I am wanting my first Bench rest type rifle and have decided on the 6BR, I think. Basically what I need to know is how much I can expect to spend on dies and enough brass and bullets to get Started. I will be buying the Savage rifle if that helps. I really don't know what to buy for dies though I have heard nothing but good about redding. If I go with the redding what do I need for bushings or am I assuming something that I shouldn't. I think I would like to start with 107gr SMKS and probably berger VLDs. These are both available locally and I have always had great luck with sierras. Just so that you know I have several presses and while I may buy something different later I will probably just load on one of my existing presses for now.
Getting set up to reload 6 BR????
- Thread starter CZ223
- Start date
Preacher
Gold $$ Contributor
For dies you would be far better off by buying a full length bushing sizer die from Harrells in Va. Send them 3 fired cases fired in your rifle and they will send you a die that sizes your cases as good as it will ever get. Seat bullets with a Wilson seater die and your loads will be as accurate as any one can make them......
I too have recently gotten into the 6mmBR. My interset lies in 600 and 1000 yard F-Class, but the loading attention to detail and expectations are somewhat the same.
As you are just getting started, I would lean toward sticking with what you have and getting Redding Competition dies.
I had been using a RCBS RockChucker press and RCBS dies, but my loaded ammo run-out was not acceptable. When I obtained my first 6mmBR, I changed to a Forster Co-Ax press and Redding Competion Collet Neck dies *. The Forster press/Redding dies are getting the run-out down to .001 or less. I have 3 6mmBR's with Krieger barrels now and the all like the 107 gr SMK's as well as the Berger 105 gr BT. I have not used the VLD bullets. Seating is a rifle specific thing, but I have found .010 off seems to work best.
For powder, I would suggest Varget in the range of 30 grains as this seems to be a rather universally accurate load. Primers I have used are Rem 7 1/2, Fed 205M, CC-450, and Wolf,Russian) magnum primers. My best luck has been with CCI-450 and Wolf small rifle magnum primers,the small rifle non-magnum primer is TOO SOFT and crater with normal pressure).
As far as collets for the necks, your gun should have a "no turn" neck and I use a .268" collet for sizing Lapua cases for this. I am assuming you are getting Lapua cases - if not GET THEM. I have just this last week started to turn the necks on my cases. I am turning just enough to clean up about 90% of the neck wall inconsistencies and have been getting better accuracy even with no turn neck guns. After this "clean up" the cases are now requiring a .267" neck collet now to get .002" neck tension.
*One thing I noticed in using the Forster press is that the Redding body dies cannot be adjusted far enough toward the case base to fully resize the case. I use my RockChucker for this step now.
As the insanity gets worse, Get in touch with either Larry Racine, http://www.lprgunsmith.com/lpr_f_rifle.htm ) or Fred Moreo, http://www.sharpshootersupply.com/ ) for all things Savage.
I have two Larry Racine guns now and a friend also has one. One of mine is a 308 Palma Savage and the other is a 223/6mmBR switch barrel Savage. My friends is a swicth barrel 308/6mmBR Savage. They all shoot exceptionally well and is work is first rate.
I have not used Mr Moreo yet but I understand his work is also first rate.
Welcome to the insanity and I think you will really enjoy your Savage.
George
As you are just getting started, I would lean toward sticking with what you have and getting Redding Competition dies.
I had been using a RCBS RockChucker press and RCBS dies, but my loaded ammo run-out was not acceptable. When I obtained my first 6mmBR, I changed to a Forster Co-Ax press and Redding Competion Collet Neck dies *. The Forster press/Redding dies are getting the run-out down to .001 or less. I have 3 6mmBR's with Krieger barrels now and the all like the 107 gr SMK's as well as the Berger 105 gr BT. I have not used the VLD bullets. Seating is a rifle specific thing, but I have found .010 off seems to work best.
For powder, I would suggest Varget in the range of 30 grains as this seems to be a rather universally accurate load. Primers I have used are Rem 7 1/2, Fed 205M, CC-450, and Wolf,Russian) magnum primers. My best luck has been with CCI-450 and Wolf small rifle magnum primers,the small rifle non-magnum primer is TOO SOFT and crater with normal pressure).
As far as collets for the necks, your gun should have a "no turn" neck and I use a .268" collet for sizing Lapua cases for this. I am assuming you are getting Lapua cases - if not GET THEM. I have just this last week started to turn the necks on my cases. I am turning just enough to clean up about 90% of the neck wall inconsistencies and have been getting better accuracy even with no turn neck guns. After this "clean up" the cases are now requiring a .267" neck collet now to get .002" neck tension.
*One thing I noticed in using the Forster press is that the Redding body dies cannot be adjusted far enough toward the case base to fully resize the case. I use my RockChucker for this step now.
As the insanity gets worse, Get in touch with either Larry Racine, http://www.lprgunsmith.com/lpr_f_rifle.htm ) or Fred Moreo, http://www.sharpshootersupply.com/ ) for all things Savage.
