Another 6mm Remington AI "the bug bites again"

[wildcatter]

It seems some missed the fact I was using Lapua Brass to make these new cases. I nearly 1000 rounds of Remington headstamp brass in both 257 Roberts, and 6mm Remington. Some have been used in previous 6mm and 257 Ackley builds, as well as many still unfired. The reason for using the Lapua brass this time is because this is the first build I have had access to this Premium case.

This has worked super good so far, I have found it 100% successful with zero lost cases forming them from 8x57 to 6mm Remington. It was a simple two die process, very lightly lub with Imperial sizing wax, and run first thru the 7x57 Mauser full length die, then switch to the 6mm Remington die and run the already lubed cases thru the full length 6mm Rem sizing die.

Over the years I have found myself, as most others using Imperial sizing wax for case forming tend to "NOT" take the term "LIGHTLY" sparingly enough. In the past when I caught myself over lubing, it would show this with wrinkled shoulders, or small dimples in the shoulder. This is easily fixed by using a swab or paper wipes the thoroughly clean the die body.

It is easy to do when your first starting to form brass, in time you learn through trial and error how minute of an amount of wax is needed. But I will warn those out their just getting started forming their own cases, it is far better to use too much than too little. to much you can clean and adjust. Too little and you can not only risk ruining brass, but could ruin your die as well.

As I updated this thread I was informed that Fred has the barrel and I will be getting back with him today, but wanted to update those new to forming their brass how easy this case was to form, and make it clear to them that we all went through hiccups when we first started forming our cases for various calibers. Not only because we couldn't buy a factory case, but in this case (no pun intended) because we wanted the best quality brass for our rifle that we could acquire, both for durability, as well as better accuracy.

 

[wildcatter]

Made another trip to SSS, w/dies brass, and the 6BR. Fred had the Factory barrel chambered, and I need it to fireform the Lapua 8x57 cases that had sized down to 6mm Remington and load a 108 to my desired length because he wanted to set my throat for the 108 Elites I am intending to use in new gun barrel. We throated the factory barrel identical and will still work good for the lighter Sierra 100 grn spritzer's I intend to load for it where ever they need to be seated to play happy with this barrel. At 67 in all honesty, I doubt I see much speed goat and deer hunting out west anymore, but this gives me an option beside's fireforming.

This picture includes some old 6mm AI from the original 6mm BR barrel when it was built 25 years ago, in the black box is 50 grn H4831 with the old Berger 80 grain MEF's, since it was a tight neck .265" throat, I was able to remove the seating plug from the 40* Redding FL 6mm IMP die and run them through the sizer for Fred's tighter chamber with no turn neck. This will give me some to play with, plus I had to seat them .020" deeper for a .005" cram in this new chamber chambers throat.

We also tuned the die and the shell holder for a true full length .002" shoulder bump when they are bottomed out, allowing approx. an .001 spring back. Most sizing in the Varmint barrel will be neck sized with the Wilson sizer, and loaded with the Wilson seater. I then took the reformed 8x57 Lapua cases and they were filled with 13.5 grains of Bullseye and filled with corn cob polish media for filler, then plugged with Zest bar soap for fire forming. The white loading block is an unformed pre fireformed 8X57 case on the left, fireformed ready for neck turning and trimming in the center, and on the right is the fireformed prototype we assembled from resized brass used in the older larger chamber from the old build.


Then after swapping the barrel on this gun and taking care of this preliminary work, I got to enjoy a tease of what's to come. The action has not been timed or trued yet, but faced and the recoil lug matted. With the solid bottom floor plate ready to go in and the trigger is done,,, quite nice in the ounces. Very good for a trigger design like the one Savage uses in the Apex. It kinda suck's, but Fred is no slouch working his trigger magic on any Savage, after all this is what made Savage and Sharp Shooter Supply both so prosperous!


Then a look at the roughed out stock for a little better idea of the finished product over the last view I had of it!


Finally I got a view of the new Krieger Cryo'd barrel, still on the lath from being contoured and threaded, ready for chambering and finishing the crown, straight taper to .940" at 27" at the muzzle!


