Field Report on New 6.5 - 284 Savage F class

[memilanuk]

I got mine a couple weeks ago... Lapua brass, neck-turned to 0.014" thickness, using Forster Ultra BR seater and bump die, 139gr Scenars,for now) over 48gr H4350 and Fed 215M primers = ~2930fps. Took it over to the coast to a 500yd F-Class match,gotta take what you can get in the winter time!) to finish fire-forming the rest of the cases. Gun shot well enough; my NF 12-42x BR developed some problems that didn't help the shooter any and probably inhibited my score to some degree.

Fired cases are measuring .296" or so at the neck; using a .290 bushing for a .292" loaded round diameter. The interesting thing is that w/ a .290 bushing, the brass measures .290 before seating. With a .291 bushing, it measures .2925 - therefore basically no neck tension,bullet slips in and out w/ finger pressure). Once I get all the Christmas gift projects done and sorted out, it's somewhere on my 'to-do' list to address that little quirk. Right after sending the scope back for repairs.

Monte

 

[billmo]

Yea, that has put a damper on my shooting too. Thought I might get to shoot today but it looks doubtful right now. I did not turn my brass necks. Probably should have cleaned them up a bit.
I am using the Redding FL bushing die backed off from the shell holder according to the instructions. I still want to check my fired case neck and get back with you on that but I think I was correct with the previous measurement. I want to try the H-4350 too. Are you jamming into the lands at all? I tried to but my rifle so far was better at .010 off the lands. Maybe just the bullet. Hope you got your NF squared away and can get back at it in a few days. Bill

 

[memilanuk]

either 10 or 15 off,dang CRS) of a hard jam; thats what previous experience indicated worked well w/ the 139 Scenars in a 6.5-08 I used to have, so thats where I started.

 

[billmo]

Milanuk, Got rained out today. Went to the woods and sit around about an hour. Kept raining, but I am not complaining cause we need it bad here in SE NC. Very dry. Do you think I should turn my necks? I noticed you said you had turned yours. Did you just clean them up or take something off all the way around? Sounds like if I do turn them I will need a .290 bushing. My smallest bushing for my dies are .292 at the present and I am using the .293 now. Don't mean to worry you. Just trying to learn more about this advanced handloading tech. stuff. Thanks so much and you have a very safe and Merry Christmas. Bill