I'd like to have some comments on the very best 6MM bolt action rifle cartridges to consider building for a 500 yard and less whitetail deer cartridge and shoot 1/2 MOA at 100 yds in the 80-110 grain bullet range class. What are the best options and build specs? What barrel twist? Thanks for any and all feedback!
Overall best 6MM cartridge to consider in 2026
- Thread starter kbc9693
- Start date
I am curious to what others say, but I'm gonna go 6 mm PRC.
I've never shot it (I shoot a 6mm creed) but it should shoot a 109 grain bullet over 3,200 fps. That should provide all the velocity you need for Whitetail. And if it is as accurate as the 6.5 PRC, it should be outstanding.
T
I've never shot it (I shoot a 6mm creed) but it should shoot a 109 grain bullet over 3,200 fps. That should provide all the velocity you need for Whitetail. And if it is as accurate as the 6.5 PRC, it should be outstanding.
T
toddcdozer
Well-Known Member
6-284 loaded with 115 DTACs was the monster 6mm that we used. It will shoot thru a Brahma bull front shoulder and out the hip on the far side. Brass is excellent and accuracy is great but barrel life is kinda shady. I wouldn't count on 1k rounds but it's a hammer for a 6mm. We killed quite a few deer past 1k with it when the wind was idle.
I'm a huge fan of the 6.5 PRC, and just bought a 25 PRC. Next step is the neck it on down to 6 MM, that should be a laser with the right twist and projectile, IMO!
Fish4Food
Well-Known Member
I'm kinda basic and have a fast twist 243.
1:7.5" twist Bartlein
Currently @ 27", want to chop it down to 18"
H.S. Stock
TriggerTech Special
VX-5 3-15
Don't recall velocity
Got a Garmin for Christmas and will get some speeds soon.
1:7.5" twist Bartlein
Currently @ 27", want to chop it down to 18"
H.S. Stock
TriggerTech Special
VX-5 3-15
Don't recall velocity
Got a Garmin for Christmas and will get some speeds soon.
Zen Archery
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2012
- Messages
- 1,637
- Reaction score
- 4,475
500 yard deer gun? .243 Win.
lancetkenyon
Well-Known Member
500 and in with medium-heavy weight bullets for hunting deer-sized game and down?
6Dasher
6GT
6x47L
6XC
6CM
6Dasher
6GT
6x47L
6XC
6CM
Elkeater
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2017
- Messages
- 1,563
- Reaction score
- 3,110
6mm ARC? In a bolt gun like the Howa mini action, you can probably run a 105gr Berger VLDH at 2750fps with a nice short barrel and minimal recoil. Suppresses very nicely as well. I have one in an AR platform and shoot the 105s at 2605fps. Very economical to shoot and is plenty for a deer. Just a thought. Otherwise if that doesn't work for you I'd vote 6 creedmoor.
unclecroc
Well-Known Member
Weatherby 307 or mark v in 240 weatherby. They come with a 1-7.5" twist barrel. Load a 88 hammer hunter about as hard as hard as you can push it.
Get the knives sharp.
Get the knives sharp.
I'm a fan as well of the 6.5 PRC and just started on loading some rounds for a 25 PRC I just acquired.
I don't know if it's the best, I'm going to have a 6 GT built next year, probably a 21" or 22" bartlein 3B contour fluted. Suppressed.
Lance, could you narrow this down to 2 cartridges?