I left a happy camper, with the understanding the next trip I will be leaving with the finished rifle, for varmint use past 500 Yards that is! We will latter this winter or next spring be chambering another heavy 6mm barrel for this switch barrel, and switch purpose rifle for target use at 600 to 1000 yards. I am still wavering over a 6mm BR AI, and the 6x47 Lapua??? But next summer I would like to play a little with it down on the hill in southern Ohio.

But now I will be getting my precious supply of 8X57 Lapua brass fireformed and prepped for this no turn neck Varmint rig, as well as tuning some sierras in older Remington 6mm AI brass with the 100 Sierras for a hunting round in the prototype barrel setup on 6mm BR varmint stock above.

 

[wildcat3d]

Been pretty busy after dropping the Barrel off to Kathie at Cryo Plus and the action off to Fred at Sharp Shooter Supply, I took off for the lake this week, to hot here to do anything. But I am heading back for the weekend with Mrs. catter after mowing the lawn and taking care of a couple things here. But before I leave I'll post a little update.

I've been questioned about brass in pm's so for all wondering, I am sizing down and necking down, 8x57 Lapua brass. I have ran 6 off, with only the first being ruined. I figured out just run them thru a 7x57 Mauser FL die, then a 257 Roberts FL, and finally a 6mm Remington FL. Easy peasy and 100% perfect cases after the first mistake, the 6mm AI die is way to flat a shoulder to use.

I did get my first look at the new stock when I got to Fred's, its the second one from the far right, brand new and untouched so far looks good.
View attachment 1276015

And one of where it will all come together, along with the donor barrel in 243 win from my 6BR build that will become a 6mm AI so I will have a dedicated fireform barrel, as well as a hunting barrel if I would want to take a ride out west for speed goats or deer.
View attachment 1276016

After the deep freeze here of course.
View attachment 1276019

I will get a few details and pics up forming brass next week. I chose the 8x57 IS over 30-06 because I believe it it will finish better with less manipulating the parent case. This 8X57 to 6mm Remington is quite easy to form down, plus I will fireform without bullets so I can turn the necks to give me about .0003" clearance when done. I would have to turn any for the no turn chamber as the necks ticken to much from either case when drawn down this far.

You mean. 003 yes not .0003 that's tight

 

[wildcatter]

You mean. 003 yes not .0003 that's tight

Fat fingers, yes .003

 

[DiffEQ]

I'm envious that you have personal access to Fred, Lisa and SSS. I have one of their triggers, and per Lisa, Fred's not doing them any more. Darned amazing triggers.
I'm vicariously enjoying your posts -- putting together a 6 Rem AI myself.

 

[wildcatter]

I'm envious that you have personal access to Fred, Lisa and SSS. I have one of their triggers, and per Lisa, Fred's not doing them any more. Darned amazing triggers.
I'm vicariously enjoying your posts -- putting together a 6 Rem AI myself.

No doubt, good friends are hard to come by, as well as good gunsmiths locally!

 

[wildcatter]

Well I finally made my decision on glass, it was tough knowing how proven the NF Benchrest 12-42X is, but I had to remember this rifles #1 use will be Varmints. So after much consideration, the Vortex Golden Eagle won me over on two counts.

1) the side parallax was a no brainer for much more practical adjustment when it will be constantly needed at various unknown ranges at the moment of truth.

2) I just can't think of a better reticle than this ECR-1, The floating .095 moa dot is just what I wanted, and the 1/2 moa reference's around it, coupled with 1 moa reference hashes, in their fine .016 moa thickness, will give great reference for target use when I install the 6x47L barrel and head to the range as well. But lots of useable field reference, with a pretty uncluttered reticle was big for me.

I also am assuming since its a 15-60X, 20 to 40X should be in its sweet spot for glass performance, where I plan to use it most often. I bagged it on cell tower 1076 yards away the other evening and was quite happy with the image, watching a couple sparrows or maybe starlings? as well as checking out the wiring job and all the wire ties at that range.

The only thing I still have not verified is, how far off on the range will I be able to make out the 6mm bullet holes? But for long range varmint, I am sure it has me covered! The rings on it will be replaced with Burris Signature Z rings. Just waiting on the call now!

