...

I know some folks here don't like Remington’s and I have no doubt they've put out a couple of "turds" but I’ve had pretty good luck with them. Of course, the same can be said for my Savage 17’s and Ruger 30.06.

Jim

[Ray P]

Jim.......Good luck with your new rifle. 6mm Remington is a sweet cartridge. I'm in love with mine..haha. She's a little on the custom side. The cartridge is barefoot. My reamer is built for 105 bergers, but the rifle likes 107 sierra better. Good luck and Good choice. I have rifles from ruger, remington, sako and savage and you can get good and bad in any of them.
Later
Ray P

[Rick in Oregon]

Jim: In regard to the Leupold's with the 30mm tube and 40mm objective....they look odd at first compared to all the years we've spent with 1" tubes and 40mm objective bells, but you'll get used to it pronto and most likely not have any issues. I've never had a need for a 50mm objective, ever, especially in a varmint rifle that gets used from the bench. Even my walkabout rifles all wear 40mm or less objectives, and I've never not been able to make a shot due to poor light. Heck, my elk rifle, a pre-64 Model 70 chambered in .338-06 Ackley wears a Leupold 1.5-5X with a 22mm objective (straight tube, no bell) and I hunt bulls in black timber at dawn and dusk......never passed up a shot due to poor light, in fact, it's one of the brightest scopes I own.

If the scope is of good quality (Leupold or equal) objectives larger than 40mm are just not needed IMHO. Once you get into the 50mm stuff, they start to overwhelm the rifle and start to look like astronomical telescopes, dwarfing a nice rifle. Don't even get me started on the VX-L stuff though (curved objective) pure marketing ploy. Nightforce uses up to 56mm (as does Leupold), but I've never seen one that looked proportional to the rifle it is mounted on .....just an opinion.

As an example, here's a Lupy 3.5-10X Tactical, 30mm tube and 40mm objective mounted on my Cooper 223. Different look, yes, but you'll get over it quickly, I promise..... (The M1 windage turret makes it appear even larger)



The very best part though, is it says "Made in USA"!

Almost forgot....the next time you see Russ and Marsha Haydon at Russ Haydon's Shooting Supply, give them my regards. The last time Russ and I shot squirrels together, we did not realize the field we were set up in had been poisoned the week before......that was some sloooow shooting that day.

[Jim White]

Almost forgot....the next time you see Russ and Marsha Haydon at Russ Haydon's Shooting Supply, give them my regards. The last time Russ and I shot squirrels together, we did not realize the field we were set up in had been poisoned the week before......that was some sloooow shooting that day.

Rick,

Regarding the 50mm lens. I have three 50mm scopes and with the hardware they’re attached too I haven’t had any issues with the fit. The Remington (thumbhole stock) has a high built in cheek piece and the CZ-527 requires very high mounts because of the bolt handle design to clear the scope eyepiece, so high mounts is the order of the day for those (as is my thumbhole Savage 17HMR). The 40X is in a McMillan 40X stock complete with an adjustable cheek piece, butt plate (up/down, in/out and turn right/left) and a very large diameter .308 barrel. This 6mm is going to be slightly different though and the closer to the barrel, the better.

As far as looks, I tend to agree, a 50mm with 1” tubes, especially on long scopes just looks a tad awkward along with those the beveled objective of certain Leupold scopes. On the other hand, a 50mm with a 30mm tube looks pretty normal.

I’ll probably end up with a 30mm tube because I prefer the option of turning knobs if need be and I don’t care to tweak the scopes with 20moa bases and off-set inserts unless its absolutely necessary. I’ll certainly look at a 40mm because for broad daylight shooting who needs a 50mm unless, that’s the only way it comes (i.e. 8.5-25 Leupold only comes in a 50mm)? Besides, I can keep a little loot in my pocket to boot!

