22BR questions

[IMMORTAL]

Guys I'm ready to start load development om my 22BR and once again I need some guidance.

I am using an RCBS hand priming tool and I noticed the primer is recessed in the case a little deeper then my other rifles I reload for. Is this normal??? I'm using Lapua 6BR brass.

When I run my brass through my FL sizing die is there any other steps I need to do or can I trim and load?

Also the book says to trim to 1.510. Is this correct or should I trim to another length?

Sorry for all the questions but I just want to make sure I'm doing it right.

 

[lpreddick]

welcome to the 22 BR world! i shoot two of them...paper , grapefruits and varmints and they perform wonderfully on them all. primers: cci 450s seat just a few thous below the pocket's edge and this is normal and desired. one step necking down the lapua 6mmBR brass can introduce a donut at the neck's base and is of no consequence unless you seat a bullet through the neck. trimming: measure the case length and if they are all within .002 i'd wait and trim if the difference increases. you can measure the chamber's length with a sinclair chamber length plug and know just how much space you have in fromt of the case mouth. you will have fun!

 

[gotflow?]

I ran into the same issue on case length, my older manual says 1.510-1.520 but I found that my new PT&G reamer was set up for 1.540 length.

 

[IMMORTAL]

Thanks guys!!

 

[roadkill61]

Gotflow--realize you don't want your case as long as your chamber. You need to leave about 15 thou clearance

 

[gotflow?]

Thanks roadkill. Yes my reamer print gives 1.555 as the dimension, so 1.540 would be about right.

 

[22BRGUY]

Thanks roadkill. Yes my reamer print gives 1.555 as the dimension, so 1.540 would be about right.

After you've gotten familiar with everything, you may want to trim a little less to help prevent carbon ring. In the meantime, I'd suggest cleaning frequently with either Iosso or JB bore paste in the chamber area as the directions on these products indicate so as not to allow a carbon ring build up which could cause a high pressure event.
Best Wishes

 

[gotflow?]

Thanks 22brguy. How close should I run my brass length to actual chamber length in order to help prevent carbon ring? I haven't trimmed my cases yet.

 

[22BRGUY]

You have to be careful about this and everyone has to find their own "comfort" zone. Personally, I trim to .005 from the chamber/neck length. It's critical though to know your exact chamber neck length first. It's always better to be safe or trim to the safe side IMHO

 

[gotflow?]

Assuming I am head spaced correctly, could I use a reamer print to guide my case trimming or should I cast a chamber plug for an absolute reference?

 

[22BRGUY]

A chamber cast with Cerrosafe is really good or I understand that Hornady I think has a tool also. I make a cast of my chambers and the follow the shrink/swell times as indicated to make my measurements. Also with Cerrosafe, make sure you lube your chamber well beforehand, and I use either a wooden or fiberglass rod to knock out the casting from the muzzle end. Also you only need to fill about half of the chamber with the hot Cerrosafe which makes it easier to come out and put a plug in the barrel just a little ahead of the chamber.
Best Wishes

 

[JohnD]

Guys, don't mean to hijack this thread but I just started down the .22 BR path and the problem I have had right out of the gate is I have collapsed the first 2 cases(new Lapua) when trying to size down. Die is a Forster FL die and cases were heavily lubed.
I did manage to get the next 3 sized down only by backing the die out and gradually
sizing until I got it right. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks, John.

 

[22BRGUY]

Guys, don't mean to hijack this thread but I just started down the .22 BR path and the problem I have had right out of the gate is I have collapsed the first 2 cases(new Lapua) when trying to size down. Die is a Forster FL die and cases were heavily lubed.
I did manage to get the next 3 sized down only by backing the die out and gradually
sizing until I got it right. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks, John.

Are you using a bushing type die and sizing down in stages? Also are you turning the necks to make the brass thinner there and therefore more pliable?
As you squeeze the necks down the neck brass thickness will increase because it has to go somewhere.

 

[jefats]

FWIW.....I use a standard Forester FL 22 BR resizer die and run the brass up about half way the neck, then lower the ram and turn the brass 180 degrees and complete the resizing, sort of a two stage process. I've found the key is to lube the inside of the neck really well. A light lubing of the outer neck surface and near the base helps also. Take your time and don't force anything and if you do this you should not have any problem with collapsing the brass.

 

[expiper]

try using your seater die to take them down most of the way,,,leave it aprox .050 above the shell holder so you dont crimp the case mouth,,,Roger

 

[JohnD]

Thanks for the replies. Regarding neck turning…should this be done before or after
sizing the neck down?

John

 

[22BRGUY]

Thanks for the replies. Regarding neck turning…should this be done before or after
sizing the neck down?

John

Before, so as to thin the brass for easier sizing down. Also, when neck turning, try to get a turner that can cut a little up into the shoulder. As the case stretches forward, some of the thicker shoulder brass can move forward and may invite a donut at the neck/shoulder junction is the reason. The 21st Century neck turner among others is capable of doing it right.

 

[th82457]

If you are using a standard FL Forster die - you may also want to check the neck diameter on the die vs. the case neck diameter you desire. Lapua brass is thicker than Rem. brass and your die may be a bit small on diameter. Forster will gring your die neck to whatever diameter you desire for $12 plus shipping. This will also reduce the overworking on the necks of your brass on future re-sizing. My two cents.

Terry

 

[Ackman]

Guys I'm ready to start load development om my 22BR and once again I need some guidance.
I'm using Lapua 6BR brass.
Also the book says to trim to 1.510. Is this correct or should I trim to another length?

Sorry for all the questions but I just want to make sure I'm doing it right.

Ignore what "the book", any book, says about trim-to length. In general, new cases are already .020-.030"(or more) shorter than a std. spec chamber and trimming makes the jump even longer. So first know the length of your chamber. A chamber cast won't do it......Sinclairs has chamber length plugs for ever caliber. Use that to see exactly what your chamber is.

For your 22BR.... Lapua 6BR cases are consistent at 1.555"....DON'T be cutting them down until you know how long your chamber is. When you're trimming and can control brass length exactly, you only really want the case to be .005-.010" shorter than the chamber. I seriously doubt you'll need to trim at all.

 

[22BRGUY]

Everybody to their own...I was able to use a chamber cast well enough to measure the chamber/ neck length in more than one rifle.