 

[std7mag]

Looking good!
I too wish i lived closer to Fred!

Gee, your pictured action look very familiar. Although mine is blued.
I think i like the look of yours better.

Seeing hits at distance is going to greatly depend on weather. Once the mirage starts getting up, all bets are off.

Sounds like you've narrowed your other cartridge choice to the 6X47.

 

[wildcatter]

Looking good!
I too wish i lived closer to Fred!

Gee, your pictured action look very familiar. Although mine is blued.
I think i like the look of yours better.

Seeing hits at distance is going to greatly depend on weather. Once the mirage starts getting up, all bets are off.

Sounds like you've narrowed your other cartridge choice to the 6X47.

It's handy being so close, to bad Sinclair International is no longer 17 miles away! That was almost too handy, but I have slowed on my spending!

That 6x47L is where I'm leaning, but things more positive than this have had a way of changing in the past! Like with everything else, until Fred receives that barrel, nothing is in stone yet,,,

The other good thing being this close to Fred is the years we've spent shooting together, as well as many others still kick'n on the same ranges.

As for the action, I just lucked out, the first rifle I found in my price range was what I was going with, my other Axis above is blued, and really what I had planned on, but this one in 30/06 appeared on GB and showed very little interest, with blued Creedmores going for an additional 100 bucks or more in blued, it was a case of the right place at the right time, then only 70 miles away, managed a Face to face with the sellers FFL, so no shipping, no tax, and the seller covered the transfer fee!!

To me this all boiled down to solidify the relevance of this dynamic Duo build! Dam that don't usually happen! I ain't bothered Fred lately but gotta think that call is just a short wait away, it's all in him now, my work is done----till it arrives anyways.

 

[357Mag]

It's handy being so close, to bad Sinclair International is no longer 17 miles away! That was almost too handy, but I have slowed on my spending!

That 6x47L is where I'm leaning, but things more positive than this have had a way of changing in the past! Like with everything else, until Fred receives that barrel, nothing is in stone yet,,,

The other good thing being this close to Fred is the years we've spent shooting together, as well as many others still kick'n on the same ranges.

As for the action, I just lucked out, the first rifle I found in my price range was what I was going with, my other Axis above is blued, and really what I had planned on, but this one in 30/06 appeared on GB and showed very little interest, with blued Creedmores going for an additional 100 bucks or more in blued, it was a case of the right place at the right time, then only 70 miles away, managed a Face to face with the sellers FFL, so no shipping, no tax, and the seller covered the transfer fee!!

To me this all boiled down to solidify the relevance of this dynamic Duo build! Dam that don't usually happen! I ain't bothered Fred lately but gotta think that call is just a short wait away, it's all in him now, my work is done----till it arrives anyways.

Wildcatter -

Howdy !

Know what you mean about having lived close to Sinclair International. I lived a scant 5mi from Fre Sinclair's place. He did my first custom varmint/target rifle back when he was working out of a shop in his garage.
He had Tom Meredith doing stock work for him, painting stocks in a plywood phone booth-sized
enclosure. Superb workmanship came out of Fred's enterprise.


With regards,
357Mag

 

[wildcatter]

Wildcatter -

Howdy !

Know what you mean about having lived close to Sinclair International. I lived a scant 5mi from Fre Sinclair's place. He did my first custom varmint/target rifle back when he was working out of a shop in his garage.
He had Tom Meredith doing stock work for him, painting stocks in a plywood phone booth-sized
enclosure. Superb workmanship came out of Fred's enterprise.


With regards,
357Mag

Fred coached me thru my first benchrest rifle, a Crowley built xp-100 in 308 with a Sako extractor and scalloped rear action with a custom bolt. I had shot handgun metallic sihloette with in the unlimited class. Tommy did the stock in deep jewel green on that conversion! That was over 30 years ago just after moving his shop from downtown NH to where MPA is today.

That was after the fraudulent law suite, but Ron Pence built it to what I wanted with Fred's guidance. I won a lot of 100 and 200 yard matches before selling it for a custom action build, one I wish I had back.

