6mmBRX - first time reloading

[bosulli]

Just joined 6mmBR.com. Seems all my tech research leads to this web site. Since, I am building a 6mmBRX, I decided to join in.

I have been reloading for 3 yrs or so. Doing the basic stuff, and basic cartridges. Now, I am wanting to extend my accuarcy out to a 1000yds, and need to buy some new tools to get going with the 6mmBRX.

I have researched on this site, and talked to the barrel maker about loading 6mmBRX, and need a little guidance to get started. I would buy everything the articles use, but there is a limit on what I can buy at one time.

I will have to fire form the brass. Do I need to neck turn virgin brass?

Will this list get me going?
1. Forrester FL die set (not the ultra)
2. expander mandrel
3. K&M neck turner
4. Lapua brass

What measuring tools (beyond calipers) do I need to get the neck turning going?

 

[groupshooter22]

For neck turning you will need a tubing micrometer or a regular micrometer and your bullet. Does your barrel have a tight neck? If not just turn enough off to clean up about 50-70% of the neck or you will work your brass unnecessarily.

 

[bosulli]

Can you reccomend a tubing micrometer.

I have been looking on Sinclairs website. They have a dial on a pedestal with ball bearings that will give me run out. I have seen some hand held digital tools that will give me wall thickness for $50. They dont look like the traditional micrometer. I dont want to buy cheap, if I going to want to buy the pro model after my first couple sessions.

 

[Bob3700]

Bosulli,

The reason that people specify a .272" neck dia is so that they don't have to neck turn when using Lapua brass. That is one set of tools you can do without. The cartridges shoot just fine without neck turning.

You do need one of the old ''Stoney Point" (I believe Hornady now) headspace gauge tools for your caliper. That will let you measure your shoulder to base dimension and control how far you are pushing your shoulders back during resizing. For a bolt gun you only want about .0015-.002" setback.

You can use a standard BR sizing and seating die. Also get a 308 body die. This is to allow you to size the case all the way to the base. They are not expensive.

Make sure that your FL sizing die is of the bushing type. You will need bushings from .268 thru .270 to control your loaded round neck tension. Spend your money on the Forester Benchrest seater, you will get very concentric rounds with one.

Check this forum's archives on forming improved BR cases using the false shoulder method. It really works best but you need to make sure you expand the case necks to the right diameter. Also, lube the insides of the case necks when doing this other wise you are going to ruin some expensive brass. The necks will be off center without the lube.

Good luck with your project. Those BRX rifles really shoot.

Bob

 

[Winchester69]

I dont want to buy cheap, if I going to want to buy the pro model after my first couple sessions.

It's difficult to say how you will derive satisfaction. It seems that machinists and others who appreciate fine tools prefer to use the well-made tools. However, you don't need micrometer resolution for the job at hand. It is the configuration of the tool (when compared to a caliper) that is important, and they're all configured the same and require the same skill. The cheap tool will do the job.

Unless you have trouble reading a micrometer scale, I would advise against the digital readout - the analog scale affords better resolution. Plus, you're dealing with an economy tool while introducing another level of variation.

Go to a tool supplier and ask to compare the fine tools to the econo versions. Satisfaction will only be determined by yourself.

 

[eggman]

bosulli, One thing I thought I ought to mention is If you are going to use a 6 BR FL die backed off for the 6 BRX is to be sure and pick up a 308, 243 or a 7mm-08 Body die to size the bottom of the case that the 6 BR die won't reach. You won't have to do this but every 3 sizings or so but will save trouble down the road.

Rodney

 

[bosulli]

Good comment on the tool dilema.

I have read the article on forming BRX brass. There are 3 methods. Seems the false neck method, you have to neck turn about half way down. With that said, I will have to read a few times, so I can fully understand.

Already have the headspace gauge.

How bout this for a 308 body die? http://www.sinclairintl.com/product/9424/308-Win-307-Win-Reloading-Dies

I hoping to be able to fire form the round on the brass with out buying too many tools. I will buy eventually what I need. I have to recover from the cost of the build.

Thanks for the info and support.

 

[savageboy]

I have a question- I am doing a 6brx too and wanted to understand- Is a standard Full length Resizing Die for a .308 (or one of the family of .308's) the same as a "body die". So can I use my 7-08 RCBS FL resizing die to size the bottom part of the 6br. case?

 

[eggman]

Good comment on the tool dilema.

I have read the article on forming BRX brass. There are 3 methods. Seems the false neck method, you have to neck turn about half way down. With that said, I will have to read a few times, so I can fully understand.

Already have the headspace gauge.

How bout this for a 308 body die? http://www.sinclairintl.com/product/9424/308-Win-307-Win-Reloading-Dies

I hoping to be able to fire form the round on the brass with out buying too many tools. I will buy eventually what I need. I have to recover from the cost of the build.

Thanks for the info and support.

I use a false neck method but I do not turn necks to do that . I just use a 25 cal. K&M expandiron to expand the neck up to 25 cal. then use a 6 BR die to neck it part way down creating a "false shoulder" . Just make sure you don't push the false shoulder back too far . Back your 6 BR size die off a little bit so your bolt closes kinda hard (lube your bolt lugs good). It is very easy to do once you do it you will see. I have fire formed 6 Dasher a 6 BRX without a false shoulder and got good accuracy but the false shoulder just makes better brass. People who know more than me have proved it . Yes the body die Sinclair has is fine but ask in the classifieds and you might find a used one.

Good luck,
Rodney

 

[eggman]

I have a question- I am doing a 6brx too and wanted to understand- Is a standard Full length Resizing Die for a .308 (or one of the family of .308's) the same as a "body die". So can I use my 7-08 RCBS FL resizing die to size the bottom part of the 6br. case?

A FL die is not the same as a body die but it may work for this . Just try a case and see but be sure and remove the decapping stem and expander plug from the FL die.

Rodney

 

[jr600yd]

Yes you can use your FL die. Just remove the decapping stem. It works just fine.

Jim

 

[MarkS]

bosulli,

As far as the necks, built a 0.272" neck and don't turn necks. I used a 7mm08 f/l die for base then a Redding 6BR "S" for the neck and shoulder bump.

I have used both False shoulder and jamming a bullet, both work well.

Mark Schronce

 

[Bulseyetom]

I have a Sinclair concentricity gage with dial indicator and a Mitoyo Ball Micrometer from Sinclair that I will sell to you at a reasonable price. They are both as new. Tom