Will be purchasing a set of 6 BR Norma headspace gauges. Any brand recommendations other than stay away from PTG when ordering?
Recommendation for 6 BR Norma Headspace Gauge
- Thread starter ghostrider272
- Start date
I’ll probably get flamed for this , but I own 4 6BRs and I’ve never owned a HS gage . I headspace off a brand new case . After firing I push shoulder back .002 and case is now back to original size . Works for me !
Thanks for the insight. Always wondered how well that works. The 'smith is swapping a barrel from one action to another. Since I plan on making it a Remage f that doesn't shoot well, I told him I'd get the gauges
NorCalMikie
Gold $$ Contributor
You plan on shooting "factory loaded ammo"?? Use a fired OR new case to set head space and, set it on the snug side. "Snug = less brass to move". Got rid on all my headspace gauges long ago.
Shoulder bump, load and go shooting. Not one of my rigs will take "factory loaded ammo". All custom fit and all will shoot bug holes.
Shoulder bump, load and go shooting. Not one of my rigs will take "factory loaded ammo". All custom fit and all will shoot bug holes.
I am probably off base and not understanding what is needed but Remage barrels and the need for headspacing makes me think you are looking for Go and No Go gauges. If that is correct then you should be able to pick one up from Midway or Brownells or similar. You really only need the Go gauge and some tape. Nothing wrong with PTG gauges in my experience. If you are talking about measuring brass then disregard.
divingin
Gold $$ Contributor
He was talking about Go/NoGo gauges.
For 1st barrel installation, I personally use a set (don't remember whose, nor where I got them), then verify with a piece of brass/ammo I'm going to use. For subsequent barrel re-installs (i.e. removing barrel A, shooting another barrel, then reinstalling barrel A), I just use the brass I fired in that barrel. If I'm feeling anal, I may check that the bolt won't close on the NoGo (generally I don't, as tI don't see any real consequence as long as the brass I'm using fits correctly.)
For 1st barrel installation, I personally use a set (don't remember whose, nor where I got them), then verify with a piece of brass/ammo I'm going to use. For subsequent barrel re-installs (i.e. removing barrel A, shooting another barrel, then reinstalling barrel A), I just use the brass I fired in that barrel. If I'm feeling anal, I may check that the bolt won't close on the NoGo (generally I don't, as tI don't see any real consequence as long as the brass I'm using fits correctly.)
@divingin: You never know who you are talking with on the Internet so, if you are a world champion, much respect to you!
I compete in local and regional F-Class events, and, as such, I like to set all my competition chambers at zero headspace because I sometimes shoot virgin brass in competition especially at the beginning of the year.
I would agree that, in general, as long as you are within safe parameters, it doesn’t really matter but, for .223, .308 and 6mm BR, the cartridges I use, virgin Lapua brass is just about perfect for a zero headspace chamber and my normal competition load produces competition-worthy results in virgin brass.
Henryrifle
I compete in local and regional F-Class events, and, as such, I like to set all my competition chambers at zero headspace because I sometimes shoot virgin brass in competition especially at the beginning of the year.
I would agree that, in general, as long as you are within safe parameters, it doesn’t really matter but, for .223, .308 and 6mm BR, the cartridges I use, virgin Lapua brass is just about perfect for a zero headspace chamber and my normal competition load produces competition-worthy results in virgin brass.
Henryrifle
divingin
Gold $$ Contributor
Not me, man. I just (try to) shoot a lot.
spitfire_er
Silver $$ Contributor
IMO, I've got quite a few from different companies, they all do the same thing.
As for chambering with brass, that's how I originally learned how to headspace a barrel from a guy that built BR rifles. I do it both ways depending on who's getting it, their knowledge base with reloading, and their discipline. A novice wanting to shoot nothing but factory ammo will get a gauged chamber. A seasoned shooter that only reloads one type of brass, shooting competition, etc.... I can set it up on a piece of brass with that understanding.
As for chambering with brass, that's how I originally learned how to headspace a barrel from a guy that built BR rifles. I do it both ways depending on who's getting it, their knowledge base with reloading, and their discipline. A novice wanting to shoot nothing but factory ammo will get a gauged chamber. A seasoned shooter that only reloads one type of brass, shooting competition, etc.... I can set it up on a piece of brass with that understanding.
Same story here. A new or once fired sized case with no shoulder bump. If you can easily chamber it, you can fire it. It is now FF to your chamber. It doesn't matter if it conforms to SAAMI specs. I think the SAAMI spec was made so any factory ammo with work with any rifle. Your gun smith that chambered the barrel should have set the proper HS, you shouldn't have to check it. Are you chambering your own barrels? Custom barrels may have a tighter chamber than a large factory chamber. A 6BR case fired in my 6BR will not chamber in my 6BRX. I have to FF with new Lapua brass. I am not familiar with go/no go gauges. If the chamber is to long do you put the barrel in a lathe and turn a few thou off off the threads, if it's too short do you run the reamer in again. Sounds like you can only use a go/no go gauge if you have a lathe and a chamber reamer?
I'm wondering why you aren't interested in Pacific Tool & Gauge for 6mmBR headspace gauges?
Most likely for the history of numerous excuses and piss poor delivery times. I ordered a 6 BRA (.004 short BR gauge) GO gauge on 3/26 along with a 17 wildcat reamer and a follower. At the time of the order I was told a delivery date of 4/9 for all items. I have been given 4 different excuses on why the order has been delayed. The person I spoke to on 7/1 said he would go ahead and ship the reamer and the follower. I received an email on 7/7 stating it would be another 4-6 weeks for the gauge. Mind you, when I called on 5/17, they said that they were only waiting on the BRA gauge. BTW, I have yet to receive the 2 items that supposedly were complete and were going to be shipped out.…..what a cluster!
PT&G is NOT what it was. Don,t know of anyone that still uses them.
I couldn’t agree with you more . I’ve shot some very good groups with Lapua 6BR brass right out of the box . I know guys that will prep the hell out of their new brass . I just shake my head ! Lol
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.