We belonged to the same range FWRR. I never knew Fred to steer anyone wrong. He was to rifles what Les Baer was to handguns, even to cars.
I still make a lot of my decisions based on advice from both of these men.

 

[wildcatter]

Got a call Saturday, one I've impatiently been waiting on. Now if I could just get a break in the rain to shoot a couple shots and maybe chronograph a couple rounds while getting a few break in shots thru it?


The 6mm AI is born, hope it shoots like it looks, Fred once again did a great job, for me, it turned out fantastic! If the factory barrel on the blued action shoots as good as it does, I think this should do everything I was hoping for.

Thanks to Josh here for the barrel, and the other hassles he went thru to provide me with a few other goodies!

Kathi at Cryo Plus for her services, Fred verified her work provided a better machining barrel, I expect to really notice it when I start the breakin and cleaning. The last one was the easiest cleaning barrel I have ever owned, I expect the same this time.

And of course Fred for his his stock work as well as gunsmithing tallents, that included his very sweet 6 oz. breaks like Ice Axis trigger. As well as Lisa for all her talent's and comradery, plus keeping Fred free to concentrate on the mechanics of the shop while she covers the hard stuff, making the customer feel like family!

Range reports to follow,,,, when the weather permits! As well as pictures of the completed outfit when Vortex get's the Golden Eagle back! Yes a new scope with a couple specs of debris inside the lenses, I believe dust, that was not very pleasant. But I was happy with the optics other than that, and the reticle (ECR-1) with the .095" dot, and 1 MOA reference marks were the best I've viewed thru any scope for the purpose I built this rifle for.

A final word about Vortex Optics, I could not have asked for quicker, less hassle service expediting taking care of this issue! I was on the phone less than 5 minuets total, with no questions of where I bought it, or what I used it for, nothing, I simply replied why I was calling and the first this=ng the CS person said, was we need to get this here and taken care of as quickly as possible! within 10 minutes of making the call I was printing a return label, and return authorization. I shipped it Thursday morning, I will respond here with a follow-up as soon as it arrives back in my posession.

 

[tiny68]

I think your time investment making the Lapua brass will make a big difference. When I was pushing the RP brass hard in my 6mmAI, I was gettting 3 firings at the most and then primer pockets got lose. I purchased a bunch of 7x57 RWS on close out. This is the hardest brass I have ever tried to work. However, the results was outstanding. I have 7-8 firings on that brass and still tight. I only worked up 40 brass to see how long it would last. Still don't know the answer to that. I am running the 95 Berger VLDs at 3450 fps with RE-19 or IMR4381. That is not quite full throttle by where they group the best at 300 yards. 28" Hart barrel.

Enjoy your 6mmAI, Tim

 

[std7mag]

Often looked down upon, i've been using PRVI Partizan (PPU) brass for a variety of cartridges.
7mm-08AI i was getting ES-6, SD-2.
Reloaded some 15 times.

I use their 7X57 Mauser for my daughters 7mm Mauser and my 257 Roberts & 257 Roberts AI.

I have 2 firings on the AI.
10 on the standard 257 Roberts.

 

[wildcatter]

I think your time investment making the Lapua brass will make a big difference. When I was pushing the RP brass hard in my 6mmAI, I was gettting 3 firings at the most and then primer pockets got lose. I purchased a bunch of 7x57 RWS on close out. This is the hardest brass I have ever tried to work. However, the results was outstanding. I have 7-8 firings on that brass and still tight. I only worked up 40 brass to still how long it would last. Still don't know the answer to that. I am running the 95 Berger VLDs at 3450 fps with RE-19 or IMR4381. That is not quite full throttle by where they group the best at 300 yards. 28" Hart barrel.

Enjoy your 6mmAI, Tim

The 8x57 Lapua brass is showing how hard it is in the shoulder area. I moved a lot of brass necking down this bigger caliber, and turned necks about .008" just to get .0025" under the no turn chamber dimensions. But in the factory barrel I rechambered to this same reemer I still don't have as sharp o shoulder as the Remington brass used to give me after one firing.

