how to choose a reamer

[fabricator21]

I am going to build a .222
I have a dummy round and blueprints for several reamers. How do I determine the correct reamer so I will get the bullet seated at the overall length I want?

 

[Eddie Harren]

Seat the bullet where you want it and send the dummy to the reamer maker of your choice.

 

[fdshuster]

Also a good time to specify the chamber neck diameter. If not specified you could get the industry standard that could be as large as .256", loaded round neck diameter will be approx. .246" with Winchester brass, and .249" if using Lapua.

A lot of slop/clearance, so brass life will be shorter than if it were a tight, no turn neck dia. like .251".

Another dimension you can request is chamber over-all-length, and for the 222Rem. my reamer is 1.710", .010" longer than max case length. Otherwise you could get 1.725", 1.730" or whatever the reamer maker decides to make it. In this case, longer is not always "better".

Also be sure to request a copy of the reamer print drawing & keep it with the reamer.

Floating pilots are my preferred, not all like them, so that's also open to debate.

Whatever your choices, having your own reamer is the way to go. Why spend around $500 for a re-barrel job, then use any old reamer to cut the all important chamber?