.243 vs. 6mm

Yoter · 03-05-2007, 01:19 PM

I killed my first two deer and first two antelope with a Remington 6mm, not to mention it was the gun I really learned to shoot with after graduating from the .22. My dad still has the 6mm and is saving it for the grandkids (my kids) so I won't be getting my hands on it any time soon.

My next gun will either be a 243 or 6mm. I can see the advantages of the 6 mm over the .243 although slight. My heart wants the 6mm for sentimental reasons, but my head is having a hard time justifying not getting the .243.

My questions is, how difficult would it be to get a 243 and then have a gunsmith rechamber it for the 6mm? Would the rate of twist in the barrel be an issue? Will the magazine have to be replaced? How much would it cost?

The only factory new rifle I am aware of still made in 6mm is the Remington VLS, and I'm not sure I want this to be a heavy varmint rifle. I plan to use it for coyotes, antelope, and wolves.

nchawkeye · 03-05-2007, 01:48 PM

The bigest problem I see is the AOL of the cartridge...The .243 is a true short action...The 6mm is not...That being said, I have a 1980 Ruger (tang safety) in .243 that is not a true short action...You might pick one up used and have it rebarreled...

ipscshooter · 03-05-2007, 01:51 PM

I'd just get the .243, due to availability of new rifles and better availability of ammo.

trailer · 03-05-2007, 02:04 PM

Even though I have a 6 mm I would have to agree that getting the 243 would be a better choice as previously mentioned. The 6 mm has been listed in the Ruger M77MKII for some time although I"™m not sure if it"™s still available but you could check it out if you really have your mind set on the 6 mm...

retrieverman · 03-05-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: ipscshooter

I'd just get the .243, due to availability of new rifles and better availability of ammo.

Ditto!

48thguns · 03-05-2007, 04:31 PM

What everyone above said. Regards, Rick.

Doe Dumper · 03-05-2007, 07:59 PM

6mm...

JagMagMan · 03-05-2007, 08:31 PM

My first centerfire was the 6MM! It is a good cartridge! Other than sentimental reasons, I'd just go with the .243. Ammo is more available and the difference in action lengths might make for an expensive conversion.

halcon · 03-06-2007, 12:04 AM

I have the 6mm and 243 both and really cant tell any difference in them . availability of ammo is the big difference I have noticed . I handload so it isn't a problem but it could befor someone that don't .

Rammer · 03-06-2007, 12:14 AM

243 if you buy factory fodder. 6mm if you handload. I know all the gunshops within a 60 miles radius of my house and only one has on hand 6mm ammo, and it is very limited in selection.