Getting Started: 6mm BR Norma neck bushing question

[Pareto]

I've decided to start shooting 6mm BR for short range benchrest. I have a beginner's question: How do I know what neck size bushing to order when I don't have factory ammo to compare to determine a size when ordering a neck bushing?

I've watched videos on prepping dies, but other than using a full length sizing die and ignoring neck sizing, I have no idea how to use a neck sizer that comes with a set I've ordered. Or rather, what determines good or bad neck tension.

Thanks for any help.

 

[G Liles]

Neck turning or not?

 

[G Liles]

Do a search on this site you will find plenty of information.

 

[Pareto]

I looked at that page and all it says is that you can use a Redding full size set, which I have, as well as a neck die, without a bushing. It says I can buy a Forster die and send it to Forster for the desired amount of tension. But how do I know what is desired if I just want to buy a bushing for the neck die? Or does no neck turn mean the full length Redding S sizing die is sufficient? My gun is no neck turn .272 1:14 twist and I plan to use Lapua brass and 68 grain Bergers.

 

[6BRA]

If you don't turn the necks, it should mic around .02695.
Standard bushings are generally around .0266. go up or down. Or get mandrels and fine tune.

 

[mudduck]

Just get a .266 to .269 and you should be good

 

[Bill Norris]

If you are not turning the necks I would suggest ordering 3 bushings. .265 .266 .267 should work with Lapua brass giving plenty of neck tension.

 

[Mike TackleBerry]

Take the bullet diameter .243, Then measure the neck wall thickness of the brass and multiply by 2, then subtract how much neck tension you want and account for springback.

 

[DeltaBravo]

I've been using a .268 in my .272 12-twist; also used a .267 before that. Both shot just fine. I also shoot 68gn BTs and they like lt-32 in my gun. Good luck; you'll find the 6BR can be rather boring once you get into it a bit.

Edited to add that I've shot .267 before and tried the .268 and the gun liked it a tad better. YMMV of course

 

[Pareto]

I've been using a .268 in my .272 12-twist; also used a .267 before that. Both shot just fine. I also shoot 68gn BTs and they like lt-32 in my gun. Good luck; you'll find the 6BR can be rather boring once you get into it a bit.

Thank you all. I look forward to boring. I want a gun/ammo that shoots instead of surprises me like rimfire.

 

[Rubberduckie]

I'm still new and learning myself. My first 6br was factory savage and I just used fl sizer with expander ball removed. Then I used an expander mandrel for neck tension. My new rifle is a 268 nk. I turn necks (.011) now and use a redding fl bushing with I believe a 263 bushing. Both ways have worked well for me.

 

[JSH]

I have a beginner's question: How do I know what neck size bushing to order when I don't have factory ammo to compare to determine a size when ordering a neck bushing?

By knowing the specs on the chamber or reamer.
Even if it’s a no turn chamber, I still do a skim cut to knock off the high spots.

 

[Shooter13]

How do I know what neck size bushing to order

As stated above I don't think you can pick just one, there will need to be (I think) at least 3 to test what your gun wants. Are you trying to shoot a "factory class or custom?

 

[Dgd6mm]

As stated above I don't think you can pick just one, there will need to be (I think) at least 3 to test what your gun wants. Are you trying to shoot a "factory class or custom?

At first I bought a .266 for my no turn 6br, this is what I use.
Second I bought a .265 and a .267 for just incase.
If I had it to do all over, I'd buy all 3 at once.

 

[Pareto]

Since I'm just beginning, I ordered just the .267 just to see how reloading and shooting 6br works. Then I plan to order the other two. But some are saying .268 for no neck turn chambers. So I'm unsure if I need everything from .265 to .268.

At the moment I don't plan to compete. I just like the idea of having a reliable, accurate rifle I can shoot for score or group off a bench at the range that will beat my excellent 223 AI.

 

[Bill Norris]

.268 will work but will have very light neck tension.

 

[dgeesaman]

.268 will work but will have very light neck tension.

Depends on the brass. The latest Lapua 6BR brass is reportedly thicker than before.

But for most 6BR brass I agree it’s better to be a bit tighter then .268.

 

[Richard Jones]

I would also agree with .265-.267. Should also work with Alpha brass. With a fairly current lot of Lapua I am using a .266.

 

[Shooter13]

Depends on the brass. The latest Lapua 6BR brass is reportedly thicker than before.

But for most 6BR brass I agree it’s better to be a bit tighter then .268.

The 220 Russian is for sure.

 

[Webster]

I've decided to start shooting 6mm BR for short range benchrest. I have a beginner's question: How do I know what neck size bushing to order when I don't have factory ammo to compare to determine a size when ordering a neck bushing?

I've watched videos on prepping dies, but other than using a full length sizing die and ignoring neck sizing, I have no idea how to use a neck sizer that comes with a set I've ordered. Or rather, what determines good or bad neck tension.

Thanks for any help.

I ended up with 4 bushings. No turn chamber, Lapua cases, I turn to 0.0125" neck thickness and I always use my .265' bushing. Don't bother spending the money for TiC coated bushings. Buy regular steel and put some lube on the necks.