6mm AI
- Thread starter Ruger007
- Start date
A friend of mine tears coyotes apart with one. I think of it as more a deer rifle after seeing the performance.
Uses Norma 7x57 brass necked down, fire formed and neck turned. I’ve had quite a few straight 6mm Rems but if I had to pick a favourite 6mm it would be the plain Jane 243 Win. Easy, cheap and nice speeds.
Uses Norma 7x57 brass necked down, fire formed and neck turned. I’ve had quite a few straight 6mm Rems but if I had to pick a favourite 6mm it would be the plain Jane 243 Win. Easy, cheap and nice speeds.
I have been a very long-time user of the 6mm Remington. I love the chambering.
What is not to love? 3600 with 70 grainers, and 3200 with 100's.
With the 6mm, I have shot everything from columbian ground squirrels up to and
including moose. [not recommending it as a moose chambering, but it will work]
I have owned one 6mmAI. Apples to apples in 24" barrels, you gain 100-125 fps
with 100/105 grain projectiles.
I would say, if you are interested in trying the AI, go for it! Regards, Dave.
What is not to love? 3600 with 70 grainers, and 3200 with 100's.
With the 6mm, I have shot everything from columbian ground squirrels up to and
including moose. [not recommending it as a moose chambering, but it will work]
I have owned one 6mmAI. Apples to apples in 24" barrels, you gain 100-125 fps
with 100/105 grain projectiles.
I would say, if you are interested in trying the AI, go for it! Regards, Dave.
I have tested two different barrels which I chambered for the 6mm Rem, Chronographed it, then re-chambered for the AI and chronographed it again. In both barrels (one was 26" the other was 28") the AI gained about 30 fps. This is typical of real world gains with most AI chamberings. I know this is contrary to the exaggerated claims made by many advocates but it is reflective of my limited experience.
I would not challenge Bill's experience with low gains in the AI permutation of the 6mm. My personal experience was with a different barrel and maker,
so even in the standard 6mm chambering, there could have been a difference in speed. Since I only had the one rifle, and I never shot it as a vanilla
6mm, My figures, may not reflect the average gains seen. All I am posting is my personal chronographed observations.
Dave.You should be able to better than 30 fps. I would think 60-90 would be typical at similar pressures
https://loaddata.com/articles/PDF/Bench Topics 7 LR.pdf
I shoot both standard 6mm and 6mm AI. Prefer the AI, but only slightly. - dan
Figure out your gain in case capacity as a percentage. Then expect 1/4 of that percentage as a reasonable gain, all else being equal. - dan
The limited velocity increase in many AI versions is due ( I think) to a pretty large case capacity to start with... a nicer looking case and longer case life is more benefit than just velocity increase... and I think a lot of velocities are exaggerated...
I've gone through this time after time with different cartridges. The 223 AI is a classic. 25 fps is a realistic gain. This is because there is very little change in case capacity. Greater gains are the result of loading the AI hot and comparing it to a slow factory loading. Even cases where the capacity gain is noticeable gain less than many suppose. The 300 H&H improved probably gains more capacity than any other and, not surprisingly, it also gains the most velocity. The standard 300 will do right at 3000 fps with a 180 while the AI version (like the 300 Weatherby) will push 3200 at the same pressure.
Most often, the big gains realized with the AI cartridges are the result of loading to much higher pressures. When the parent cartridges are loaded the same, they come remarkably close.
Longer case life and reduced trimming are, occasionally, real benefits. However, chamber dimensions and how they compare to the dimensions of the dies, play a large part in this. I shoot a standard 6mm and, although I have the reamer in the drawer, I would not even contemplate re-chambering it to the AI. On the other hand, if a guy like the idea, it's his choice!
Most often, the big gains realized with the AI cartridges are the result of loading to much higher pressures. When the parent cartridges are loaded the same, they come remarkably close.
Longer case life and reduced trimming are, occasionally, real benefits. However, chamber dimensions and how they compare to the dimensions of the dies, play a large part in this. I shoot a standard 6mm and, although I have the reamer in the drawer, I would not even contemplate re-chambering it to the AI. On the other hand, if a guy like the idea, it's his choice!
Sask_Hunter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Saskatchewan
I wouldn’t AI any thing today. If I was building off a short action it would be the 6 creed. If I needed more zip it would be a 6-284 or 6-06.
BETTER yet a 240 WBee ! I really like my MK 5 Ultralight ! jmo RJ
