Input needed for 223 build regarding chamber

[AKShooter]

Well, I was all set with my .223 build. I have a bighorn action on the way, and remage barrel from northland with the new 223 match chamber.

The match chamber has a .254 neck and a 0.90 freebore, 1:8 twist. The plan was to shoot lapua brass and I’ll get my hands on some today or tomorrow, but loaded rounds from research appear to be around .249-.250 A little more clearance than I’d typically choose but okay.

Now my wrench, I really have grown accustomed to the consistent neck tension I’m getting with turning necks and using bushing dies. Just on the fence to either stay the course and try the remage, or go with a tight neck (.250 or so) reamer. There is around 300-400 dollar difference in the two,, with the remage I'd most likely do a no-turn, or a slight clean. Not sure if a bushing die would be of benefit,,was thinking more along the lines of a lee neck collet die??

Rifle duties, really a trainer and low recoil range and small game rifle. Something inexpensive to load that takes a bit of shooting pressure off a few of my other pet rifles. But also want as much accuracy as I can reasonably get,,of course. Ranges would be out to around 600-800 max (but most shooting would be 400 yards and in). Plan on shooting the 75 amax, but want to play with some 60 grain flat bases too.

Just looking for pros and cons, rifle is still around 4 months out, so have a bit of time to get other parts ordered if need be. Thanks

 

[MrMajestic]

I think Criterion will chamber with your reamer. $150 for your spec reamer?

 

[Scott Harris]

the .254 neck will shoot great with turned necks. In short, extra clearance has had zero impact on accuracy in my experience. I recently learned that the freebore diameter often matches the bullet diameter or is only .0002" larger in many/most match chambers. In 223REM for example, the freebore diameter is .2242 for our chamber reamer. What this means is your cartridge is being held perfectly concentric in the bore by the bullet jammed into the freebore. This means the only thing that matters with the neck diameter is that you have adequate clearance to allow proper ignition and bullet release. A few thousandths extra clearance doesn't hurt a thing. The only possible issue is brass necks becoming work hardened, but annealing makes this a moot point. Even without annealing, your primer pockets are going to open up before your necks split.

As a reference, we shoot .248 loaded rounds in a .253 chamber and have scored 590/600 or higher in countless F-class matches.

 

[AKShooter]

I know they will use my reamer. But don't currently have one and waiting on a reamer and then the barrel. Guessing 5 months. What can I say. I have an impatient side. Lol

Good point on the Freebore. The reamer print is .2245. I'm getting into this to have a fun gun. So maybe it's also some time to do more experimenting than I typically do. Neck turn and go that route and then the no turn and lee collet.
Thanks for the input

 

[alf]

When I was going to order my 223 reamer, I measured every brand of brass, except Lapua, I could get my hands on, to get a loaded round neck diameter.

I never found a one that went over .248", so I ordered a .250" neck. I still do a minor clean-up, as it makes me feel better w/consistent necks.

Since you have time, I'd buy a load of Lapua, seat a few bullets of choice, and go with the clearance you want.......

 

[boltman223]

My loaded lapua brass measures .250. Hope that helps

 

[Snuggie]

I agree Boltman. My .223 loaded Lapua brass also measures .250. 8)

 

[fm1947]

Your gun should shoot fine with that neck and clearance, I have found increasing clearance from .003 to .004 in some cartridges does increase accuracy, every barrel is different there is no one thing works on all.

 

[AKShooter]

Thanks folks, I'll stay the course and go with the remage criterion. I have 200 lapua cases, bucket of 75 amax. and a good supply of powder. My plan is to clean a few necks up, repeat neck measurement. Kind of just guessing, but figure I can get 75% or so cleanup and still be around .248 or so. Just waiting on the important items, barrel and action....

I'll be sure to post some results. Like I said, this is a bit of fun rifle, but I forget the exact saying, but I think it was Keith? who said only accurate guns are interesting,,,,couldn't agree more.