I'll send your regards on to Russ and Marsha. They’re a small local business and I’ll do my part to help a local person out over a larger outfit anytime. They have always treated me right and I’ll take my business to them as long as I can. He has a wealth of knowledge, does good work and his merchandise is top quality. About the only thing I don’t like about going down there (he’s about 30 miles south of here) is I rarely get out of his place without leaving some of my hard earned cash in his till. Oh well, wish all my problems were like that...

Jim

[Rick in Oregon]

Jim: Agree wholeheartedly about Russ and Marsha and their outfit. It's like a mini-Sinclairs in a way, great folks to deal with, and as you said, very knowledgeable. Russ was a competitive BR shooter some time back, so really knows accuracy and how to get there. Russ even has his own line of most excellent accuracy oriented products. The best set of wind flags I ever had and use to this day, is a set of three Haydon flags. He uses video light stands with his own Delrin/tool steel bearings for the pivot, makes the balance of the assembly himself too. I've hauled mine from here to most of the prairie dog states and back many times, use them weekly for different rifle range chores, and they are still in like new condition and work flawlessly.

Two former Marine buddies run the Red Oxx Company in Billings, MT...they used to make the ballistic nylon carry/storage bags for my BR Pivot during my time at Varmint Masters LLC. I had those guys make a set of cordura nylon bags for the wind flags, a drawstring pouch for each flag and stand, all three pouches go into a main, slim carry bag for protection and ease of transport. Slick system.

Here's one of his flags in the field (indicating a 13-15 mph wind).



I don't compete in BR, but for what I do, these flags woke me up to the difference your group size can have by watching conditions, and waiting for the same one to repeat itself before squeezing off the next shot. They're also great for field BR varmint shooting, as just a glance at the one next to your bench may show the wind has changed since your last shot, and at extended range as we all know, it really starts making a difference in your hit ratio to get the wind right. Soda can sized targets at 500 yards start to get tricky in a 12 mph (or more) full value wind!

Let us know how that 6mm works out for you.....sounds like a good project.

[Jim White]

"I don't compete in BR, but for what I do, these flags woke me up to the difference your group size can have by watching conditions, and waiting for the same one to repeat itself before squeezing off the next shot."

Rick,

And as you know, when the wind is going every which way between you and your target (which tends to happen in varmint terrain), its the wind closest to the muzzle that has the most impact. I have some stories to share if we ever meet up regarding the wind reading (ahh...I meant schooling), especially on those overcast days with little to no mirage.

Jim

[Guy M]

Jim, I got a 6mm Rem 700 brand new back in 1974 and still have it. Well, my youngest son claims that it is his rifle, but what's he know anyway?

We've used it for everything from itty-bitty varmints to mule deer, east coast, west coast and in between. It's always come up shining.

Mostly I load deer rounds for it, either the 95 gr Ballistic Tip or the 100 gr Nosler Partition for the most part. They work fine w/Reloader 22.

When I load varmint rounds for it, I generally stick with one of the 75 gr hollow points (Sierra, Speer) but have gone as low as 55 grains. It's a keeper!

[Jim White]

Guy,

In an earlier post (back in April IIRC) when I was inquiring about a larger varmint round and I believe both yourself and "Ray P" mentioned the 6mm Remington. About the same time, a good friend of mine whom I've competed with for years mentioned it as well and knowing firsthand about his highpower success @ 1000 yards with it and the little bit you’ve mentioned about yourself (in highpower), I just figured its a good choice (can't argue with success, right?). Besides, the success of the 6mm in long range competitions speaks for itself. So, I started looking and I just stumbled across this one at the Puyallup gun show and for a good price too.

I'm snooping around on the net and reload info on the 6mm is sketchy at best. I'm surprised to learn that the 243/6mm likes magnum/slow burning powder such as RE-22 (you're the second one who has told me about that powder & I won't argue with success ). It seems 4064, 4350 & 4831 does well too.

Since there is a host of info regarding the .243, I was thinking about trying some of those loads and go from there. This one has the varmint barrel but it’s not heavy to use on a deer hunt.

