Freebore

[Murray Brook]

Is there a way to measure the freebore of your rifle with barrel installed without doing a chamber cast. TKS

 

[SKWERLZ]

You can get a rough estimate with a cartridge and bullets at touch then a measurement from neck to a datum on bullet approximately a few thousandths below bullets diameter.
You must account for trim length of neck and there’s a few ways around that.

 

[Murray Brook]

I once read about a bullet in the case backwards and chambered. Would this have any merit.

 

[LVLAaron]

I once read about a bullet in the case backwards and chambered. Would this have any merit.

It would give you a rough idea. Why do you need a specific number? What problem are you trying to solve exactly?

 

[Murray Brook]

Well I'll tell you my plan. Few months back I purchased a Sako 6mm PPC USA. The rifle is mint as well as the throat and bore. What I noticed right off is that it must have a long freebore as 64-68 gr bullets have very very little bullet left in the case when touching the lands. In fact not enough to make them work. Why Sako would do this then put a 14 twist in the barrel is beyond me. I know that in a couple of years I will probably have to rebarrel this rifle and certainly want a freebore that places better with 64-68 gr bullets. My plan is to order a reamer to get a head start keeping cost down when it happens. That is why I want to know what my FB is now so when I order one I will have an idea what I want. I've searched and can't find the PPC USA chamber #'s.. By the way the rifle so far shoots great.

 

[LVLAaron]

I'd bet there are two dozen guys here who can tell you what reamer you need to order. I dont think you current specs matter

 

[Clancy]

Well I'll tell you my plan. Few months back I purchased a Sako 6mm PPC USA. The rifle is mint as well as the throat and bore. What I noticed right off is that it must have a long freebore as 64-68 gr bullets have very very little bullet left in the case when touching the lands. In fact not enough to make them work. Why Sako would do this then put a 14 twist in the barrel is beyond me. I know that in a couple of years I will probably have to rebarrel this rifle and certainly want a freebore that places better with 64-68 gr bullets. My plan is to order a reamer to get a head start keeping cost down when it happens. That is why I want to know what my FB is now so when I order one I will have an idea what I want. I've searched and can't find the PPC USA chamber #'s.. By the way the rifle so far shoots great.

.035-.050

Mine is a .035, but I bet if you ask @jackieschmidt he’d be delighted to help.

 

[Murray Brook]

@Clancy
Thank you. I guess that would mean that (looking at those #'s) I may go with a zero FB. I forgot to add in my previous post that I want to go with the PPC USA chamber. Maybe Jackie will chime in here and give me his opinion.

 

[Clancy]

@Clancy
Thank you. I guess that would mean that (looking at those #'s) I may go with a zero FB. I forgot to add in my previous post that I want to go with the PPC USA chamber.

I meant I use a .035, not that my Sako was a .035

 

[DaveTooley]

Tell the reamer manufacturer you want PPC USA reamer with a .2437" X .035" X 1'30" leade

 

[Rat Rifle]

At the risk of asking a stupid question, why not load a round the way You want, and measure that?

edit: looks like Dave has the precise answer !

 

[Murray Brook]

Tell the reamer manufacturer you want PPC USA reamer with a .2437" X .035" X 1'30" leade

I will most certainly look into this. If I have any questions would it be alright if I PM you

 

[DaveTooley]

I will most certainly look into this. If I have any questions would it be alright if I PM you

Sure anytime