Originally Posted By: Tbone-AZI like the 6X45 but to load for deer you are going to have to do a compression load. Also if I was going to get a 6X45 I would want the slower twist so that I can use the lighter bullets. But that would mean that the deer rounds wouldn't work so well.
With what you are saying and going to use it for, i think i would get the 243, since it's common and you can get ammo in a pinch at just about any store.
Why would you need a slower twist for lighter bullets? I have a 243 and 2 each 6X45's. They both work well. My 6X45's are both in AR form, so I dont load bigger bullets. I have a 9 twist in 243 and 6X45 and a 10 twist X45. All of them handle the 85 gr Sierra HPBT well...so deer bullets work. One in a bolt gun would be dandy.
There is very little factory ammo for the 6x45. I think on company makes about 3 offerings. In that aspect, the 243 is the winner.
As for the compressed loads, thats a non issue. I load our X45's to the lip and compress. It's much easier and neater to use a drop tube. But I have no issues with a little crunch on bullet seating.
All in all...I really like the 6X45 and 243 really well. The X45 is just a plain fun round. Easy to load for, very minimal recoil and low muzzle blast. For what you described using it for, either would be fine. I wouldjust say 6X45 because I want one in a bolt gun and I have a fondness for the round.
I use a compressed load for even the 70 gr TNT's I load. The deer will be seeing a 80 gr Speer Deep Curl or a Sierra 85 gr HPBT.
Very Full little case...