My first go at F-Class Reloading-6.5-06 & I got issues

[Miller_]

So I'm a fairly new reloader started 5-6 years ago an every year I get deeper an deeper into chasing precision loads... To start, a month ago I bought a benchrest 6.5-06 rifle at an auction, rem 700 on a bob green barrel with a neck of .290. So since the purchase of the rifle I've been gathering the needed tools to start making rounds for it, I went with the K&M neck turner kit & redding type S Match F/L die set which is "6.5mm-06-A-Square" standard necks on the 6.5-06 is .296 or .298 so I knew I'd have to turn them down. I bought a box of 25-06 hornady brass an ran it through the die an it sized it very easily, checked for length but it was 20 thou shorter that Samii spec & then turned the neck down to .289. chambered the brass in the bore an it was pretty tight locking the bolt. removed fireing pin from the bolt, turned the neck down to .287 still on the tight side so I ran it back through the die a time or two but that didn't make a difference. Do I need a neck bushing die assuming that's where it's dragging? I did cover the brass in sharpe marker but nothing I thought scored enough to make me positive that's where the issue was. I'm certain I am turning the neck far enough into the shoulder but I'm new to this so anything is possible till I get it figured out.

Maybe I should ask you this, does it make much difference if the case is "snug" vs completely loose? Thanks for any help/wisdom

 

[NC308]

Are you sure your bumping the shoulder back enough? Could be dragging on the shoulder not the neck?

 

[Zero333]

If it chambers you'll be OK for the first firing... Once you fire them you'll know better the actual dimensions of the chamber and you'll bump the shoulders 0.002" the second time around.

The A-Square chamber has a longer neck to accommodate 270win / 280 rem brass.

 

[Miller_]

Are you sure your bumping the shoulder back enough? Could be dragging on the shoulder not the neck?

I have the die down the press as far as it can go

 

[Toejoe12]

Check the base of the brass from just above the case ring up .200 If the chamber is on the smaller side of specs its possible the die isn’t sizing the brass enough to give it a smooth fit. This could be where you’re getting the tight bolt close. You can do your marker check on the brass here as well to see if it smudges. If that’s your culprit it will still fire safely but you may need to force your bolt open on a few. This is one reason why some calibers have small base die options

 

[ppaul]

Curtis, my best suggestion for you is to find a mentor. Someone you can sit down with face to face and help you. It would shave years off the learning curve.

To answer your question, no you won't see a benefit from a neck bushing die. Being this is new brass that is essentially what you have now with your s type fl die.

A few questions,
Is your .287 number measured with a bullet seated?
What are you measuring with a caliper or micrometer?
Do you have the ability to check the concentricity of the case?
Is this a min. spec chamber? (may need to make a chamber cast)

Again, my best advice is to find a mentor!

Paul

 

[NC308]

I have the die down the press as far as it can go

I understand. But that does not mean it’s bumping the shoulders back enough! The shell holder may be too thick and the die hits the shell holder before sizing the case properly. Easy way is to measure before and after with a comperator.

 

[chromatica]

I agree that should bump may be the culprit. Get yourself an RCBS Precision Micrometer:

https://www.rcbs.com/case-prep/measure/precision-mic/564.html

This one is for 30-06. The datum at the shoulder will be different for 6.5-06, but you can measure your GO and NOGO gauges using the micrometer to establish min and max readings for headspace. Then use the Hornady headspace tools to determine the actual length of your rifle chamber. You need to nail down the headspace dimension before worrying about the neck diameter.

 

[jr600yd]

Well, your using new brass. Even though you’ve run it thru the resizing die its not fire formed to your chamber yet. Being .020 short is not uncommon when necking up brass. Don’t worry about it at this time. Brass being “tight” in the chamber? Humm.....don’t get upset yet. Go load then shoot the stuff. The next sizing (fire formed brass) is another story. The brass can only be “tight” in one of two places. Either you didn’t bump the shoulder back enough or the sizing die isn’t sizing the base of the brass. Measure a fired case then a resized case as stated above. Since you stated it’s a “Bench rest” rifle my guess is you have a tight chamber. You might need a small base sizer die.

 

[Kings X]

I take it the 287 measurement is of a loaded round.
As a test only - Take a extra case that is tight and sand the diameter at the rear some. Do not shoot the sanded case !!!
Dies can’t resize that area that is in th3 shell holder.

 

[Zero333]

I suggest to try Post #5

 

[Kings X]

I suggest to try Post #5

Missed that. But small base dies still can’t get to what is in the shell holder.

 

[0.1 Aggregate]

No need to “guess” where the problem is guys. If the OP will smoke his case he’ll find out where the interference is. A marker isn’t adequate, he needs to use a match or barbeque lighter to coat the case from mouth to base. Then he will know and can correct accordingly. This isn’t F-Class rocket science, it’s very basic reloading.



.

 

[fatelvis]

I agree with the others that think That you are not Bumping the shoulder back enough.Take your shell holder, and grind a little off the top, using the side of a bench grinder wheel. size 1 case, and then try it After doing this modification. I bet that your bolt closes easily and smoothly after doing this.

 

[ppaul]

OP hasn't responded since Monday. I guess that an actual conversation about what his problem is ain't that importent! I'm out of this one.

Paul