"chambered for boat tails" ???

[Field_2_Fork]

I bought a used 6PPC awhile back, beautiful gun: Terry Leonard stock, Panda, Clay Spencer barrels (3) and smithing, March 40X.

The barrel that is on the gun shoots very good with 68gr Barts (not sure what model), the previous owner won Canadian Nationals with this combo. Not sure how many rounds are on the barrel.

The 2 spare barrels (both new) were "chambered for boat tails", according to the previous owner. I believe the same reamer was used.

Can someone please explain to me what 'chambered for boat tails' means?

Is it possible that the same reamer was used?

 

[762plinker]

while oal of the bullets may differ, there is less bullet for the neck with a boat tail...so my guess is a slightly shorter throat.

 

[Bill K]

More than likely the reason, But ask the previous owner, you bought it from and see what he means.

while oal of the bullets may differ, there is less bullet for the neck with a boat tail...so my guess is a slightly shorter throat.

 

[Field_2_Fork]

More than likely the reason, But ask the previous owner, you bought it from and see what he means.

Unfortunately he doesn't know what it means, just passing on what Clay Spencer told him.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Itll have a different freebore

 

[Tim Singleton]

Pickup one of @gunsandgunsmithing quick checker
check the 3 barrels. More than likely the same reamer was used for all 3

 

[JMayo]

May have a hard time jamming a shorter flat based bullet .
My ppc is chambered for Barts & pinehearts (sp) boat tail
But I'm shooting jdenoffs fb just fine at touch

 

[jackieschmidt]

My reamer has a .055 throat and will handle either BT’s or FB’s.

The boat tails on most 66/68 grn short range bullets aren’t much in the way of a BT anyway.

 

[Field_2_Fork]

I just finished mounting a barrel vise in the garage, I'll pull the barrel and do some testing to compare touch points with different bullets and barrels.

The one thing I don't quite understand is how the same reamer could be used to cut a chamber with a longer freebore, is there an adjustment built into the reamer?

 

[RegionRat]

The one thing I don't quite understand is how the same reamer could be used to cut a chamber with a longer freebore, is there an adjustment built into the reamer?

Sort of... there is such a tool as a throating reamer where a gunsmith can finish the chamber and then make the throat deeper independently.

No matter what they called your barrels, you already know you are destined to check them against your preferred bullet designs and see which ones make the most sense for you.

 

[Field_2_Fork]

Sort of... there is such a tool as a throating reamer where a gunsmith can finish the chamber and then make the throat deeper independently.

No matter what they called your barrels, you already know you are destined to check them against your preferred bullet designs and see which ones make the most sense for you.

Thanks, and yes - I obviously have some testing to do, and lots to learn still. Wheeler method here I come!

 

[JMayo]

In taking to the Smith i use her said
"I have a .268NK reamer setup for flatbase bullets
and a .268NK for boat tail 68-70gr. Bullets."

So I'm thinking any bullet below the 68gr would be shorter thus less free bore. IDK .
The fb i shoot are 68gr.

 

[Field_2_Fork]

Thanks, and yes - I obviously have some testing to do, and lots to learn still. Wheeler method here I come!

After thinking about it I realized this is incorrect, I'm thinking of what is maybe 'the Speedy' method (?) to find the lands. Ie. pulling the barrel and seating the bullet deeper until it no longer grabs the lands.

If I remember right, the Wheeler method has to do with finding headspace, with the firing pin removed from the bolt.

 

[JMayo]

Once you get you sholder use the same to find touch.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

You can always buy the tool @gunsandgunsmithing is selling

 

[Michael Huebner]

I just finished mounting a barrel vise in the garage, I'll pull the barrel and do some testing to compare touch points with different bullets and barrels.

The one thing I don't quite understand is how the same reamer could be used to cut a chamber with a longer freebore, is there an adjustment built into the reamer?

It maybe shorter throat as has been stated especially if they were using a 790 jacket bullet with BT - like the Berger 65BT

BT Lengths for short range are 0.060 to 0.075” length from what I have seen.(Berger 65BT Being the exception @ 0.115”)
I found with my bullets 7 to 9 Double Ogive 65BT (0.075BT length) that the standard 1.525 case length and the 0.060 (throat) I had not enough bearing surface of the bullet in case.

So my reamer is 1.510 case length, 0.030 (throat) then the standard lead 1.5deg after that.

I can still use 820-825 jacket bullets just a bit more effort to get the powder in, but by no means impossible

 

[agr516]

Is Clay still in business? I know he is not manufacturing barrels any more. If so, you could call and ask him.

 

[rebs]

what is the tool that Speedy is using to seat the bullet 0.002 each time

 

[Dusty Stevens]

what is the tool that Speedy is using to seat the bullet 0.002 each time

I cant think of a die that wouldnt hold that tolerance

 

[Shooter13]

Itll have a different freebore

Winner winner chicken dinner! LOL I agree, good idea of the @gunsandgunsmithing seating checker thingy!