Not to concerned though as that barrel on my other post is doing much better than I expected with 3 different bullets, and I'm not using anemic loads doing it! Time will tell.

 

[wboggs]

Built this Varmint rig this year from a Pence hand cut 6mm barrel I built in 6mm AI about 15 years ago. I took the barrel off and put it in the safe about 10 years ago after 1200 rounds had the throat totally gone. It was a 27.5" 1-10 twist and on the 722 action it was pushing 80 Berger MEF's at 3567 fps with over 50 grains of 4831. Took it to my buddy Fred at Sharp Shooter Supply and we scoped it, he thought if we got rid of 4-5 inches of it we could get into new bore, and after cutting the chamber 6mm BR Norma No Turn I would have a perfect barrel again. HE WAS SPOT ON!

View attachment 1273390

The resurrected barrel went on an Axis action that was trued and altered to use a standard recoil lug, and it was chambered for a no turn 6mm BR Norma. But even though it shoots great, and connects reliably, it has proven to be lacking in terminal performance after about 500 to 550 yards, just poking holes in the chucks out that far. It is definitely running out of steam.

So here I go again, my fondness of the 6mm AI, and needing terminal performance as well as pinpoint accuracy, has led me to new needs, my next build is coming together. This time with better Brass, Lapua. I had my choice of 30-06, or 8x57. I chose the 8X57 simply because I feel the less manipulation should hold Lapuas tight tolerances closer after my necking down?

For this build I have an uncut Camo (green brown and charcoal) Laminated Blank, that will be turned down inletted and pillars installed by Fred Moreo at Sharp Shooter Supply, as well as all smithing and metal work, the man is a genius with Savage actions, which this will be built on with his trigger.

The next big change for this new 6mm AI is the barrel, since Ron refuses to put his talents back to work and build me a hand cut barrel, and continues to allow his precision barrel table to set idol, I am forced to turn to a machine cut rifled Krieger for my blank. It is a 1.250" for 5" tapering to 1.05" at the muzzle at 31.5". It is a .236" bore with .243" 4 groove.

I also plan on running the Elite Hunter 108 bullets from Berger after a discussion with my old friend Bob Blaine at Berger. His advice for my purpose, knowing the speed of the round might be trying on the thinner jackets the Elite Hunter is built with, but assuring it will give the terminal performance I'm looking for out past 600 yards, in which if that becomes the case we will turn to the 105 hybrid match, for it's tougher jacket, just in case the rpm's and heat bother the Elite and their becomes a issue with coming apart before it reaches my target.

My last issue will be if my fondness of 4831 starts to become an issue with these heavier pills, I have decided to acquire a 8# canister of 7828 as well as the 4831, just in case the 28" tubes decides it would prefer a slightly slower propellent. Both sitting on the bench waiting to see which one will get to wear the new tube out!

As the building starts, and I deliver the parts to Fred I will post more pictures and details as they develop, but this is all I have now.
View attachment 1273391

It is unbelievable at 67 and doing this the past 50 years, I still act like a kid a in a candy store when I start a new build,,,,, always wondering,,,,, will this be the last?

I hope you never lose your enthu

Built this Varmint rig this year from a Pence hand cut 6mm barrel I built in 6mm AI about 15 years ago. I took the barrel off and put it in the safe about 10 years ago after 1200 rounds had the throat totally gone. It was a 27.5" 1-10 twist and on the 722 action it was pushing 80 Berger MEF's at 3567 fps with over 50 grains of 4831. Took it to my buddy Fred at Sharp Shooter Supply and we scoped it, he thought if we got rid of 4-5 inches of it we could get into new bore, and after cutting the chamber 6mm BR Norma No Turn I would have a perfect barrel again. HE WAS SPOT ON!

View attachment 1273390

The resurrected barrel went on an Axis action that was trued and altered to use a standard recoil lug, and it was chambered for a no turn 6mm BR Norma. But even though it shoots great, and connects reliably, it has proven to be lacking in terminal performance after about 500 to 550 yards, just poking holes in the chucks out that far. It is definitely running out of steam.

