I know I said I wouldn't! 6X45 Build

taylorce1 · April 11, 2017, 08:38 PM

I've been saying I'd never build another rifle on a Savage action but here I am going down the rabbit hole again.

One problem all the parts are too heavy! The rifle's a 6X45 (6mm-223) what do I need a 9lb rifle for?

So I tore it all back down and sent it to Marty at Twisted Barrel to see what magic he can work on the barrel, bolt body, and bolt handle. He said he thought he could get 10 ounces off the barrel. That'll get me to 8 lbs. with VXII 3-9X40 and Talley LWT mounts. I can live with 8 lbs. and it's cheaper than going to McMillan or Manners for a light stock.

FrankenMauser · April 12, 2017, 11:27 AM

Run some 62 gr Varmint Grenades through it when it's back together.
They're magical.

Actually... What twist did you go with?

T. O'Heir · April 12, 2017, 12:07 PM

Kinda pretty just like that. Holds the truck up nicely too. snicker.
Doubt you'll notice a 10 ounce difference. Maybe by the end of a day's hunt though.

taylorce1 · April 12, 2017, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankenMauser

Run some 62 gr Varmint Grenades through it when it's back together.
They're magical.

I have 1000 55 grain SHOTS and 70 grian BT from Nosler and 1400 100 grain Sierra GK that I'm going to try and shoot in this rifle.

Quote:

Originally Posted by T. O'Heir

Doubt you'll notice a 10 ounce difference. Maybe by the end of a day's hunt though.

Well I know what I like, and I hate rifles that weigh 9+ pounds. Most of my big game rifles are well under 8 pounds when I have a sling and full magazine of ammo in them. When I get to calibers larger than .308 I try to keep the weigh under 8.5 pounds for hunting. Most of my hunting takes place between 4000 feet and timberline, I usually pack in pretty deep to get away from other hunters. That's why I'm picky about the weight of my rifles.

jmr40 · April 12, 2017, 03:04 PM

The heaviest rifle I own is still under 8 lbs with scope and mounts. Most are 7-7.5 lbs and the Kimber is under 6 lbs. Once you get used to a lighter rifle 10 oz is huge. I can, and have hunted with a 10 lb rifle. But after doing so I choose not to do so. Around 7.5 lbs is about the perfect balance between ease of carry and shootability.

I don't have the elevation they have in Colorado. Mostly between 2000-4000' for me. But steep is steep anywhere. And most public land anywhere is pretty rugged.

eastbank · April 12, 2017, 04:10 PM

i have a 6x47 in a rem 40xb and its heavy and would use the rifle a lot more if it was lighter, i have thought of having it slimmed down. but i can,t bring myself to do it. eastbank.

taylorce1 · April 12, 2017, 08:07 PM

Quote:

i have a 6x47 in a rem 40xb and its heavy and would use the rifle a lot more if it was lighter, i have thought of having it slimmed down. but i can,t bring myself to do it. eastbank.

I have a 6X47 as well on another Savage, it has a 1:12 twist and doesn't like anything heavier than 70 grain bullets. This rifle would have been a 6X47 as well if X-Caliber had the reamer, I didn't want to pay the extra money for them to purchase a reamer. If it doesn't perform the way I want I may just punch it out to 6mm Creedmoor or .243 Win and switch and purchase a new bolt head.

FrankenMauser · April 12, 2017, 09:35 PM

Quote:

I have 1000 55 grain SHOTS and 70 grian BT from Nosler and 1400 100 grain Sierra GK that I'm going to try and shoot in this rifle.

That should be enjoyable.

I've got 600(?) of the 'SHOT' 55 gr bullets, as well; but mine wear a Midway label (Dogtown). Not sure if I've run any of them, yet.

