Hello,
Wonder if I could get advice on a sizing issue. I know this is the place to ask because I've visited many times. Most of the info was above my pay grade and I figured, I'd learn the basics first before joining. I just started to load for a new AI AXSR in 300 Norma Mag and can't seem to properly size Norma Brass. I'm using a Forster 300 Norma Mag FLSA to bump the shoulder back .002-.003" but it won't chamber properly. It's a little tough to close the bolt.
After 1st firing of Norma Ammo, the brass grew .008" - .009" which is double what I'm used to seeing in my other rifles and brass. I figured the AXSR chamber is large or excessive. I've heard this was on purpose for Military use, but not sure. I have contacted AI USA and I'm waiting for their reply. I ran into this issue before on a Bighorn TL3/Bartlein I put together, but the brass didn't grow that much. It only grew the normal .004"-.005" and I believe I found the solution here and bought a Forster FL die that fixed the issue.
On this one (AXSR 300 Norma) a Forster die is not sizing the body enough to allow it to chamber smoothly. Can you advice or help with this? Do you know of a brand of die that would properly size the brass down to the base? I know the answer (I think) to my issue, just don't know which way to go. I don't want to end up buying 3 different dies to find the one that works. I've searched here and other forums and around here the solution was to sand the shellholder down (I'm using Redding #35 which is supposed to be the correct one) or have a custom die made, but never noticed a follow up to see if that worked. I'm sure that's what it is, a different die, but which company to go with that will do it?
The brass does go all the way into the Forster die, deeper than on my 6.5 brass, but I have no issues with 6.5, 300 win mag and .308 and usually get around 12-14 firings before tossing them. I set this die up touching the shellholder while arm was up (using an MEC Marksman Press) and then almost half a turn to where I get some cam over. This bumps the shoulder .002". I have bumped up to .008" to test and still did not chamber well.
New Norma Brass: (using Short Action Customs Headspace Comparator for 300 Norma) 1.893"
Once Fired: 1.902"
Sized: .002" Bump 1.900"
New Shoulder Diameter: .562"
Once Fired: .564"
Sized: .002" Bump .563.5"
New Base Diameter: .582"
Once Fired: .585"
Sized: .002" Bump .585"
Any advice you can offer? Is the headspace too excessive with the .008" to .009" growth in brass? I've been reading that 300 Norma is not easy to size and it sure does feel different and also AIs are not the smoothest actions, but I can still feel it takes more force to close the bolt on fired and sized brass compared to new brass. I also want to avoid sanding the shellholder down, but did order another to try. Sorry about the long post, but wanted to include as much info and detail as possible. I haven't been reloading long, only 5 years or so, but everything has gone smooth for the most part.
Thanks for your time.
Wonder if I could get advice on a sizing issue. I know this is the place to ask because I've visited many times. Most of the info was above my pay grade and I figured, I'd learn the basics first before joining. I just started to load for a new AI AXSR in 300 Norma Mag and can't seem to properly size Norma Brass. I'm using a Forster 300 Norma Mag FLSA to bump the shoulder back .002-.003" but it won't chamber properly. It's a little tough to close the bolt.
After 1st firing of Norma Ammo, the brass grew .008" - .009" which is double what I'm used to seeing in my other rifles and brass. I figured the AXSR chamber is large or excessive. I've heard this was on purpose for Military use, but not sure. I have contacted AI USA and I'm waiting for their reply. I ran into this issue before on a Bighorn TL3/Bartlein I put together, but the brass didn't grow that much. It only grew the normal .004"-.005" and I believe I found the solution here and bought a Forster FL die that fixed the issue.
On this one (AXSR 300 Norma) a Forster die is not sizing the body enough to allow it to chamber smoothly. Can you advice or help with this? Do you know of a brand of die that would properly size the brass down to the base? I know the answer (I think) to my issue, just don't know which way to go. I don't want to end up buying 3 different dies to find the one that works. I've searched here and other forums and around here the solution was to sand the shellholder down (I'm using Redding #35 which is supposed to be the correct one) or have a custom die made, but never noticed a follow up to see if that worked. I'm sure that's what it is, a different die, but which company to go with that will do it?
The brass does go all the way into the Forster die, deeper than on my 6.5 brass, but I have no issues with 6.5, 300 win mag and .308 and usually get around 12-14 firings before tossing them. I set this die up touching the shellholder while arm was up (using an MEC Marksman Press) and then almost half a turn to where I get some cam over. This bumps the shoulder .002". I have bumped up to .008" to test and still did not chamber well.
New Norma Brass: (using Short Action Customs Headspace Comparator for 300 Norma) 1.893"
Once Fired: 1.902"
Sized: .002" Bump 1.900"
New Shoulder Diameter: .562"
Once Fired: .564"
Sized: .002" Bump .563.5"
New Base Diameter: .582"
Once Fired: .585"
Sized: .002" Bump .585"
Any advice you can offer? Is the headspace too excessive with the .008" to .009" growth in brass? I've been reading that 300 Norma is not easy to size and it sure does feel different and also AIs are not the smoothest actions, but I can still feel it takes more force to close the bolt on fired and sized brass compared to new brass. I also want to avoid sanding the shellholder down, but did order another to try. Sorry about the long post, but wanted to include as much info and detail as possible. I haven't been reloading long, only 5 years or so, but everything has gone smooth for the most part.
Thanks for your time.
