6 Norma BR Clarification Request

[RacerX]

Hello. I've read much on this site, but am new to this forum and new to hand-loading and bench rest shooting,long time hunter and shooter, but new to this stuff).

I am seriously considering purchasing a Savage M12 Long Range Precision Varminter in 6 Norma BR. But, despite all the stuff I've read about 6mm BR cartridges etc. here and elsewhere, I'm still a bit confused. Some things I have read suggest that it is the same as 6mm BR Remington, and some suggest that there are differences. Is the 6 Norma BR its own unique cartridge, with its own unique load data; and if so, where does one find it? Or, is it just another name for 6mm Remington BR or something under some other name, such that load data under that nomenclature is appropriate for it? I can't find any reloading data for this in any of my books. The only place I can find info is on Norma's web page. Is there data somewhere?

Also, what do folks here think about this new rifle,I realize it isn't out yet). Does anyone know what the barrel twist rate will be? ,I've heard 1:12, but Norma's web page recommends something different??)

Thanks much in advance; and I apologize if this has been covered in another thread - I tried a search but didn't find anything on point.

 

[benjamin199]

You can use the 6mmBR rem load data and dies for the 6mmBR Norma. I have not seen any dies labeled 6mmBR Norma yet,doesn't mean they are not there), I have been using the Redding 6mmBR rem dies, and the "6mmBR rem" load data without an issue.

I have heard good things about the savage rifles most seem to be very accurate in the cartridges that are out now, but I have heard of the occasional one that would only group around 1 inch.
The twist rate will determine what weight bullets will stabilize in that rifle. If you want to shoot the 105gr bullets then the savage would not be the best rifle for you, unless they have one with an 8 twist available.

I hope this helps.

 

[GermanS1]

Racer, as Benjamin said, load data and dies are essentially the same. The principal differences are case length,1.550" for 6BR Norma vs. 1.500" for 6BR Remington) and throat length as the Norma version is designed around heavier,105 gr.) bullets. Since you're getting a new production rifle, it will be chambered in 6BR Norma and all currently made dies and brass,Lapua and Norma) will work fine.
There's plenty of load data at the Lapua site http://www.lapua.com/index.php?id=850

Medium burning powders like Vihta Vouri N140 and N540, as well as Varget, H4895 and others in that range are good choices with bullets in the 95 to 108 grain range. My best results have been with Berger 105 VLD, 108 Match and Lapua 105 Scenars but there's plenty of choices in 6mm bullets in that weight range.

 

[RacerX]

Great. Thanks for the replies and the information. It seems to me that this would be a good way to get into benchrest shooting with a fairly affordable factory rifle.

 

[Travelor]

Be sure to find out wha tthe twist rate is before putting your money out. If the factory twist is not 1:8 or slightly faster you will not be able to shoot the 107 grain bullets which is what you would want for long range shooting. I have a M12 LRPV in 223 and there were two factory twists available, one in 1:7 and one faster - you judt needed to kow that when getting the gun ordered.

Also, I hae heard that if the factory "standard" barrel is not what you whant, you can call the custom shop and get a different twist.

But let me offer a suggestion. Buy a Target action, and have it barreled with a custom Krieger or equal quality custom barrel and have a target stock added. You should be about $300 or so over the factory gun and have a true custom target rifle. Might contact Mr. Larry Racine, http://www.lprgunsmith.com/index.htm ) and ask him what he wuld charge to barrel and true a Target action for you and possibly put a BVSS stock with vented forearm and adjustable comb on it.

If you do, tell him I, George Toney, referred you as he has done two rifles for me and one for a friend - all Savages. The last one in 6mmBR that is shooting on the .3's for 5 shots at 100 yards after only 30 rounds to break the barrel in. The first one is his 308 Palma gun and after 1600 rounds of competition it still shoots in the .4's.

George