Thanks for the info

Jim

[Ray P]

Jim if it helps.......I'm running H-4350 & Hodgdon Hybrid 100-V at 43.0 grains.......H-4831 at 46.0..........and H-1000 at 49.5 all with 107 sierra MK's out of my 30" Hart barrel. I have target posted up in the reloading section, H-1000/48.5/115 tubbs bullet, they are made by sierra so I tried them. This is my 1st 5 shots out of the box of 500. I wanted to get back to the range and try the load again to get rid of the flyier and haven't been able to yet. Your reloader powders should do well to R-19 and R-22. I have a preferance on Hodgdon powder.........just me!
If I can help any more or answer any questions that might come up, give me a PM and I'll do my best.
Later
Ray P

[Guy M]

Cool.

The only "problem" with the good old 75 grain hollow point varmint bullets is that they're blunt and stubby, so they don't have a particularly high BC, making them best at ranges under 300 yards. On the other hand, they are normally quite accurate, and have a terrific "splat factor."

The heavier, higher BC bullets sure buck the wind better.

Ray's big precision rifle will put my little 22" sporter rifle to shame on paper, no doubt! For a long time I've wanted to build a precision rifle to handle the 6mm Remington... Just might happen one of these days. Am long-since sold on the cartridge. Very easy to load & shoot.

Regards, Guy

[Hotshot]

Jim,

I see you've got much help and advice so far on your 6mm Rem. This is one of my favorite cartridges. I'm sure you will find enjoyment shooting it.
My $.02 worth of opinion: A case full of 4831 and the 85 Sierra will shoot good in any 244/6mm
if nothing else will. I've had a dozen or more in over 4 decades.

[Jim White]

To all,

The rifle came with approx 80 rounds of once fired Remington brass in those old dark green/white boxes. I contacted the previous owner and he wasn't sure of that brass had been fired in that rifle or the other 6mm he owned. So, out comes the full length sizing dies, the primer pocket uniform tool and the flash-hole deburring set. After full-length sizing, as fate would have it they are all just a tad over MAX OAL and since my case trimmer is a Dillon I'll be ordering a 6mm case trimmer die 1st thing tomorrow morning. Afterwards, comes the neck turning (if needed).

This gal has a 1-9 twist and just for grins and giggles (and if I can find them in 100 round boxes) I may give those 95gr SMK a test (it has good BC's just in case I want to try it out a belly match one of these days). I'm thinking the 95-grain will stabilize but the 107-grain may be a different story. As far as shooting small varmints, I suppose a SMK would do quite well but on something larger like a Coyote I'd be leery about it. As much as I enjoy hunting I'd prefer a good clean kill. Wounding animals (including the pesky ones) just isn't my cup of tea and if I have doubts of my ability (on any given day) about bringing it down, humanely, I'll pass on the shot.

In the meantime, 6mm bullet selection (hunting or match) is slim over here so I'll probably stick with something in the 70-90 grain area. Russ had the 75-VMAX's so I grabbed them to test out. I'll try out some others as they become available.

Ray P:

I too have taken a liking to the extreme line of Hodgdon powders for temp sensitivity if nothing else (H4350, H4831 & H4831SC). I'll confess, the RE-15 load in both of my 204's have been quite pleasing. For the Hodgdon Hybrid 100 V powder, I noticed that it isn't an extreme powder, have you had any velocity/accuracy issues as the mercury goes up/down? It seems to give good velocity results (hopefully, the accuracy matches it).

Hotshot;

I see that you like H4831. Do you have a preference for the H4831 vice H4831SC. It looks like the burn rate is the same but I'm figuring the case capacity may be a tad different between the two powders.

Guy M;

I'm riding down to Sportsman’s Warehouse (or what ever they're called these days) and check out Speer's 6mm bullets (they had a few the other day) and some Reloader 19. If RE-19 performs as good (and meters too hopefully) as RE-15 I'll be happy. In fact, I may try some RE-15 and someone suggested that I try IMR-4064 too. Speer bullets have always worked outstanding for me especially their TNT's in 17 cal.

Thanks to all, this is gonna’ be a hoot (sorry about the long post).

Jim