6mmBR noob requesting help with first build

[medicjim]

Hi,

I just joined the forum because I'm thinking about a 6mmBr build. I'm a 44 year old father of two, experienced reloader and I've shot a few matches in my day.

I have a rem 700 donor action and was thinking of having a 6mmbr varmint setup built for me. I'd rther not get into the whole neck sizing business just yet, so I was figuring a no turn chamber.... that's about where I'm at...

Looking for suggestions on selection of brass, twist, chamber dimensions, barrel manufacturer, length.... I shoot mostly between 300-500M, and wouldn't mind being able to shoot the heavies (105 or so) since I also have a 6mm rem.

I'm pretty set on a light palma or rem varmin taper or roughly that dimension. I certainly do not need another 18lb behemoth.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated....I really do not know my way around the 6mm in general and the BR specifically.

Thanks in advance

Jim

 

[Kenny474]

Since I too am building a 6BR, I will pass on some of the answers I have received and a little I have researched.

A 1-8" twist barrel is a good starting point, as you can shoot the heavy 105VLD's as well, as the lighter 85's as well, though you need to make sure you don't go too far with throat so the 85's will still touch the lands. I am building on a Shilen 1-8" HV taper barrel to finish at 28" so I can get the heavies up to speed. I know you want a lighter gun, so I would recommend a light varmint contour. A little heavier than the Sendero at 6lb12oz, but it will also take a bit more to overheat and possibly be a little stiffer. That's definitely a good thing in a hot varmint town. But if you are really worried about weight, the Sendero will be fine. 28" seems to be a good finish length.
Lapua makes the best brass hands down, though Norma makes it as well. Either way you will have good brass, but Lapua is cheaper. The necks on Lapua have been a bit thinner than previous batches, so you may want to order some and measure it before you have the barrel chambered. The 2 boxes I have average .012, and the older stuff was .013. Just something to consider if you want a no-turn neck and still have a tight fitting chamber. I use a lot of Lapua in my .222 and it's excellent brass. Very consistent and holds up forever, unless you load so hot you expand the primer pockets or the web.

Chamber dimensions are something I have yet to decide on, so I'm of little help there. I am going to call Dave Kiff and discuss reamer dimensions with him shortly, I will let you know what his thoughts are as we have similar goals.

 

[medicjim]

107 view and only one response....

did I mention PLEASE HELP?

 

[peterf225]

The 700 action is a great starting point. If you are wanting to shoot the 105-108s will need at least an 8 twist. The ones I have had built had standard 6BR chambers, nothing custom cut. I don't like messing with brass more than I have to. I have never had one that shot bad. The worst one shot 1/2" 5shot groups at 100 yds. As far a barrels go I like Shilen, Kreiger, Bartlein, Brux, and Broughton. There are other barrels other people will suggest. 28" finished is a very common length which gives great velocity. Hope that helps.

 

[WyleWD]

That is what I started out with and still have. Rem 700 action, trued, fast firing pin, jewel trigger, lightened the extractor spring, using an "junk" HS precision stock, with a follower glued to the bottom of the action, Kreiger 1-7 twist 28" long in straight taper.

As far as the rest of it. I am using a no turn neck chamber, but still find that it gets better accuracy if I go through and make sure all the necks are right with the neck turner. Some will shave a little, some none, and some more than you'd expect. I use a redding bushing die and only neck size after firing. As far as brass, I prefer Norma, but the crowd will tell ya to use Lapua. I got two boxes of Lapua that were inconsistent as all get out and so I'm kinda soured on them.

Loads, you can shoot the 107's, 105's, and if ya want to use 95's that is fine too. Reloader 15 is my ticket. The Sierra 107's are the bullet to beat in my rifle, but it shoots all of them in that weight range pretty darn well or at least well enough that I've more than paid for that rifle in winnings anyway. WD