6MM X 284

[mattmillerrx]

I have just gotten one of these ( long story, will possible follow) and know little about the round.  I have load data for it, although have not decided on a bullet yet.  I have not even decide what to do with it, which is why I have not decided on a bullet.  Have some 87 and 85 gr that came with it, Dad says the barrel only has about 100 rds down it and this was what he loaded in it.  I am considering loading it with heavy bullets and using it on deer.  I am also considering loading it with lighter bullets and using it on varmints.  I have rifles for both so am stuck with what I want to do here.  What is the typical twist rate on this chambering and what weight bullet was it designed for.  I will most likely load it for varmints as I am hunting deer now with a handgun. 

What bullets and powder has worked well for you?  Have any of you tried the new one out called retumbo?  This is basically a big experiment rifle for me, so I don't mind trying a few things out but am looking for a starting point.

[Camp Cook]

I have a short 21" 1 - 12" twist rate barrel on my 6mm-284 and find IMR4350 with 70gr Ballistic Tips works the best for me.

Check the barrel twist rate to figure out the best bullet weight.

[mattmillerrx]

I tried the old cleaning rod test and how many times it turns but could not get to work and do not want to damage the gun trying.  My guess is 1 in 9.  It is a old Remington 700, the barrel says 6mm Remington on it and then has a big X 284 after it.  I am thinking it is a 6 mm Remington barrel originally.  Based on that I am thinking of trying out Retumbo with the heavy bullets.

I just went through the gun a little while trying to figure the twist rate.  It needs a little scrubbing, as there is some small pitting here and there.  I check the barrel for being floated and it is close but found a couple of tight spots.  As I said this will be a project gun for me and I will float the barrel and am thinking of bedding the action too. 

[iiranger]

My gunsmith buddy, now retired, became a slobbering fool over this round. Must have built a dozen or more. He would get it to shoot and someone would admire it and hand him money and he would build another... They all shot good by his standards and he was no "shoots good, goes bang" type. He isn't happy unless the group at 100 is under and inch. The more the better.

His loading for varmints consisted of dipping the case full of IMR 4350 and seating a bullet. Any case. Any primer. Once he gave me half dozen empty 4350 cans so he did use some. (I am a pack rat. Save everything.) I gave him a Chrony for favors received and he chrono'd a load he was happy with. I think it was a 70 grain Hornady bullet. 3900 fps plus a bit. He decided he didn't need quite that much poop and thought reducing the load a bit would lengthen barrel life.

The case was sold as capacity of the '06 or .270 but shorter... 240 Weatherby is a .24/'06 with a belt... Give you a common point of reference as to performance. Loads might be adapted with great care. REPEAT: GREAT CARE.

For deer, little to equal. For the occassional varmint, long reach. I think the ones he built were 1 in 10. Lots of Douglas barrels. Prairie dogs... Long day and you will need a new barrel. Yes, I know, you will pace yourself, let the barrel cool, etc. Liar! (Cannot be done...)  Happy New Year. Luck.