What twist rate did you go with?
I went with 1:9"; but after dealing with the COAL issues of an AR, and spending some time with the rifle, I wish I had actually gone slower. I shoot primarily 55-62 gr bullets, with the odd 87 gr Hornady SP or 90 gr Partition thrown in.

taylorce1 · April 12, 2017, 10:39 PM

I wanted a 1:8, but it's a 1:7. X-Caliber didn't make 1:8 twist barrels with 5R rifiling when I ordered it. I got two blanks on special and paid just over $300 shipped for two #3 barrels. It's a lot faster than I need, but I can always clean it up with a bigger 6mm cartridge later if I want.

FrankenMauser · April 13, 2017, 12:00 PM

Nice score.

hooligan1 · April 14, 2017, 06:16 AM

If you punch that other one to 6mm Creedmoor let me know, I still have plenty of those DTAC 115's.
Also once a year George Gardner post on Facebook that he recieves a huge shipment of 6 Creedmoor brass, and hes not far from me, I could earmark some cases for that cartridge.
Some say its better than 6.5 Creedmoor, I wouldnt know for sure, just say so...

std7mag · April 16, 2017, 08:17 AM

I didn't know Savage ever barreled a 6x45....
Thought that was a wildcat round...

taylorce1 · April 16, 2017, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by std7mag

I didn't know Savage ever barreled a 6x45....
Thought that was a wildcat round...

Savage doesn't make a 6X45, I don't know if it has been standardized yet. However, Cor-Bon and Black Hills both sold ammunition for it. I think though they dropped it sometime in the last 8-9 years because they focused on building .223 and 5.56 when it was in short supply.

I ordered a 6mm barrel from X-Caliber, and I now have a recoil lug coming from PT&G. All the rest of the parts are Savage.

taylorce1 · April 25, 2017, 02:48 PM

Got the barrel and bolt body back from Twisted Barrel yesterday. 14 days from the day I sent it off. Marty took nearly 11oz off between the two. I have the action out getting worked on, hope to have it back soon as well.

taylorce1 · June 1, 2017, 02:57 PM

I guess I was a little off, actually a lot off! I can't find my original weights for each piece to know how much weight was removed. However, in the end I lost 9.9 ounces for the sum total of $310 or nearly $32 an ounce. Anyway, I need to com up with a couple of more parts and then off to get it coated.

$160 for the bolt and barrel fluting from Twisted Barrel. Action work was another $150 and done by Stephen Field of Macon GA. I was going for a look similar to that of the Savage light weight hunter with the action.

I'm very happy with how my build is progressing.

taylorce1 · June 1, 2017, 03:00 PM

More pictures.

PlatinumCore16 · June 1, 2017, 03:12 PM

Looks real nice! I love the flutes. Any reason for the action job other than asthetics?

taylorce1 · June 1, 2017, 03:41 PM

Wanted something different, and it was a way to lose a little weight.

PlatinumCore16 · June 1, 2017, 04:30 PM

I think it looks awesome. What are you going to use as a coating? Or are you leaving it in the white?

bamaranger · June 1, 2017, 04:37 PM

Hey Taylororce1,

Can you post some pics of your cartridge, and advise some of the numbers you are getting / assorted loads?

Please

taylorce1 · June 1, 2017, 05:23 PM

Will do Bama, when I get a couple more things finished on it. Hope to have it ready for CO pronghorn and OK deer season. Plan is to shoot 100 grain Sierra Game Kings, hoping for around 2600 FPS.

I'm looking at Cerakote or Duracoat for the coatings. I've used both in the past, and I like Cerakote a little more. Duracoat is nice though as it is easier to touch up if needed.

Jim Watson · June 1, 2017, 05:51 PM

A gunzine writer once told of arming his wife with a 6x.222.
He said that it killed like a .250 Savage. It did not have as high muzzle velocity but the greater BC of the 6mm bullets meant it hit as hard at antelope ranges.

FrankenMauser · June 1, 2017, 10:51 PM

Checker those receiver flats. Give it some funky style!

Quote:

Hey Taylororce1,

Can you post some pics of your cartridge, and advise some of the numbers you are getting / assorted loads?

If you're curious about Taylorce1's data/rifle/loads, in particular, then disregard the following.

