Newb 6.5x284 COL question

[DNorton]

I recently aquired a like new Savage model 111 in 6.5x284 Norma. When making up a dummy round to establish COL, I discovered that the rifle appears to have been chambered in the Winchester version of the cartridge, with COL achieved at 2.870 jammed. Am I missing something here? I wrongly assumed that this long action rifle, with 6.5x284 Norma stamped on the factory barrel would be throated to accept the COL of the Norma version of approximately 3.300". Was hoping to shoot 140 gr Noslers but they end up well into the case past the shoulder. Pardon my ignorance but what's up with that? Thanks in advance! DNorton

 

[FatBoy]

Does Lapua brass chamber?

 

[DNorton]

Unfortunately I have no Lapua brass, however the Nosler brass I purchased chambers normally. It is marked 6.5x284 Norma on box.

 

[FatBoy]

Odd. All the Winchester chambers I have seen (admittedly, only a few) have very tight necks and bases. Lapua and Norma brass wouldn't chamber. I wonder if you just got stuck with a short throat, which is an easy fix.

 

[RonAKA]

I recently aquired a like new Savage model 111 in 6.5x284 Norma. When making up a dummy round to establish COL, I discovered that the rifle appears to have been chambered in the Winchester version of the cartridge, with COL achieved at 2.870 jammed. Am I missing something here? I wrongly assumed that this long action rifle, with 6.5x284 Norma stamped on the factory barrel would be throated to accept the COL of the Norma version of approximately 3.300". Was hoping to shoot 140 gr Noslers but they end up well into the case past the shoulder. Pardon my ignorance but what's up with that? Thanks in advance! DNorton

The 6.5x284 Norma is a CIP standard cartridge. Specifications are in this drawing:

6.5x284 Norma CIP

The freebore as defined by the pure cylindrical part of the bore should be 8.02 mm long or 0.316" Minimum. That is a lot of freebore, at least for the VLD style bullets. Now a stubby bullet may be a bit different. But you should still get to the end of the freebore with the ogive. Have you got the tools to measure your loaded round from the base of the cartridge to the ogive? That dimension?

The other part that does not seem to add up is that I have seen more than one complaint here that the Savage 6.5x264 Norma freebore was too long, not too short...

Once you are sure the freebore is shorter than CIP spec, you may want to talk to Savage about it. It should be fairly easy to lengthen the freebore with a throating reamer, but you will want to be careful not to add too much. If you send it back to Savage, they are likely to ream it to the full CIP minimum.

 

[DNorton]

Thanks for the replies folks. I am going to drop it off at my 'smith for him to take the necessary measurements as I do not have the expertise or tools. I will go from there with his recommendation.