Noob question about bullet diameter

[gkgeiger]

OK, so I'm just getting into this BR and reloading and I'm puzzled. I have a 6mm BRN rifle. I bought Lapua brass, Berger 6mm 68 gr FB target bullets as recommended ( I will be shooting 100/200 yds with a 1-12 twist). The question I have is the bullet measures .243 with my digital caliper. The bullet won't fit in the muzzle end of the barrel. Is the barrel smaller in diameter than the bullet. If yes how much. I don't want a catastrophe when I fire the first round. Thanks for the help "I need it".

 

[dstoenner]

243 is the groove diameter and 235 or so is the land diameter. So you could never fit a bullet that is correct for your caliber into the rifling unless it is badly worn by bad cleaning practices.

 

[gkgeiger]

243 is the groove diameter and 235 or so is the land diameter. So you could never fit a bullet that is correct for your caliber into the rifling unless it is badly worn by bad cleaning practices.

That is exactly what I hoped someone would say.

 

[ClassCat]

Ask your Gunsmith what he gave you. Inside Barrel diameters are usually 237 for a 243/6MM. That twist rate is more of a concern.Most of us SR BR shooters use a 1- 13 1/2 twist

 

[Bart B.]

A .002" spread across 6mm or 24 caliber bore, groove and bullet diameters is within SAAMI specs.

 

[Rsadams]

You need to do alot more reading and even watching videos before reloading if you don't understand this.... Reloading is not to be taken lightly , you can get hurt if done wrong... Altho it is a very safe thing if done correctly... Everybody had to start at one point , just be sure you know exactly what's going on with your reloading and gun before diving in the deep water... Take your time...

 

[gkgeiger]

Ask your Gunsmith what he gave you. Inside Barrel diameters are usually 237 for a 243/6MM. That twist rate is more of a concern.Most of us SR BR shooters use a 1- 13 1/2 twist

No gunsmith involved. I bought a Savage 12LRPV for shooting in the production (Groundhog) class at my club. As time passes, I'll probably by a precision BR rifle. Thanks to all for the help.

 

[gkgeiger]

You need to do alot more reading and even watching videos before reloading if you don't understand this.... Reloading is not to be taken lightly , you can get hurt if done wrong... Altho it is a very safe thing if done correctly... Everybody had to start at one point , just be sure you know exactly what's going on with your reloading and gun before diving in the deep water... Take your time...

I've been doing exactly that, my neck hurts from watching videos. I'm waiting on some measuring tools as we speak. I'm thinking a 29.5gr load to start. How much free travel/jump is too much? That 68gr pullet is short. The difference between it and a 105 is a lot. Do the longer bullets get seated farther? I hope that's not too many questions at once.

 

[Intheshop]

Look up a "bore rider" cast bullet pic.Try to find one with diameter specs.Should be self explanatory. The "nose" is bore diam. the back "half" is groove diam. (plus a cpl .001's).Good luck.

 

[gkgeiger]

The 6mm 68 gr bullet is .844 long, the brass is 1.560 together that 2.404 without the seating depth. That's why I'm interested in free travel/jump. I know people are using this combo so it must work, am I concerned about nothing?

 

[Rsadams]

That

I've been doing exactly that, my neck hurts from watching videos. I'm waiting on some measuring tools as we speak. I'm thinking a 29.5gr load to start. How much free travel/jump is too much? That 68gr pullet is short. The difference between it and a 105 is a lot. Do the longer bullets get seated farther? I hope that's not too many questions at once.

That is advanced stuff I would stick with the basics for now , seating depth is a good way to refine a load once you figure out the powder charge but sticking a bullet in the lands creates more pressure... So you will need to figure out exactly were the lands are , there's different ways to find that out and all you need to do is ask or use the search button , these guys are very helpful and experienced...If don't have a crono , get one... I like the competition electronics digital , but that personal preference , there's better for more money etc...

The other thing I do and recommend because you can't have to many is to use the reloading manual for the bullets your useing.. Hornady manual for Hornady bullets , Sierra manual for Sierra bullets etc... Do not use unpublished data even if your friend has the same setup as you because each rifle is different and likes different things.. I also had no help and learned exactly like you are... Go easy at first and remember a screaming fast load is not necessarily an accurate one etc , work up , you may end up over published max in the end , it's not uncommon but go EASY... Also don't go below the published minimum..

The Sierra matchkings don't mind a jump but burgers and the Sierra tipped matchking do... Also get some brass you don't plan on useing and practice with it , you and everyone , myself included , I threw away 200 LC .223 brass I did when I was starting because they were not right I found out later , will make mistakes in the beginning and there's no sense useing real good components and have to throw them away learning... Learning to set up your dies correctly , trimming etc... You never master reloading you just get better... Safety first , if something feels wrong DONT do it , your guts normally correct.... Reloading is a safe hobby as long as it's done correctly and it's not really that hard but it is time consuming...Just have fun and be safe , double and triple check everything and you will be fine...