I have two Larry Racine guns now and a friend also has one. One of mine is a 308 Palma Savage and the other is a 223/6mmBR switch barrel Savage. My friends is a swicth barrel 308/6mmBR Savage. They all shoot exceptionally well and is work is first rate.
I have not used Mr Moreo yet but I understand his work is also first rate.
Welcome to the insanity and I think you will really enjoy your Savage.
George
CZ, if you like the Redding dies, the Competion Bushing Neck Sizer set is on sale at Midway right now. It includes the bushing neck sizer, body die, and Competiton Seating die.
I do not have a 6BR yet, but I like the Redding seater for .223 thus far.
Travelor, which RCBS dies were you using that gave unacceptable runout?
I do not have a 6BR yet, but I like the Redding seater for .223 thus far.
Travelor, which RCBS dies were you using that gave unacceptable runout?
NorCalMikie
Gold $$ Contributor
Start with you've got. It won't be long till the "insanity" kicks in and you won't have "enough" stuff for your liking.
I started off with a custom made RCBS die set. That caliber wasn't available at the time.
Picked up a Redding full length and body die. Have since got a Forster Precision Bushing Bump die that works like a charm.
2 no turn neck chambered Savage rifles and I can't load the ammo fast enough.
Never checked the runout of the loaded ammo. The target tells the tale!
One thing to watch is your bullet seating depth to the lands.,something to do with the Savage design) If I jump my bullets, I get high pressure signs. If the bullets are jammed, that same load will be smooth as silk with no heavy bolt lift or cratered primers. All rifles are different so you need to see what yours likes.
A "co-ax press" might be on the list but for now I'll stick with my Rockchucker! Enjoy your 6 BR. Sure beats sitting in a bar.
I started off with a custom made RCBS die set. That caliber wasn't available at the time.
Picked up a Redding full length and body die. Have since got a Forster Precision Bushing Bump die that works like a charm.
2 no turn neck chambered Savage rifles and I can't load the ammo fast enough.
Never checked the runout of the loaded ammo. The target tells the tale!
One thing to watch is your bullet seating depth to the lands.,something to do with the Savage design) If I jump my bullets, I get high pressure signs. If the bullets are jammed, that same load will be smooth as silk with no heavy bolt lift or cratered primers. All rifles are different so you need to see what yours likes.
A "co-ax press" might be on the list but for now I'll stick with my Rockchucker! Enjoy your 6 BR. Sure beats sitting in a bar.
Thanks for the input guys and, keep it coming. So far I guess I have been thinking along the same lines as most. I think that the Redding dies are what I am going with. I have several Rock Chuckers, and other single stage RCBS presses with a few lyman single stages and a Lyman Turret press thrown in for good measure. I also have 2 Dillon 550s though I doubt that I will use those for this. I have sevral good powder measures including a Redding BR-3. I would love the Foster Co-ax but, I was thinking about one of the smaller presses offered by places like Sinclair. They seem small enough to load at the range while still being quite solid.
As far as the rifle goes, I like the idea of a switch barrel and Larry is only a couple of hours from me though I have never met him. I was thinking of buying the Savage F T/R in 308 then buying a Custom barrel in 6mmBR. Right now though I am still undecided but a 6mm BR is DEFINITELY in my near future.
By the way. What should I be looking for in the way of a front rest for F-Class? The one from caldwell, I think it is called the Rock, looks pretty good for the money. Remember, I am not rich and the competition around here will be pretty informal at least for a while.
As far as the rifle goes, I like the idea of a switch barrel and Larry is only a couple of hours from me though I have never met him. I was thinking of buying the Savage F T/R in 308 then buying a Custom barrel in 6mmBR. Right now though I am still undecided but a 6mm BR is DEFINITELY in my near future.
By the way. What should I be looking for in the way of a front rest for F-Class? The one from caldwell, I think it is called the Rock, looks pretty good for the money. Remember, I am not rich and the competition around here will be pretty informal at least for a while.
CZ, since you're a couple hours from LPR, you may be a reasonable distance from Kittery,KTP)? If you're interested in the 12F-T/R, they had one in stock some weeks back. Over near where the sights and targets are, next to the high-end shotgun section. That 30" barrel made it stand out from the rest in the rack. Nice rifle.
CZ223: Word of advice: do not mess with Norma 6BR brass. I bought a bag of 100, took 20, and loaded them side-by-side with Lapua: identical loads. After 12 loadings with Lapua, bolt lift is normal and primer pockets remain tight. After 6 loadings with the Norma, extremly hard bolt lift, and the primer pockets are lose. Load used in both brands of cases was/is 30 grs. N135 w/ 85 gr. Sierra #1530 205 primers, seated to touch. Both fired in the same rifle, a Savage 6BR, .272" no-turn neck, 1-9.25 twist. Don't understand how Norma can charge the big $$$$ for their brass/ Lapua cost less and is trouble-free.
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