Learned how to NOT size 6.5x284 to 6x284 today

[Ironworker]

I just received a shipment of new Norma brass. I ran then through my Redding "C" series FL die with no problem,then K&M expander,turned them using K&M neck turning tool.Then Redding Bushing neck sizing die. Loaded them up shot then and they performed flawlessly. That's not the case when I use same methods with Lupua brass. But ! After a few firings the Norma will start to give extraction problems. I'm coming to the conclusion that's the nature of the 6x284 cartridge. I've tried annealing the brass,it didn't help. So "It is what it is"

 

[bozo699]

Ironworker,
Explain extraction problems please, is it not pulling the bras out of the chamber or are you getting sticky bolt lift? if it is bolt lift is it at the top or all the way?
Wayne.

 

[Ironworker]

Sticky bolt lift at the top and some times(not always) i have to hit the bolt with palm of my hand to eject,when using lapua brass or Norma brass after its had 5 firings ? But new Norma brass extracts perfectly ?

 

[Ironworker]

Ironworker,
Explain extraction problems please, is it not pulling the bras out of the chamber or are you getting sticky bolt lift? if it is bolt lift is it at the top or all the way?
Wayne.

Also when a Lupua case or a Norma case that has been fired 5 times and extracted with resistance. If I FL size the case and chamber the empty case and extract it extracts just fine. But if I load it and fire it same problem all over again. So that must mean the brass isn't contracting properly after firing. So excessive pressure ? I've reduced my loads,there is a slight cratering around the firing pin indent on primer. But this is a 6x284,not a 243 !

 

[bozo699]

Ironworker,
I have had the exact same problem, I think I have figured it out. What is your load, powder charge, bullet,primer, and neck tension and loaded round neck/chamber clearance? and PM sent.
Wayne.

 

[Ironworker]

Current load in new Norma brass is CCL LR Primer,Re#17 52.5grs 90gr Nosler BT seated to lightly touch the lands. MV is 3450 FPS. Also necks are lightly neck turned.Don't know what neck tension is or neck/chamber clearance. I responded to your PM

 

[bozo699]

Thanks Ironworker, Please take a loaded round and measure the neck then a fired case from your rifle and measure that neck and send me those measurements also please. I will look forward in talking to you tomorrow.
Wayne.

 

[Ironworker]

Well this is interesting. Checking Lupua brass. Loaded rounds measures .273. Fired measures .277 A bullet will loosely slid into neck of fired case. Now the Norma loaded round also measures .273. Fired case measures(it has 5+ firings) .279. It's neck hasn't been turned. But the lupua has and the loaded Norma has. Don't have any new Norma empties to measure . They've all been loaded Lupua case head measures .498. Norma measures .499. So that must be the problem. New Norma brass ( Loaded) measures .477.

 

[ourway77]

I too have had no problem of going from new 284 brass down to 6.5 then down to 6-284 then FL and thay are good to go. One thing I do that I haven't seen mentioned, I remove the de-capping pin from the 6.5 after that I run the brass through my 6-284 FL die with the decapping pin left in. (No Problem) I had the same problem taking 7BR brass down to 6BR, I again remove the decapping pin and run through the 7BR die the then 6BR die with decapping pin and expander left in Problem went away. I haven't had a problem since I did it my way. Lou

 

[ed k]

I just picked up this caliber gun and am wondering what trim to length is supposed to be. Thanks in advance. ED K

 

[bozo699]

Ed,
Trim length 2.160, of course I like to leave mine as long as possible, if you know your chamber length it may be more than factory which I believe is 2.170 mine will go well over 2.170
Wayne

 

[ed k]

Thanks for the info. I measured mine after resizing yesterday and they are all under 2.170. I was worried about resizing after some of the discussion on this thread but it was a piece of cake. Rcbs fl die with rcbs sizing lube one pass thru and all was good. Lapua brass. ED K

 

[bozo699]

Ed,
Resizing was never a problem, they were having trouble forming 6.5*284 down to 6*284 without crushing the neck and shoulder. Enjoy your new rifle
Wayne.

 

[ed k]

Ya thats what i was doing from the 6.5 to the 6. Had no problem at all. ED

 

[bozo699]

Ya thats what i was doing from the 6.5 to the 6. Had no problem at all. ED

Right on, me either
Wayne.

 

[LRPV]

Well... aren't you guys special. ;D I only tried 2 cases in those Lee dies and I didn't ever try just the FL Redding die but I will now just to see if it works. One anyway, they are too expensive to waste if it doesn't work. Hopefully, in another couple of months I'll be able to shoot them and see how it goes.
Jason

 

[bozo699]

Jason,
I wasn't mocking you I just haven't ever had a problem sizing the 6*284, now with that said I have had concentricity
issues when I have tried to size to much at once. I wish you the best of luck when you get your new rifle.
Wayne.

 

[ed k]

Its better to be lucky than good.lol Good luck with the fl dies.Mine was no problem. ED

 

[LRPV]

Bozo I was just joking. Things like this is just the way it goes for me it seems. I'm sure it'll all work out one way or another. Ed you bet it's good to be lucky.

 

[LRPV]

I finally got the time to try some more forming. I lubed a 6.5 up with imperial wax and ran it straight into the Redding FL die and it didn't come out crushed but it didn't come out looking right either. The neck is lop sided or just plain crooked not sure. Did some more running them through the seating die and then the FL die and I guess that is the way I am going to have to do it the way I'm set up.