6.5x55 reamer

[jmm03]

Hello all,I am new to posting on this forum but have been using it as a source of info for some time.I am in the process of building a general purpose rifle in 6.5 Swede on a blueprinted model 700 action using a Bartlein #9 1:8.5 5R barrell.I would like to purchase a reamer that will help give me the best chance at accuracy but I dont know much about optimum neck size,appropriate springback allowences,throat depths,etc.I usually use 142 Sierra HPBT on Lapua cases,I presently dont neck turn because all of my rifles are old but have no problem doing so.Any help would be greatly appreciated as to reamer dimensions and where to obtain one.Thanks in advance,Jim McGuinness

 

[dodgefan]

I bought my 6.5X55 reamer from Hugh Henriksen out of Oregon,541)535-2309. I basically told him what I was trying to accomplish
and sent him some sample cases with seated bullets and let him make
the decisions. I've been more then pleased with the results in the
rifles,3) I've had chambered with it.
Pacific Tool and Gauge is also highly recommended by people
that know a whole lot more then me. I'd recommend calling one of those two and telling them what you are trying to accomplish.

Dodgefan

 

[TRECustom]

Jim, A suggestion, call Dave Manson,,if he's not covered up, he will always take the time to answer your questions) and ask for his advice based on your intended use, I/E, general purpose. My recommendation is to go with a Manson std dimension reamer and use a throating reamer if you need to lengthen the throat for longer bullets. A well done std chamber is not finicky about ammo, pretty tolerant to pressure differences, and more accurate than most of us can shoot. The 6.5 x 55 is a fine cartridge, and you have the components for an outstanding rifle if you add in a quality laminate, wood, or composite stock. The Tupperware stocks won't get it done in my opinion.

On edit: Welcome to the forum.

Good luck and good shooting, Tom

 

[2644ever]

I may be wrong but I think the Swede has some taper on its neck, I happen to think this should be avoided -IMHO- and that you should order a reamer with a straight neck. Both of the Daves will probably agree with this statement.

 

[TRECustom]

264, I never thought about any cartridge having a tapered neck. Bullet grip would be strange. But that's a really good reason to call a reamer grinder.

Jim, let us know what you find out,,and decide)

Thanks for the post, Tom

 

[rhino]

If you tell pacific you wish to seat 140 grain bergers and or 142 smk they should be able to help ya with the throat.

My reamer is for a .294 neck I believe and I have to shave off .002-.003 off it to chamber.

Basically a .294 is a loaded rounds diameter, so you would want .297 for a no turn.

Lapua brass, VIN N560 powder, and berger and lapua bullets should make you happy!

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

If you communicate with a quality reamer maker and explain exactly what you're trying to accomplish you'll get what you need. Dave Kiff At PT&G has always delivered for me. There are other reamer makers out there who are also perfectly capable.

Go neck turn or no neck turn. Study up on it and decide what suits your style the best, but whatever you do don't accept a standard 6.5x55 SAAMI reamer 'cause you'll never be able to get any bullet anywhere near the lands.

 

[jmm03]

Thank you everyone for the help.I finally got to speak with Dave Kiff at PTG who was very kind to spend some time discussing what I am trying to accomplish,,thanks again Dave...).I did not remember to ask him about throat dimensions however,any comments as to overall cartridge length and throat dimensions for a 142 Sierra HPBT or a 139 Sceanar? Regards,jim