Comments on: Norma's 6XC Delivers Outstanding Performance

By: Mike Etzel

Mike Etzel — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:18:57 +0000

Robert, the load I use is 34.6 grain of RL15 in a 1:8 twist five groove plygonal PacNor barrel. The load is very consistant (in my rifle – RPA Quadlite) although not the fastest possible in the 6XC by any means. Steve, if all things are equal the larger calibers should have the advantage, there is no question about that. In the real world that is not always the case. For example, larger caliber competitors sometimes get complacent as they rely on “horsepower” and occasionally develop the odd inexplicable flinch in long strings and and go from a “10” to an “8” and even a “7”. It can be unsettling. Having used a 257/6.5 AI for four years before experimenting with the 6XC, I have come to the conclusion that the 6XC is easier to shoot consistently well up to 900 meters. Also using the terrain as a conditions indicator (the way grass blades and other foliage bends in the wind combined with good optics (Nightforce, S&B, March etc.,) as opposed to relying entirely on flags and mirage has paid off handsomely on a number of occasions. It took me years to develop these skills. Cartridge horse power has its place, but it is not the be all and end all of good range performance.

By: steve

steve — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:18:27 +0000

Mike,

What happens when you have competitors of equal wind-reading skills? The British F-Class team who won the F-Class World Championship won with 7mm bullets. I love the 6mm cartridges but I think that they are most suitable for medium range

By: RobertO

RobertO — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:49:29 +0000

Mike,
What load are you using, of RL 15, in the 107 range? All load cautions apply.

By: Mike Etzel

Mike Etzel — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:45:07 +0000

I have used the 6XC successfully in Australia for the past three years in F-Class Open club competition and have now shot 2517 rounds at ranges from 300 to 900 meters using primarily Sierra 107 gr Matchkings and Reloader 15 propellant. My experience is that the 6XC can hold its own with the larger calibers out to 900 meters (and possibly longer) once wind reading skills are honed. The 6XC will more than hold its own against the 6.5 mm and is superior to the 6.5 mm in elevation consistency out to 900 meters. What the 6XC gives up on wind (and that is not that much) it makes up on lack of recoil and consistent elevation. An experienced competitor, one who is a competent wind reader will effectively compete against the 7 mm and .30’s out to 900 meters. The advantages of the larger calibers are compromised to some extent by recoil, especially in long details, inconsistent elevation, especially the 6.5 mm calibers and the greater number of fliers. To the experienced competitor who wishes to take their wind reading skills seriously and has quality hand loads and equipment, the 6XC (and most likely the 6/6.5 Swiss Match) will give the 7 mm and .30’s (especially the .308 Winchester) stiff competition even at extended ranges.

By: Emil Praslick

Emil Praslick — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:35:53 +0000

Don’t bring a 6mm to a LR match with any real wind. Witness the results at Camp Perry whenever the conditions stray from the “ideal”. Great inherent accuracy, but it cannot stand up to the 6.5, 7mm and .30’s at 1000 yards.

By: Gerry Nordmann

Gerry Nordmann — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:23:29 +0000

I shoot 1,000yd. BR and last year I had some wins with the 6XC. This year I have been using two 6.5-284s (LG & HG).

This winter I am going to do more work on the 6XC to use as my light gun next year because I like it and the 6.5-284 So, I am interested in any thing I can find concerning the beautiful 6XC. Having too many guns can keep you from finding the full potential of any one of them – IMHO. Badlands