Bolt Click - 6BRA

[johara1]

Is there anyway I can check to see if the solid head has been over expanded?




I am going to send Harrell's my 3x fired cases and have them send me a 3.5 that will size the base tighter. I am also going to have my smith make a comparator for me from my reamer.

now your cooking, next would be to try a box of Lapua. brass...... jim

 

[Evan]

Is there anyway I can check to see if the solid head has been over expanded?

With a micrometer. Calipers aren't accurate enough, unless you've REALLY expanded them, but then it isn't a click so much as just jammed up!

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Like Evan said, mic them. If they are chamber sized or bigger they will help the case resist sizing.

 

[dbduff]

I'm running both Peterson and Lapua brass in my 6BRAI (.4715 @ .200). I have one Harrell's die and use the same die to size both Peterson/Lapua brass and I don't have problems shooting either brass. I do notice that my Harrell's die does not size the very bottom portion of Peterson brass whereas it sizes the entire length of Lapua brass. YMMV

Why is that? Are the resized lengths of Peterson and Lapua different? If so, how does head space stay the same when resized, or does that change as well? Is the very bottom portion of the Peterson brass smaller than Lapua? I’m confused trying to mentally visualize what is the issue with bolt click with two supposedly identical cases from different manufacturers and Resizing.
D

 

[Link]

Why is that? Are the resized lengths of Peterson and Lapua different? If so, how does head space stay the same when resized, or does that change as well? Is the very bottom portion of the Peterson brass smaller than Lapua? I’m confused trying to mentally visualize what is the issue with bolt click with two supposedly identical cases from different manufacturers and Resizing.
D

If the shell holder is set to bump camover on both cases, I don't get it either.

L

 

[Hohn]

What is 'bolt click'?

Second on "What is bolt click?"

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/clickers.4009702/

 

[Hohn]

Why is that? Are the resized lengths of Peterson and Lapua different? If so, how does head space stay the same when resized, or does that change as well? Is the very bottom portion of the Peterson brass smaller than Lapua? I’m confused trying to mentally visualize what is the issue with bolt click with two supposedly identical cases from different manufacturers and Resizing.
D

It seems the only way this could be occurring is if the Lapua cases have a slightly larger diameter near the head. But if that's the case, the Lapua would have a larger size after sizing as well (spring back). Thus, it doesn't explain why Peterson would click and Lapua not.


One other item to consider or inspect: neck length. If one case and not the other is at or max case OAL for the chamber, you could flow enough brass when firing to create a "compressed" situation on the case that generates the primary extraction click.

I'd explore trimming cases back a little further on the Peterson and see if that explains your clicking. While an unsized or insufficiently size base/head can generate clicks, it doesn't mean all clicks relate to head size. Indeed, your dimensions seem to indicate that the dimensions in this location aren't the difference between Lapua and Peterson brass for you.

 

[dbduff]

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I haven’t experienced this abnormality, but found the mental exercise intriguing. Had not considered oal contributing to brass flow in the case base.

 

[afret]

Not a 6BRA, just a BR using Lapua brass, but I was getting hard bolt lift at loads that l thought should have been fine. I was testing AR Comp and I should have been able to go beyond 30 grains shooting 80 grain Bergers no problem but I was getting hard bolt lift even around 28 grains. I think it was getting worse with more firings. I have a 6BR small base body die I used to form 22BR brass with sitting on the shelf so I decided to use it on my 6BR Lapua brass and the problem has gone away.

 

[Link]

6BRA 8 T 30.6 of H4895 is just fine, primers etc look good. 30.8 of same stuck my bolt.
On another note I called a custom die maker and they said when you re barrel or rechamber you should have another new die made.

Don

 

[Alex Wheeler]

6BRA 8 T 30.6 of H4895 is just fine, primers etc look good. 30.8 of same stuck my bolt.
On another note I called a custom die maker and they said when you re barrel or rechamber you should have another new die made.

Don

Not if your gunsmith is doing his job. If you use a different reamer, then yes.

 

[Link]

Not if your gunsmith is doing his job. If you use a different reamer, then yes.

I have a huge amount of confidence in my smith ;} Hate to admit, I made a rookie mistake. I've been reloading 20 years and never before. So be careful out there.

Don

 

[dbduff]

I can’t stand the suspense! What “rookie mistake” are we referencing? Show me yours, I’ll show you mine! Promise, as I have a bunch to choose from.

 

[Link]

db
Never, NEVER leave powder in your hopper. If you do make sure it doesn't look black like coal instead of silver- gray. I have you by 10 years but that's no excuse lol.