Shoulder bumping the 6.5x47L

[bartman007]

Just a quick question for those using the 6.5x47L, how often do you see that you have to bump the shoulder back?

I've got some cases at 3 reloads, and some at 6 reloads that are firm to chamber. A quick bump with the Body Die and it slips back into the chamber.

I'm putting it down to running the 140 grain projectiles, where the pressures are probably up a bit higher than the average expected from the 130's.

[Brad Y]

Mike, while my 6.5x47L is a slight bit longer than yours I bump each time I reload. Not because it needs it- to be honest running a 260 improved with 30 degree shoulder at 2870 with 140's is quite mild and I probably could get away with just neck sizing. But the idea is so all the cases are the same every time I shoot. It also helps having every case consistent as there are no disruptions to the rifle in the bags by hard bolt close and lift. Each one goes in easy and comes out easy. In the quest for sheer accuracy its all about consistency in my rather scrambled noggin.

[6.5x55ai]

5 reloads with 130 gr Bergers (load not hot) and I do a going over with the body die. Despite case prep at new being the same for each case they still vary a bit between getting tight and somewhere less than tight @ 5 firings. Body die at 5x gets them all consistent again. If I come upon a tight one on the mound I don't fire it. I normally don't get surprises like that on the mound as I cycle my brass thru the gun with the firing pin/main spring removed b4 reloading, particularly for important matches. Then I batch them depending upon how they feel plus again at the time of seating the projectile. Body die @ 5x and all good again for at least 3-4 loads. Hate FLSing

[6.5x55ai]

With my 284W there is definitely different harmonics between a tight to chamber case and one with say -1thou fit. See an elevation change occur so I don't let them get to that stage.

[bartman007]

running a 260 improved with 30 degree shoulder at 2870 with 140's is quite mild

Brad, I would have liked another 100 fps in your speed with the 260

I suspect that as I'm running the 140's in the 2900 fps range, that I'm nearer the upper limit of the case. That would be causing it to stretch more, requiring an earlier time to bumping the shoulder.

6.5x55ai, I suspect that you have a good process in place. Looks like the smaller cases (less than 6.5-284) suffer more from case expansion when using the 140 grainers.

I was just wondering if other 6.5x47L users were experiencing the same case expansion that I'm getting.

The body die did the job nicely the other night, I just bumped them back so it was an easy fit in the chamber. I may have to do this every 3 reloads to keep on top of it. It may also be a consequence of softer than normal brass? With a little work hardening, it may last longer between resizing?

[Brad Y]

I can always bump up and run 100fps faster, just havent seen the need as its so accurate (well was until recently which Im working on!)

[BRETT B]

Check that your chamber is not Too smooth!! If they are too highly polished or slippery the case will not grab and excess case growth and bolt thrust will result. the 6.5x47 is quite a small cartridge so i would expect some decent pressure when running 140 gn at 2800+!!! My 260AI runs 2970 with the 140 and i can go 3-4 reloads without bumping but they all feel a little different every time so i now run a body die over them every time. My headspace doesn"t actually change rather the shoulder/body junction gets a touch which is were it seems to stick when chambering. MAybe drop your charge slightly and see what happens!!!