OzFclass

Hi guys

I've just chambered a rifle in 6-6.5x47L and I have a question about necking down the 6.5L brass. I've only sized one case - in one pass using a Forster 6-6.5x47 FL die and noticed that it does not size all the way to the base of the neck, leaving the base, near the shoulder junction, still oversize.

I ran the case into the rifle chamber and the bolt closed, although it was pretty stiff. This gives me pause and a certain amount of concern. Any view on whether this will be safe when fireforming?

The die is correctly adjusted and taking a few thou off the base, or off the shellholder will do nothing more than bump the shoulders unnecessarily (and possibly even dangerously).

Cheers, Justin

Justin
What size is the neck in the chamber, if it's tighter than 0.271 you'll need to neck turn, maybe a photo could help us help you.

Matt P

Hi Matt

The neck is .272". Don't have a photo at this stage...

Bolt closure is stiff

Justin,

I would get hold of a none bushing type F/L dye and run it done to the shoulder.

For this I use a 6BR F/L dye down to the shoulder and fire form.

I am not familiar with Forster dyes, have you tried adjusting the dye further down?

Hi Ben

The die I use is a non-bushing FL die. It is adjusted as far down as it will go.

Cheers, Justin

Justin,

I would not get to concerned about how the case chambers the first firing.

If you want to bump the shoulder further back it wont be a problem for form firing as long as the projectile is in the lands.

After first firing 6x47 cases need to be trimmed,neck turned & F/L again anyway.

P.S just sent mine for rechamber after 1500 rnds with 2 inches of heat crack in throat, so dont expect the barrel life first claimed when this caliber was introduced.

Ouch! Ben, my 6x47 has just tripped over 1000 shots. Can you tell us what brand barrel, what powder you are using and the load/velocity?

dkass,

The first 1000 rnds through the 7.5 twist Schneider was 39.5gr VV n160, the next 522 rnds was 39.2gr 2209 when I could not get n160.
Had the barrrel inspected at 1400 rnds when 107gr Sierras started blowing up mid range.

Mine has had 630 shots with 2208, and the rest with 2209 (39gns). I'm over 1000 shots now, so will keep an eye on it, tho it's ok at the moment and very accurate. Got me wondering what to go to if it's gone at 1500 tho.

crikey , i hope my new [ 6.5 X 47 ] maddco barrel last longer that that !!!!. think i might just keep shooting my 223 & 308s & pack the 6.5 away . dont wish to buy another $1000 barrel in a hurry!!!. ANYONE WANNA BUY A NEWLY BUILT 6.5 X 47 F / O RIFLE . LOL :cry:

To take 6.5 to 6mm on the Lapua case I run them into a 6mmBR seating die, that takes them to .272" then thru a .268" bushing die load into lands and shoot.

Re: Ben F and heat crack in throat of chamber. Probably not relevant but I have experienced problems with Stainless steel cracking in other situations, the cause,I was told, being SS does not handle heating and cooling as well as other steels do, and consequently I ended up replacing all the fractured SS which in this case were studs in a very large manifold.
I realise that SS barrel steel would be different specs but have a feeling that the same principle would apply as I have heard of more heat cracked/crazed chambers/barrels in SS than I ever heard of in chrome=moly. I have a 51 year old Sako.243 which has done well over 10 thousand "hot" loads and the barrel is still unmarked, and shoots sub MOA. Maybe a gunsmith or metallurgist could give an opinion on the "for and against" for both steels. If I was shooting hot loads quickly and in quantity I think I would favour chrome/moly. Just my opinion,probably wrong but a question un-asked will never find an answer Ray

jerryatric wrote:crikey , i hope my new [ 6.5 X 47 ] maddco barrel last longer that that !!!!...

Jerry,

There would be a huge difference in barrel life between the 6.5 and 6mm versions of this case. I wouldn't be too concerned.

Alan

thanks alanf - that makes me feel better , not to mention my wallet !.