6XC build - general questions

[Kingfisher]

Good morning folks. This is my first post, so I'll try to keep it crisp as not to foul up a good first impression. I’ve used the search feature and tried to do as much reading as possible but there may be some re-hash of old topics here and for that I apologize in advance.

I've got a CZ-550 varmint that I'd like to rebarrel in 6XC. The gun is currently chambered in 22-250, so for me the 6XC just felt like a logical choice. That and it's just something I want to play with. So for the purpose of the discussion let's assume that my heart is set on the 6XC.

My desire is to build a 6XC, which I will feed single shot (the CZ-550 mag max is 2.70") with the 115 gr. DTAC's. The gun has always been a bench toy, and I'd like to keep it as such but take it to a much higher level in terms of long range capabilities. Shooting 52 gr. Matchkings at 200 yards or less just doesn't do it for me anymore.

Right now, it looks like I'll probably be snagging a Krieger #17 (might go a tad heavier) from Bruno Shooters Supply, although I've also considered a Bartlein from Grizzly Tool. Obviously they're both top barrel makers, but I thought I'd see if anyone had any specific experience with either one with the 6XC specifically. Regardless of mfg. my plan was to go with a 1:7.5 just to make sure that I have no issues with the 115’s, with a barrel length of 28-30” finished. If I should be looking harder at a 1:8, please advise since that certainly opens some doors in terms of cost and availability (the former is a definite factor).

For the chamber, I want a no fuss setup. I want an accurate rifle, but I just don’t have the time or patience to tinker aka neck turn. I’m planning on using Norma 6XC brass (although I have some norma 22-250 brass on hand), with the 115 DTAC’s for target work and I’ll probably play around with some Hornady 95 gr. SST’s for hunting use, since that is what I have loaded in my other 2 6mm’s.

1. With those requirements using the 115 gr. DTAC, what reamer dimensions should I be looking at?
2. It looks like the OAL with the DTAC should be right around ~2.75”. Do I have that right?
3. Grizzly has a PTG reamer in stock. Neck diameter is 0.2748 and Freebore is 0.0900 - Are these dimensions suitable to the requirements? Obviously I can call Dave Kiff and order something specific, but off the shelf is cheaper and quicker. Just wasn't sure if it was correct.

Thanks in advance folks, and I appreciate your patience. Any advice is welcome.

Regards,
Tom

 

[KMart]

The only word of caution I would give you is to be sure that the reamer is of one of the later design specs. The 6XC has gone through a progression of changes on the design. The earlier designs were a little small in the web area of the chamber causing hard bolt lift using Norma 6XC brass. If you used fire formed Winchester 22-250, the bolt lift would be normal. The fireformed Norma 22-250 may also give you hard bolt lift in the too small chamber.
Lapua 22-250 brass will give you donuts when fireformed. The norma may do the same. The Winchester does not give the donuts.

 

[WyleWD]

Kingfisher... welcome to the board.

Overall, it looks like you have a solid plan. My question would be .... have you chosen a gunsmith to do the work for you, and does he have any experience and or a good reamer for the 6xc you want??

Once you choose the gunsmith, run all these questions past him, and if he's a really good one he may make some suggestions. After all, when you take delivery of the rifle and you've shot it if there are any issues with it it is between you and him to work it out. This site has a list of gunsmiths on it if you need some help.

I've got a couple 6xc's, one bench rifle, one walk around sporter weight barrel. Mine was set up to use the Norma brass with no turn necks from the get go. You have an opportunity to perhaps do a little fireforming from your 22-250 brass during the breakin period of the barrel that may allow you to experiment with the 2 different brasses to compare if you want to. I think you'll like the round a lot. It is one of the easiest to load for that I've ever messed with. WD

 

[SDWhirlwind]

To answer question #3- The reamer I have is .104FB, first one was .107FB. Also mine is .274nk. The .104FB and .274 was Kiff's shelf grind for the 105-107 range of bullets. Now he may have changed as the first reamer I had was the .107 mentioned and .275nk. I know some are running .271 and others .273 for no turns. Depends on what you are going to do with it. Have not tried the 115's as mine is an 8 twist and they weren't out yet when I built mine. So the .090FB I am sure is a bit short for 115's but guessing others will be happy to tell me different

Just my .02 cents as I have no experience with the 115's but was giving you a caveat on the .090FB from Grizzly.

 

[Dave L Kiff]

Ther Grizzly reamer is the new Tubb spec. It will work for his brass and all the others used. This is the same one we make for David Tubb. Thanks Dave

 

[Kingfisher]

Man, as I'm was typing the replies came pouring in.

I do have a gunsmith lined up WD. A gentlemen out of Stephenville, Tx. He does not have a reamer unfortunately which leads me to most of these questions. Definitely a good call on all of that, I just wanted to try to get my ducks in a row as much as possible so that I could pretty much just walk in with the donor gun, the barrel, and the reamer and let him have at it. He has not chambered a 6XC before. Most of his work is on bigger stuff which is where we have experience with him. He's built a couple of 338/416 Remington's for us.

As for the brass, chances are I'll scrap most of it as I've shot the hell out of it in my 22-250 already but it doesn't hurt to have extra on hand for "just in case" situations. Since it's a new project I figured I'd start with virgin brass that I didn't have to do any extensive forming on.

SDW - Message received. As I read your msg I came to the same conclusion, i.e. .90 is too short.

Dave - Thanks for the response. The email you got this morning was mine. Sounds like I'm going to have to go the custom route. I'll try to give you a call mid-week, hash out the details and get this thing ordered. With any luck maybe I can get this thing done in time for hunting season.

 

[Kingfisher]

Just wanted to follow up and say thanks for the assistance. Talked to Dave on Friday, super guy. Got the reamer ordered, .2748 neck w/ a 148 leade. Now I'm just trying to finalize on the barrel. The 1.250" blank size on the Krieger is a fair bit larger than the stock 1.10" on the CZ-550, so I've got to talk to the gunsmith on Weds when he gets back to make sure that turning down the shank isn't going to be a problem. He doesn't recontour barrels, so I've got to find out just how much he's comfortable turning town. Once the barrel is trimmed to 29" finished and the threads cut, it should be a little more reasonable. Just want to make sure. Next up, Redding dies, Norma brass, and a giant box of 115 coated DTAC's... and here I thought I was building a budget project.