what kind of velocity can i expect out of my new .6mm?

[thelaw]

just purchased a rem. 600 mohawk in .6mm. its perfect size for a youth gun for my growing son. i know published velocities for the .6mm run between 3100-3200fps with 22-24" barrels using 100grainers. i don't expect the rifle to be used at longer ranges, but what kind of muzzle velocity do you think is attainable with it short 18.5" barrel with 90-100grain bullets? i was thinking maybe in the 2900fps range.

[Ramrod]

I think 2900-2950 is right on the money with factory loads, but you might be able to squeeze 3000 fps or more out of it with some carefull handloads. Depends on your particular gun. If this is a deer gun, I don't think it would be wise to drop below 90 grains on bullet weight to get more velocity. Penetration is marginal on bad angles with this caliber already. It takes a pretty cool shot to kill deer with varmint bullets, definatly not a kid's game.

[victorcharlie]

I've had very good results with the .243 using the Sierra 85 grain BTHP and IMR4831.  Only 2 of the 50+ deer harvested with the 85 grain ever took another step.  The farthest deer stepped off 90 paces.  

The 6mm is plenty of gun for deer provided you put the bullet where it needs to be.  Isn't this the case with most other calibers as well?

[cal sibley]

Look at your reloading manual to see what barrel length was used to fire the load given in the manual.  Their barrels are usually longer than the ones we use in the field.  Generally you subtract 50fps. for each inch you are shorter.  That's not engraved in stone but is often quite close.  Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[Graybeard]

If you think you're going to get 2900 fps with 100s from a barrel that short you're kidding yourself.

The FASTEST 100 grain factory load in the world is the Hornady Light Mag. From a 26" barrel it will do an honest 3250 fps. Chop that barrel and you'd be lucky to see the 2900 fps in your barrel from even it. I think 2750 fps is more real world for your barrel. It's not those last few fps that make the difference but where you place the bullet. Don't sweat it.

[the jigger]

if this is to be your son's rifle, i would not worry so much about potential for muzzle velocity. i would concern myself with which bullet the rifle prefers in the 100gr group and the son's ability to shoot it accurately. i once owned the very rifle you discuss and found it to be very accurate. it prefered 105 and107gr round nose bullets. it has been so long since i shot 6mm i'm not sure these bullets are still available. by the way, i took 10 or twelve deer with it and i don't think i ever knew what the muzzle velocity was. i did not reload at that time. GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!

[Ramrod]

By the way, Remington's ballistic charts claim an average loss of 30 fps per inch change in length at 3000-3500 fps velocity levels.