But if you're curious about the cartridge in general, I have one load to share.
(I have tested and recorded about a dozen loads, but my reloading room is in the middle of both a basement remodel and relocation of said reloading room. So I couldn't find all of the other 50 to 95 gr data.)

6x45mm
20" polygonal-rifling barrel (AR-15, 'heavy sporter'/'light varmint' type contour)
62 gr Barnes VG
CCI #34 primer
Hornady .223 Remington brass
2.263" COAL
22.0 gr H4198
2,914 fps, 15 feet from the muzzle

Quickload suggests that that load is only running about 49,500 psi, and I did test from 43,100 psi / 2,764 fps (ave) to 55,000 psi / 3,011 fps (ave); but that "light" load gives me "bug hole" repeatability and perfect function of the rifle.
It is, by far, one of my favorite loads for making things explode.

hooligan1 · June 2, 2017, 09:02 AM

Cant wait to see what bases, rings, and scope he goes with.
The color of the Cerokote, and the color he camos the stock out in......
That accustock has to be less than 2lbs, or close to it...

SHR970 · June 2, 2017, 08:51 PM

And your problem with the weight was what? Was this a carry rifle that would be shot offhand or was it a "field rifle fired off a rest"?

I ask since I have a Rem 700 that was made to carry all day in mucky conditions and fired once or twice. It is a First Gen ADL AWR 375 RUM that weighs 8.25 lbs with the scope on it. Mine kicks lick a draft horse....your weight problem is my benefit.

I just don't get complaining about a 9 lb rifle in a no kick caliber unless it is meant to be carried all day and fired a few times.

That said, the work looks good minus the black on the flats that should have been removed.

April 11, 2017, 08:38 PM	#1
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,245	I know I said I wouldn't! 6X45 Build I've been saying I'd never build another rifle on a Savage action but here I am going down the rabbit hole again. One problem all the parts are too heavy! The rifle's a 6X45 (6mm-223) what do I need a 9lb rifle for? So I tore it all back down and sent it to Marty at Twisted Barrel to see what magic he can work on the barrel, bolt body, and bolt handle. He said he thought he could get 10 ounces off the barrel. That'll get me to 8 lbs. with VXII 3-9X40 and Talley LWT mounts. I can live with 8 lbs. and it's cheaper than going to McMillan or Manners for a light stock. __________________ NRA Life Member Last edited by taylorce1; April 12, 2017 at 07:44 AM.

April 12, 2017, 11:27 AM	#2
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Run some 62 gr Varmint Grenades through it when it's back together. They're magical. Actually... What twist did you go with? __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

April 12, 2017, 03:04 PM	#5
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	The heaviest rifle I own is still under 8 lbs with scope and mounts. Most are 7-7.5 lbs and the Kimber is under 6 lbs. Once you get used to a lighter rifle 10 oz is huge. I can, and have hunted with a 10 lb rifle. But after doing so I choose not to do so. Around 7.5 lbs is about the perfect balance between ease of carry and shootability. I don't have the elevation they have in Colorado. Mostly between 2000-4000' for me. But steep is steep anywhere. And most public land anywhere is pretty rugged. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

April 12, 2017, 10:39 PM	#9
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,245	I wanted a 1:8, but it's a 1:7. X-Caliber didn't make 1:8 twist barrels with 5R rifiling when I ordered it. I got two blanks on special and paid just over $300 shipped for two #3 barrels. It's a lot faster than I need, but I can always clean it up with a bigger 6mm cartridge later if I want. __________________ NRA Life Member

April 13, 2017, 12:00 PM	#10
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Nice score. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

April 12, 2017, 12:07 PM	#3
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Kinda pretty just like that. Holds the truck up nicely too. snicker. Doubt you'll notice a 10 ounce difference. Maybe by the end of a day's hunt though. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

April 12, 2017, 04:10 PM	#6
eastbank Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Location: pa. Posts: 2,450	i have a 6x47 in a rem 40xb and its heavy and would use the rifle a lot more if it was lighter, i have thought of having it slimmed down. but i can,t bring myself to do it. eastbank.

