Need advice on 284 Shehane reamer

[marwitz89]

I'm looking at diving into a 284 Shehane for 1000 yard F class. I have a Brux 9 twist barrel on the way and intend on shooting Berger 180 VLD bullets and maybe Sierra 180 MK. I'm looking for advice on freebore and neck diameter on the reamer. I have read that most use .220 freebore but some recommended .250 for the Berger VLD. I was also wondering if most shooting this caliber are turning the necks. I currently plan on using Lapua 6.5X284 brass but may use the Norma 284 brass after it is released.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[ShootDots]

The .220freebore is also good for the VLD's.. I use a .315neck. You MUST turn with that neck diameter. However, neck turning to make the necks concentric is beneficial to long range (as in 1000 yards) accuracy. I too am looking forward to getting the Norma "Shiraz Special" brass once it gets here. Whether the Norma will be significantly better remains to be seen. However, I like the idea of primer pockets that remain tight. ALSO, here is another thing to bear in mind, for whatever reason (I don't know if anyone knows WHY) but the 7mm's seem to prefer at least a 4K clearance in the neck. I have known shooters who I respect and they had 2.5-3K clearance and could not get their rifles to shoot properly. They turned a bit more from their necks and VOILA! IT SHOT GREAT! Now whether this is every case, I don't know. But you can't go wrong with a bit more clearance.

 

[whysman]

Berger 180gr Hybrid is a great choice too. My reamer has .200 freebore and works great.

 

[Shynloco]

Joe,
Get hold of Erik Cortina. If I remember correctly, that's what he shoots in competition and has a good handle on reamers.

Alex

 

[BradY]

I shoot a .318nk no turn chamber with a .220fb and this is proving to be quite good with hybrids on the barrel I have now. However if I dont internal ream donuts out then the VLD is a little long and is affected by donuts in the lapua cases. Ive now found by sizing half to 2/3rds of the neck only with a whidden bushing die, then the donuts dont come into play and I can get away without it.

 

[Scott Harris]

I'd suggest .250 FB for 180 VLDs or 180 SMKs. Your neck size depends on what you want to turn your necks to. .013 is popular and equates to a .310 loaded round diameter. A .315 neck would be a good choice with .013 brass neck thickness.

 

[JHardy]

The info about the .004 clearance is correct. Additionally, to clean the necks up completely -- no more effort than a skim -- you must turn to .0125 per side. With a .313 chamber neck, you will have the .004 clearance you need and great necks.

Regards,
Jim Hardy