So here I go again, my fondness of the 6mm AI, and needing terminal performance as well as pinpoint accuracy, has led me to new needs, my next build is coming together. This time with better Brass, Lapua. I had my choice of 30-06, or 8x57. I chose the 8X57 simply because I feel the less manipulation should hold Lapuas tight tolerances closer after my necking down?

For this build I have an uncut Camo (green brown and charcoal) Laminated Blank, that will be turned down inletted and pillars installed by Fred Moreo at Sharp Shooter Supply, as well as all smithing and metal work, the man is a genius with Savage actions, which this will be built on with his trigger.

The next big change for this new 6mm AI is the barrel, since Ron refuses to put his talents back to work and build me a hand cut barrel, and continues to allow his precision barrel table to set idol, I am forced to turn to a machine cut rifled Krieger for my blank. It is a 1.250" for 5" tapering to 1.05" at the muzzle at 31.5". It is a .236" bore with .243" 4 groove.

I also plan on running the Elite Hunter 108 bullets from Berger after a discussion with my old friend Bob Blaine at Berger. His advice for my purpose, knowing the speed of the round might be trying on the thinner jackets the Elite Hunter is built with, but assuring it will give the terminal performance I'm looking for out past 600 yards, in which if that becomes the case we will turn to the 105 hybrid match, for it's tougher jacket, just in case the rpm's and heat bother the Elite and their becomes a issue with coming apart before it reaches my target.

My last issue will be if my fondness of 4831 starts to become an issue with these heavier pills, I have decided to acquire a 8# canister of 7828 as well as the 4831, just in case the 28" tubes decides it would prefer a slightly slower propellent. Both sitting on the bench waiting to see which one will get to wear the new tube out!

As the building starts, and I deliver the parts to Fred I will post more pictures and details as they develop, but this is all I have now.
View attachment 1273391

It is unbelievable at 67 and doing this the past 50 years, I still act like a kid a in a candy store when I start a new build,,,,, always wondering,,,,, will this be the last?

 

[wboggs]

Built this Varmint rig this year from a Pence hand cut 6mm barrel I built in 6mm AI about 15 years ago. I took the barrel off and put it in the safe about 10 years ago after 1200 rounds had the throat totally gone. It was a 27.5" 1-10 twist and on the 722 action it was pushing 80 Berger MEF's at 3567 fps with over 50 grains of 4831. Took it to my buddy Fred at Sharp Shooter Supply and we scoped it, he thought if we got rid of 4-5 inches of it we could get into new bore, and after cutting the chamber 6mm BR Norma No Turn I would have a perfect barrel again. HE WAS SPOT ON!

View attachment 1273390

The resurrected barrel went on an Axis action that was trued and altered to use a standard recoil lug, and it was chambered for a no turn 6mm BR Norma. But even though it shoots great, and connects reliably, it has proven to be lacking in terminal performance after about 500 to 550 yards, just poking holes in the chucks out that far. It is definitely running out of steam.

So here I go again, my fondness of the 6mm AI, and needing terminal performance as well as pinpoint accuracy, has led me to new needs, my next build is coming together. This time with better Brass, Lapua. I had my choice of 30-06, or 8x57. I chose the 8X57 simply because I feel the less manipulation should hold Lapuas tight tolerances closer after my necking down?

For this build I have an uncut Camo (green brown and charcoal) Laminated Blank, that will be turned down inletted and pillars installed by Fred Moreo at Sharp Shooter Supply, as well as all smithing and metal work, the man is a genius with Savage actions, which this will be built on with his trigger.

The next big change for this new 6mm AI is the barrel, since Ron refuses to put his talents back to work and build me a hand cut barrel, and continues to allow his precision barrel table to set idol, I am forced to turn to a machine cut rifled Krieger for my blank. It is a 1.250" for 5" tapering to 1.05" at the muzzle at 31.5". It is a .236" bore with .243" 4 groove.

