First 6mm BR Norma Project

[graham82]

Hello to everyone!

I am starting to put together my first project gun, but have ran into some things I need help on. I have ordered a Shilen Select Match 26" SS Varmint 1-8" twist chambered for 6mm BR Norma to go on a Savage model 12 that I already have. I plan to reload Lapau brass. I do not shoot competition, only for the satisfaction of shooting as accurate as I can.

I need some help finding where to get some items I need. First is where can I find a headspace go gage. Some of my problem finding one may be my limited knowledge in terminology. Is the 6mm REM the same go gage as the 6mm BR Norma? Most of the items I have looked for online do not have specifically "6mmBR Norma" as part of the description and I would prefer to order one time exactly what I need.

I am ordering Redding Type-S dies but I do not know which bushings to order. I know they are from .262 to .270, but I don't know if I need to wait to order the bushings until after I have the barrel and have some fired brass to measure. HELP???

Where is a good place to find a case trimmer? The only type of trimmer I have used so far is a Lee hand trimmer.

I have alredy ordered a Wheeler Eng. Action wrench and barrel wrench and plan on using the go gage with scotch tape as the no go gage.

I have spent many hours reading posts on this forum before deciding to start this project. I would appreciate all info and opinions to help me get off to a good start.

Thanks, Jerry

 

[7stwhunter]

call up dave kiff and order a go gage straight from him

 

[graham82]

Sorry, but I am new here. Can you help with a way to contact him?

Thanks for the help.

 

[7stwhunter]

http://www.pacifictoolandgauge.com/
Just give him a call he'll help you as much as he can

 

[graham82]

Thanks! I will give him a call Monday.

Anyone else's input??

 

[HTSmith]

http://www.sinclairintl.com/

These folks can help you with the correct sizing bushing. I use a bushing .002 less than the neck diameter of a loaded round. My loaded rounds with no neck turn Lapua brass mike .269. I use a .267 bushing. Call Sinclair. Real shooters answer the phone.

 

[tiny68]

I was where you are at 6 months ago with the 6BR project. My loaded rounds with new Lapua brass are running 0.269 loaded. I total agree that a 0.267 bushing is what you need.

Here are some links for parts:

6BR die set from MidwayUSA - S-type die set

$21 cheaper from Bruno's - die set

Bushing - Midway - bushing or just tell Lester what you need at Bruno's. A couple of bucks cheaper.

Brass - I don't know any place cheaper than Bruno's - $56/100 - brass

Go-gauge - Midway - go-gauge

Basically if you can get it from Bruno's it is hard to bet their price. And you want find a nicer guy to talk to for advice.

Luck in your build, tiny

 

[Forum Boss]

Jerry,

If you haven't received your barrel yet, I have two thoughts.

1. Some of the Savage pre-fits from Shilen were coming out with about a .065 Freebore. That will work but, ideally, you want a .100 or so freebore for the longer bullets you'd shoot in an 8-twist.,This .100 measurement is based on the way JGS and PTG measure.) I think Shilen has a longer-freebore 6mmBR reamer now, but you should ask.

2. Also, I would go with a 28" barrel if you can. 26" will work fine but 28" will let you set back the barrel after a couple thousand rounds.

 

[tiny68]

To add to the previous post, if you send Shilen 3 mock-up dummies they will throat it at any depth you want. I have 3 dummies with 95 Berger VLDs seated at 2/3 of the neck there as we speak wanting on my new Savage barrel to be chambered. Sad news is that it is still 6-10 weeks out. They are running +22 weeks on Savage pre-fits. I talked to Shilen today.... :,

Tiny

 

[graham82]

I did get lucky and find my barrel in stock and it will ship out to me on Wednesday. I probably did a rookie mistake by not posting here first to get better educated on which questions to ask up front. I didn't know enough to ask what the freebore is and they only had a 26", not a 28".

One thing I do know is that the fun is just starting to begin and I am excited. I will learn by my mistakes and will gain the experience for my next build.

Thanks to everyone for all the info and suggestions. I appreciate your help.

Jerry

 

[h]

The Wilson trimmer from Sinclair with Cass holder is the way to go, also you may need to neck turn your brass,read the 6br page to get you started.

 

[TheBlueEyedBear]

Hey Jerry;

I know that feeling you are talking about!! Knowing you want to shoot, and to shoot GOOD!! I was the same way when I first started. But, now that I have been at this for a couple years I now realize that I only have some time invested in being stupid in some many instances when it comes to reloading. There is really a learning curve to this 'stuff' for some people, me included. It seems like now,and always) I am at the steepest part of the curve.

I have been really blessed by having the opportunity to have my gun built by John King,Kila, MT) and then meeting Leo Anderson who lives here in Kalispell. Leo just shot a 1000yd record with his 6DASHER in 2008,picture attached). I was fortunate enough to meet one of the nicest guys in the sport with an absolute wealth of knowledge; and the patience to share his info with me. I learned a lot: But, I also learned that there is so much more to learn. There is another special person on this site named Donovan Moran! When I first started this 'game' I e-mailed,out-of-the-blue) a question to Donovan. He not only answered my question but on many occasions provided me with critical info to getting the best out of my reloading.

Hopefully you will be fortunate to get info from people like these guys and others like 'Preacher','Jay in Idaho' and others. There are really some great minds on this site with much information on this sport and the use of the 6mmBR to accomplish your goals.

Best of luck with your shooting. Continued success with your searching and reading on this site.