6ppc

[Joe Maisto]

A good press, deburring tool, a hundred or so other things. Go to a match and get your stuff after you see what folks use. Dont buy junk- borrow good stuff until you can afford what you need

Great advice Dusty. It's the only way. Most of us have changed equipment several times down through the years, me included , especially primer tool, powder measure, dies, case trimmers, rear bags, and yes...front rest too. It is a learning experience, and expensive one as well.

 

[PatMiles]

Hi guys, I'm just starting out in the world of short range bench rest.
I've sourced a rifle and scope.

What do I need to get started? I have so far -
220 brass
Neck turner
Wilson dies (seater and neck)
VV N133

Remember, if you walk into a shop, their number one job is to sell you something. Doesn't matter if it is really necessary. Do your homework before you plunk down your hard earned cash! What exactly does this gizmo do for me, why do I need it??
Folks here, like Dusty, are a wealth of knowledge and are not trying to sell you anything, so use them!
Don't come back here whining that P T Barnum sold you a triple resonance mid-barrel compensator that was guaranteed to shoot in the zeroes with one ounce 7 1/2 shot loads out of your 6 PPC gun!

 

[Joe Maisto]

Much appreciated with everyone's insights!
I have dial and digital calipers, and mostly K&M, Sinclair, Wilson, Redding etc reloading equipment.

The rifle is a kelbly and I plan on running LV, so I can also enter HV with the same rifle.

That's what I do ( did) as well. Never found it to be detrimental either...

 

[Tim Singleton]

Yes be careful some are looking to un load junk on the new guy
Not many but they are out there

 

[rkittine]

I assume you have an expander too and not just a neck turner. Then the next step is to blow out the cases.

 

[Borisserge]

As my list of "needed" expands, I am picking up bits as I go now, though nothing drastic as I have accumulated bits for my 1000 yards stuff over time.
I own a few arbour presses (Sinclair and k & m), also a few neck expanders of varying diameters of each caliber.

I have a neck turner for each rifle for greater case continuity - less messing around if I need more cases, though I don't think this is the same for this little case where it's not having a big powder load through it.

Should I do any primer pocket area preparation?

Should I be particular over case volume and weighing charges to the usual long range amount, or just throw N133 straight from a Harrell's and be done with it.

I fully understand that as with most high level accuracy shooting, wind is the greatest variable and keeping the charge in tune.

 

[Borisserge]

I can get some Berger and some Bart's to get things shooting.
N133 is easy to get as a powder, and I have a selection of primers (CCI BR, 450m, federal 205m to start with)

 

[R.Morehouse]

I personally don't do the flash holes on my brass for the 6ppc or 30 Major but I do keep the primer pockets uniform.

Regards
Rick

 

[dgeesaman]

I'd at least inspect the flash holes for a burr if I don't actually uniform them. I uniform my primer pockets with a Holland's tool but I don't see it doing much.

I don't see SR competitors fussing over case volume much. I suggest you do the minimum to make yourself feel good.

 

[Tim Singleton]

Sinclair carbide primer pocket cleaner tool all you need
I’ll look for a link
https://www.brownells.com/reloading...ocket-uniformer-sku749003709-34720-63187.aspx

 

[jimmymac]

The K&M primer pocket tool is also a pretty nice piece. Attached to a small handheld driver, it makes quick work of primer pockets.

https://kmshooting.com/product/small-pistol-rifle-primer-pocket-correction-tool/

 

[jimmymac]

You'll fire a lot of rounds at a match, so not very many are going pre-loaded although some do and work with a tuner if (when) the load falls apart. Over two days, it's 100 record shots plus sighters and foulers for the LV and HV at 100 and 200 yards.

As far as throwing charges vs weighing, you will see both being done at the range in between relays. The Chargemaster is a common sight. You can hear the things beeping all over the loading barn. Just as common are guys using powder throwers like a Harrell's, Jones, Bruno, etc.

Up to you to decide which is better. There will be some pretty strong opinions that come down on both sides of the fence. If you already have the equipment, I'd say to try both and let the target show you if there is a difference.

...keep in mind I'm a hack and only know enough to be dangerous. I feel like the advice I've given to this point is good, but guys like @Tim Singleton have a lot more experience.

I wish you well in your endeavors.

 

[Borisserge]

Thank you all once again in helping me in my endeavours in this, it's been very helpful in so many ways!
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to personally send me pm's. - it really means a lot!

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Remember, getting advice in a pm sometimes could be a dangerous thing. If it cant be vetted on the forum who knows who to listen to?

 

[gasph]

I did not see it mentioned yet so in addition to the above items I would get a small machinist tool box that is small enough to take to the range and keep all your stuff organized. It pays to have a system for the reloading routine that you are familiar with at home and away. Force yourself to load at the range and keep a notebook of your records.

In starting out I would advise not to start shooting real hot loads and learn the basics first and learn what the gun likes. I would fire form maybe 40-50 cases of new brass make sure the neck clearance is right and work up to 28.4 to 28.9 gr of 133 and learn about your best seating depth and bullets before shooting hotter loads, maybe increase charge weight in the second year. Keep a dedicated notebook for the PPC and record all your match data and test target results. As above talk to people at matches and see what they are doing.

Have fun and strive for improvement. Relax and work on consistent table manners.