I also plan on running the Elite Hunter 108 bullets from Berger after a discussion with my old friend Bob Blaine at Berger. His advice for my purpose, knowing the speed of the round might be trying on the thinner jackets the Elite Hunter is built with, but assuring it will give the terminal performance I'm looking for out past 600 yards, in which if that becomes the case we will turn to the 105 hybrid match, for it's tougher jacket, just in case the rpm's and heat bother the Elite and their becomes a issue with coming apart before it reaches my target.

My last issue will be if my fondness of 4831 starts to become an issue with these heavier pills, I have decided to acquire a 8# canister of 7828 as well as the 4831, just in case the 28" tubes decides it would prefer a slightly slower propellent. Both sitting on the bench waiting to see which one will get to wear the new tube out!

As the building starts, and I deliver the parts to Fred I will post more pictures and details as they develop, but this is all I have now.
View attachment 1273391

It is unbelievable at 67 and doing this the past 50 years, I still act like a kid a in a candy store when I start a new build,,,,, always wondering,,,,, will this be the last?

I hope you never lose your enthusiasm. It will keep your mind active and your spirit young.

 

[dbduff]

I'm catching ya KG, its not that my traveling is limited, it's the days these old joints allow it to travel, and where! I finally got my bullets, will have 500 108 Elite Hunters here tomorrow, and will be forming brass this week.

Only hold up now is waiting on the barrel to be delivered to Fred. I do have 70 rounds in 6mm Remington brass that is already Ackley Improved from the last barrel. So getting anxious to begin working on new loads with the new rifle is putting it mildly.

View attachment 1279566

I will be blowing the new cases out with Bullseye and cream of wheat, this will be the first fire forming I have ever done this way. In the past I always did as kittitas George does, and used the factory fired cases as practice and barrel break in. The main reason I am deciding to try this method of fire forming is to eliminate the chance of dealing with a donut, and hopefully having more precise turned necks on the first go around as well as any trimming needed.

the work is about to begin, as I used the factory 243 barrel from the 6mm BR for a fireforming and light hunting barrel. So hopefully even if the new barrel isn't here, I will be forming and cutting the new brass next week?

Need to blow out 6br cases with bulls eye. How much for a sharp shoulder, using wax for a bullet in fire forming barrel before turning?

 

[wildcatter]

I think I would start with 5 grains, fill it with cream of wheat, corn cob media, and a rifle primer of your choice, if you don't get a sharp shoulder, bump it in 1 grain increments. Your not going to blow it up doing this. I used walnut media for these, but don't know if I would use that abrasive of a filler in a new barrel, but it sure didn't hurt the factory Savage barrel.

Need to blow out 6br cases with bulls eye. How much for a sharp shoulder, using wax for a bullet in fire forming barrel before turning?

As far as the enthusiasm, this is one of the things I've enjoyed my entire life, and at this age one I can still do. As long as the body and mind allows, I'll probably be doing more and more, everything else is slowly becoming more than my body will take. At some point I may have to start taking donations to afford it thoough,,,,, ;-)

 

[dbduff]

I think I would start with 5 grains, fill it with cream of wheat, corn cob media, and a rifle primer of your choice, if you don't get a sharp shoulder, bump it in 1 grain increments. Your not going to blow it up doing this. I used walnut media for these, but don't know if I would use that abrasive of a filler in a new barrel, but it sure didn't hurt the factory Savage barrel.


As far as the enthusiasm, this is one of the things I've enjoyed my entire life, and at this age one I can still do. As long as the body and mind allows, I'll probably be doing more and more, everything else is slowly becoming more than my body will take. At some point I may have to start taking donations to afford it thoough,,,,, ;-)

I think I would start with 5 grains, fill it with cream of wheat, corn cob media, and a rifle primer of your choice, if you don't get a sharp shoulder, bump it in 1 grain increments. Your not going to blow it up doing this. I used walnut media for these, but don't know if I would use that abrasive of a filler in a new barrel, but it sure didn't hurt the factory Savage barrel.


As far as the enthusiasm, this is one of the things I've enjoyed my entire life, and at this age one I can still do. As long as the body and mind allows, I'll probably be doing more and more, everything else is slowly becoming more than my body will take. At some point I may have to start taking donations to afford it thoough,,,,, ;-)