April 14, 2017, 06:16 AM	#11
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,585	If you punch that other one to 6mm Creedmoor let me know, I still have plenty of those DTAC 115's. Also once a year George Gardner post on Facebook that he recieves a huge shipment of 6 Creedmoor brass, and hes not far from me, I could earmark some cases for that cartridge. Some say its better than 6.5 Creedmoor, I wouldnt know for sure, just say so... __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

April 16, 2017, 08:17 AM	#12
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	I didn't know Savage ever barreled a 6x45.... Thought that was a wildcat round...

April 25, 2017, 02:48 PM	#14
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,245	Got the barrel and bolt body back from Twisted Barrel yesterday. 14 days from the day I sent it off. Marty took nearly 11oz off between the two. I have the action out getting worked on, hope to have it back soon as well. __________________ NRA Life Member

June 1, 2017, 02:57 PM	#15
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,245	I guess I was a little off, actually a lot off! I can't find my original weights for each piece to know how much weight was removed. However, in the end I lost 9.9 ounces for the sum total of $310 or nearly $32 an ounce. Anyway, I need to com up with a couple of more parts and then off to get it coated. $160 for the bolt and barrel fluting from Twisted Barrel. Action work was another $150 and done by Stephen Field of Macon GA. I was going for a look similar to that of the Savage light weight hunter with the action. I'm very happy with how my build is progressing. __________________ NRA Life Member

June 1, 2017, 03:00 PM	#16
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,245	More pictures. __________________ NRA Life Member

June 1, 2017, 03:12 PM	#17
PlatinumCore16 Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2017 Location: Colorado Posts: 424	Looks real nice! I love the flutes. Any reason for the action job other than asthetics?

June 1, 2017, 03:41 PM	#18
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,245	Wanted something different, and it was a way to lose a little weight. __________________ NRA Life Member

June 1, 2017, 04:30 PM	#19
PlatinumCore16 Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2017 Location: Colorado Posts: 424	I think it looks awesome. What are you going to use as a coating? Or are you leaving it in the white?

June 1, 2017, 04:37 PM	#20
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,306	cartridge Hey Taylororce1, Can you post some pics of your cartridge, and advise some of the numbers you are getting / assorted loads? Please

June 1, 2017, 05:23 PM	#21
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,245	Will do Bama, when I get a couple more things finished on it. Hope to have it ready for CO pronghorn and OK deer season. Plan is to shoot 100 grain Sierra Game Kings, hoping for around 2600 FPS. I'm looking at Cerakote or Duracoat for the coatings. I've used both in the past, and I like Cerakote a little more. Duracoat is nice though as it is easier to touch up if needed. __________________ NRA Life Member Last edited by taylorce1; June 1, 2017 at 06:13 PM.

June 1, 2017, 05:51 PM	#22
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,541	A gunzine writer once told of arming his wife with a 6x.222. He said that it killed like a .250 Savage. It did not have as high muzzle velocity but the greater BC of the 6mm bullets meant it hit as hard at antelope ranges.

June 2, 2017, 09:02 AM	#24
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,585	Cant wait to see what bases, rings, and scope he goes with. The color of the Cerokote, and the color he camos the stock out in...... That accustock has to be less than 2lbs, or close to it... __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

June 2, 2017, 08:51 PM	#25
SHR970 Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2011 Posts: 1,427	And your problem with the weight was what? Was this a carry rifle that would be shot offhand or was it a "field rifle fired off a rest"? I ask since I have a Rem 700 that was made to carry all day in mucky conditions and fired once or twice. It is a First Gen ADL AWR 375 RUM that weighs 8.25 lbs with the scope on it. Mine kicks lick a draft horse....your weight problem is my benefit. I just don't get complaining about a 9 lb rifle in a no kick caliber unless it is meant to be carried all day and fired a few times. That said, the work looks good minus the black on the flats that should have been removed.