6 mm BRA Load Data

The 6mm BRA, or 6mm BR Ackley Improved, is a modern wildcat cartridge that has gained significant popularity among precision shooters and reloaders in recent years. Its roots trace back to the original 6mm BR Remington, a cartridge renowned for its exceptional accuracy in benchrest competitions since its development in the 1970s. Renowned gunsmith and cartridge designer P.O. Ackley enhanced many existing cases, and in this tradition, the 6mm BRA was born from the practice of “Ackley improving” the 6mm BR Remington. This involved fire-forming the case to have less body taper and a sharper 40-degree shoulder, resulting in increased case capacity and efficiency. The 6mm BRA, while not officially standardized by SAAMI, emerged from the competitive shooting community around 2015 and quickly gained a following for its balance of accuracy, mild recoil, and reloadability.

In practical applications, the 6mm BRA excels in disciplines demanding the utmost precision, such as benchrest, F-Class, PRS (Precision Rifle Series), and NRL (National Rifle League) style matches. Its case design offers a near-perfect blend of moderate overall length, excellent powder combustion, and manageable recoil, which contributes to outstanding performance at long ranges. The inherently accurate design of the 6mm BRA, combined with the availability of high-quality custom rifles and match-grade barrels chambered for the cartridge, has attracted competitive shooters looking for an edge in precision rifle events. Reloaders appreciate the cartridge’s efficient powder usage, long barrel life compared to larger magnums, and the ability to fine-tune loads for maximum accuracy as demanded by the precision shooting sports.

When it comes to hunting and varmint applications, the 6mm BRA is best suited for small to medium-sized game. Its flat trajectory and high accuracy make it ideal for taking varmints such as prairie dogs, groundhogs, and coyotes at extended ranges. While the cartridge is capable of taking smaller deer-sized game under certain conditions, its use is more commonly limited to predators and varmints due to the lighter weight of projectiles commonly associated with the caliber. Hunters who value precision and low recoil in a varmint rifle will find the 6mm BRA to be an excellent choice, especially where shots are likely to be at longer ranges and surgical accuracy is required.

Typical bullet weights for the 6mm BRA range from 95 to 115 grains, with particularly strong performance noted with match-grade projectiles around 105 to 109 grains. Berger, Hornady, and Sierra produce a variety of high-ballistic-coefficient bullets perfectly suited to the cartridge’s capabilities. The 6mm BRA’s case capacity, approximately 39–40 grains of water, supports velocities from 2,800 to 3,000 feet per second with these bullet weights, depending on the rifle setup and barrel length. The steep 40-degree shoulder angle and minimal body taper not only improve velocity potential but also enhance case life, an important consideration for reloaders running through high volume in matches. The brass is generally formed from readily available 6mm BR Remington cases, and the cartridge is praised for its forgiving nature and relatively straightforward reloading characteristics. With its combination of moderate recoil, exceptional accuracy, and customizability, the 6mm BRA stands out as a top choice for competitive shooters and varmint hunters alike.