best/good way to size 6.5X47 Lapua to 6X47

[CT10ring]

I have a new action, bbl etc. to send to smith to chamber crown etc for 6X47 Lapua. Any recommendations on sizing brass to 6X47? I tried a .269 bushing (closest one to a good fit on hand just as a test ) in a 6.5 X47 Lapua Redding type S Die. Loaded neck is .269-.270" or so, about same as my 6BR. Plan on using 105 g amax or similar for varmint extermination.

Neck tension is definitely too tight-based on feel from wilson seater die. Smith says he expects a .273 loaded neck measurement & the chamber will be .275 for a no turn neck. My only attempt to size down shows a distinct bulge about .100 above the neck/shoulder junction. I'm thinking a .271-272 bushing...(need to order). any ideas on
methods for no turn necks? what to do about "the bulge". thanks for any info.

 

[HillbillySniper]

The bulge your talking about would be a donut. I have a .269 6x47 Lapua which I have to turn my necks but I just use my bushing die to size my brass and then turn my necks. You may have to size and load your brass then fireform your brass or neck turn to get rid of your donut.


Hillbilly

 

[CT10ring]

thanks...I have never neck turned, maybe I have to now, or will the re-sized case with donut fit into the .275 chamber? seems like it would not...does it simply blow out to fit (fireform?) on 1st firing? My smith needs my loaded dummy round neck diameter...

 

[HillbillySniper]

From the sounds of it you might either wanna try a different neck tension or turn your necks. If the donuts that big like your making it sound id turn the necks some. Try showing your smith he should be able to help you out as well plus he can look at your brass to know more on what way you should lean towards.



Hillbilly

 

[CT10ring]

HillbillySniper, makes sense, I'll send on to him. thanks!

 

[muddy72]

CT, Hillbilly's right send him the brass for his take on it. I just went through the same phase as you, having a barrel chambered in 6x47 and needed that loaded round, I used the same Redding die/bushing combo with the Wilson Seater and got the same results from the first few pieces of brass. When I took a couple loaded rounds to the 'smith he said "it'll fireform out" and sure enough it did, looked good too. After I have read up a little more I'm going to try a Forster Full Length Die as this seems to be the way to go. Is your press ram topping out on the bottom of your Redding Die? Just curious.

 

[itchyTF]

I used a Forster full length 6x47 Lapua die (#005265) to initially size my 6.5x47 cases. This sizes close to the neck-shoulder junction. I believe I used a bushing die (.278) to size half-way first. The resulting donut would be taken out with the Forster die.

 

[Preacher]

It's not a good idea to neck down anything with a bushing die, as it really don't go down far enough to do the job right... I use a Forster 6x47 L die in one pass and never a problem with doughnuts..

 

[vlcakc]

I have necked down a lot of cases with bushing dies, simply because a suitable FL die wasn't available. However, I totally agree with Preacher. Necking down with a bushing die is a cobbled up method and a PITA. After I got the Forester FL 6X47 L die life became a lot easier. I initially used a Redding body die to neck down to an intermediate diameter and then finished with the FL die. Then I tried the FL die alone and it worked flawlessly. By the way the Forester FL die fit my chamber so well I never did buy a bushing die. Good shooting. Vic

 

[DennisH]

After I got the Forester FL 6X47 L die life became a lot easier. I initially used a Redding body die to neck down to an intermediate diameter and then finished with the FL die. Then I tried the FL die alone and it worked flawlessly. By the way the Forester FL die fit my chamber so well I never did buy a bushing die.

Same for me, I don't have any problems with my Forester FL die!

 

[Eddie Harren]

I just finished barreling a rifle for a customer yesterday. I ran 2 cases into a Redding 6BR FL die that was not screwed all the way into the press. Loaded them up and test fired them today. No donuts and no problems.

 

[itchyTF]

I thought sizing down .020 (or so) was a lot to do in one step for the full neck. Maybe not, but I chose to do it in 2 steps using the bushing first then the Forster. Maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment.

 

[Eddie Harren]

Back in the 80's, when I had my first 6x284, I formed brass by frst running 284 cases in a 25x284 trim die then in the 6x284 FL die.

 

[vlcakc]

"I just finished barreling a rifle for a customer yesterday. I ran 2 cases into a Redding 6BR FL die that was not screwed all the way into the press. Loaded them up and test fired them today. No donuts and no problems."

This method may work ok for the initial neck-down. (That is what I did before I got the 6X47 L FL die.) However, since the shoulder diameter of the 6BR is larger than the 6X46 L, the 6BR FL die will probably not size the case enough for easy chambering after subsequent firings. Vic

 

[CT10ring]

thanks all, for all the info. I ordered the Forstner f/l die today. My smith said the 6BR die might do the job, too. Must admit, I have been super busy & have not put the time into this that is needed. Also, not much experience with what is acceptable / how to regardling changing brass dimensions. I have a better understanding now...

 

[CT10ring]

update on the 6.5X47 Lapua to 6X47 case sizing... I ordered & used the Forstner 6X47 f/l sizing die-took out expander button etc. No bushing (can be) used.

New 6.5X47 Lapua case - necks measure .012 thick avg.

1. Lubed necks & run thru Forstner die (that was easy) neck wall now measure .013 avg.
2. Case run thru Sinclair 6mm expander mandrel, neck walls now measure .0135 - .014 avg.
3. empty case neck diam. = .270 empty, chamfer case neck inside + outside
4. load 105 g Amax using Wilson 6X47 Lapua seater die / arbor press. loaded round @ neck = .271.5"
tension "felt" good seating bullet.

Thanks all, for input -- seems the Forstner die worked really well.
Hope this is of use to some.

next, bbl'd action back from smith, I'll pillar bed, & try loads.

 

[headhunter]

I also used the Forester full legnth die to size the 6.5x47 with no problems.
Have the Redding S neck sizer for loading.

 

[dogdude]

the most misspelled and pronounced word in benchrest. it is spelled FORSTER, pronounced FOR-STER. i hate when i'm grammatically correct, i have a tough time spelling my first name-W. all best dogdude

 

[CT10ring]

Correct, sir.

My least favorite misspelled word is reticule for reticle. I can't imagine any other way of pronouncing FOR-STER tho. How do you pronounce Lapua?

 

[itchyTF]

I listened to someone on a Lapua video ad pronounce it. It's Lap-ooo-wa with the accent on the first syllable. I thought it was La-pu-wa with the accent on the second syllable.

Just in case anyone is interested.