Reamer Rental ??

[Aequitas]

I am getting everything together to have a 219 Donaldson Wasp built. I have not found a smith with a reamer so I was thinking of renting one from Elk Ridge. They have a Floating Pilot Chamber Reamer. Can the pilot be chenged to make it a no turn neck? and will I need a go gauge to send out to my smith. I have been looking for a few months now for a reamer to no avail.
Or should I just break down and have Kiff make me the reamer and gauges?
or if someone might know where I can purchase a set up please advise.

 

[fdshuster]

Changing the pilot has nothing to do with chambar neck diameter: that's controlled by the dimension on the reamer. Pilots are changable, in .0001' increments so the proper one can be chosen that best fits your land dia. When I spec my reamers, to Pacific Tool & Gage, I include a dummy round with my first bulet of choice, seated to the depth I want, and specify the chamber neck dia, either tight no-turn, or tight fitted requiring outside neck turning. I personally do not believe in renting reamers/ you have no idea what you are getting. Buy my own reamer,s), chamber is cut and if I never intend to do another with that reamer, it is sold, usually for approx. 70% of my cost. Along with neck dia and throat depth, with the dummy round, I also specify chamber length, usually .010' longer than max case length. Works for me.

 

[Preacher]

Call Dave Kiff and be done with it... spec it out exactly like you want it, it's something you can't usually do with a rental reamer....

 

[tiny68]

I have,my smith) rented from ElksRidge on several occasions. If they that the reamer you want it is a great deal. All of their reamers are SAMMI minimum and you end up with a tighter chamber that a factory chamber. My might also look at 4-D products. I saw that have the 219 Donaldson Wasp. Pick a gunsmith your are happy with that installs barrels on your action/rifle. They will know how to rent the reamer you want. Luck in your search, tiny

 

[SongdogHunter]

Just order the reamer. or find someone else that wants the same thing and split the cost. Lots of use end up with reamers this way and that the price of having something thats not off the shelf.


SDH

 

[Aequitas]

I made the call and have a little home work to do. You guys are right with spot on advise. Thanks

 

[rayjay]

Do what Frank said to do. With all the shipping back and forth on the rental reamer buying a new one and selling it after use is basically the same cost as renting a used one.

 

[tiny68]

With all the shipping back and forth on the rental reamer buying a new one and selling it after use is basically the same cost as renting a used one.

It cost less than $50 for the reamer rental with the gauges and shipping. Maybe you know some secrets about buying discount reamers from PTG, but the floating pilot reamers I have priced from Dave have been in the $200+ range. I have sold a couple of reamers on this forum and I have never recovered 75% of my original cost. Again, maybe you can get them cheaper than me or maybe you sold a reamer that was in high demand and someone is willing to pay the premium to get one quick. But, unless you want match grade/tight neck a rental is a more economical choice. If you plan to make several chambers in that caliber, then sure but all means buy a reamer.

Just my humble opinion, tiny

 

[alf]

Retail price from PT@G has been $138.00 and $8.00 shipping.

 

[fdshuster]

tiny68: With all due respect to your experiences: Every floating pilot reamer, cut to my specs, that I've bought from Pacific/ Dave Kiff, have cost the before mentioned $138 + a few dollars shipping, usually priority mail. They include tight no-turn neck 6BR, 204 Ruger, 223 Rem. and a few others. I just can't see spending over $300 for a high quality barrel like a Krieger, Bartlein, Hart, etc. then using a chambering reamer of unknown history, quality, and in some cases dimensions you may not want. Yes, I understand you can save a few bucks with a rental, and even more if the gunsmith uses one he may have 'laying around the shop', and if you're happy with that, by all means, go-for-it. I have a few chamberings that have turned out way above expectations, keep those reamers and a duplicate chamber can be cut in the future. Also very important if you are using the very expensive custom sizing die,s). I've had 2 and 3 chambers cut in succession and they are all so close in dimensions, the brass is interchangable. To me these are all a big plus.

 

[tiny68]

The reamers I have talked to Dave about where true wildcats. If you can get a floating pilot reamer for $138 that fits your specs, then I totally agree do it.

I learned something new. Tiny

 

[robbor]

On my last order for 22wmr reamer and range rod the order was split because they did not have range rods avail. I was not notified of BO and they were charging $12 each for shipping, thats $24 for 2 small pieces. Not exactly a big reamer and shipping was $12.

 

[RJinTexas]

Rob, You need look at extra shipping cost as part of doing business these days as companies are force to keep lower inventories to stay competitive. At least with PT&G your dealing with a customer oriented company, with the best products in the business. The folks at PT&G are never to busy to answer questions and provide you with sound advice. To avoid additional shipping charges I've learned that no matter who I'm doing business with it's best to ask if all items are in stock and if not ask that shipment be held until they are. And I also prefer to purchase the reamer and at least the go gage for my smith to use. I also request a drawing of the reamer to put in my files.

Regards
RJ

 

[robbor]

Im always willing to pay a fair price withing reason for items. But throwning a small reamer in a packing envelope shouldnt be a $12 fee. Id guess shipping cost them about $4. They do clearly state if you do take the time to look through their fine print than back orders are shipped separate. They just dont mention that you will not be notified of back orders. If i was told at the time of order the range rod would not be avail for some time and shipping would be $24, i would have gone else where. After all when someone orders a reamer and an accompanying range rod they obviously dont plan on using them together, any everyone who buys reamers is just saving up for winter projects right.