SAAMI vs Custom Reamers

[Mike in Oregon]

My question is, is it best to spend the extra money on a custom spec'd reamer and supply it for your smith than to go with a SAAMI reamer that has been used over and over or possibly even rented? I'm assuming that a custom reamer will give you better accuracy and pro long brass life. This is something I didn't know when I had my customs built. All have been chambered with a SAAMI spec'd reamer. The cartridges are 17FB, 223. 22CM, 22 ARC and 6CM.

I'm learning all this only after the fact of putting out big money. Being a perfectionist, I think I would have chosen to do the custom reamer option.

 

[DaveTooley]

I've been doing this for over 40 years. Many many custom reamers. lots of wildcats. What I have learned is there are some guidelines when it comes to chamber design. Some follow conventional ideas. Some don't. More important is execution. Meaning quality of barrel and the quality of the work.

What does the target tell you?

 

[SteveOak]

Why could a SAAMI spec'd reamer not be brand, spanking new?

 

[Walt Krafft]

A lot depends on what you are using it for and how comfortable you are with advanced reloading techniques. Heavy for caliber bullets and tight necks are changes to a Sammi chamber that you may want.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

I've been doing this for over 40 years. Many many custom reamers. lots of wildcats. What I have learned is there are some guidelines when it comes to chamber design. Some follow conventional ideas. Some don't. More important is execution. Meaning quality of barrel and the quality of the work.

What does the target tell you?

I understand that sir. So, my smith is in your shoes with 50+ years under his belt. All the barrels are top shelf brands.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Why could a SAAMI spec'd reamer not be brand, spanking new?

I give up, why? I must not be tracking what you're saying sir.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

A lot depends on what you are using it for and how comfortable you are with advanced reloading techniques. Heavy for caliber bullets and tight necks are changes to a Sammi chamber that you may want.

I'm entering the world of wildcats. So, I guess we're talking about turning necks. I do not have a problem with taking extra steps in brass prep, especially if it will tighten my groups up.

 

[ArtinNC]

YES !!!! You need to give a over all length . Say if your SAAMI is 1.700 spec like a 222 Rem and they send you a reamer that is 1.750 and your brass is really only 1.697 like my Lapua brass was . And you need .010 for brass groth then your reamer is .045 to long . And that will lieve a big aria for carbon build up ( Carbon ring ). And if you don't you will just have to live with it , It can't be fixed , you could send the reamer back and wait another 5 months then you have a chamber that needs reworked and a gunsmith to pay again .

 

[Mike in Oregon]

YES !!!! You need to give a over all length . Say if your SAAMI is 1.700 spec like a 222 Rem and they send you a reamer that is 1.750 and your brass is really only 1.965 like my Lapua brass was . And you need .010 for brass groth then your reamer is -045 to long . And that will lieve a big aria for carbon build up ( Carbon ring ).

Sounds like what I'm dealing with now. Hence this is one of the reasons for this post. Now this is all coming together.

 

[ArtinNC]

YES !!!! You need to give a over all length . Say if your SAAMI is 1.700 spec like a 222 Rem and they send you a reamer that is 1.750 and your brass is really only 1.965 like my Lapua brass was . And you need .010 for brass groth then your reamer is -045 to long . And that will lieve a big aria for carbon build up ( Carbon ring ). And if you don't you will just have to live with it , It can't be fixed , you could send the reamer back and wait another 5 months then you have a chamber that needs reworked and a gunsmith to pay again .

I HAD TO CHANGE brass length is 1.697 NOT 1.965 sorry .

 

[L.Sherm]

Theres variables to what your asking.
The first thing is the cartridge you want then look at the saami print, does it have the freebore I want for intended bullet. 2nd does it have generous nk clearance for intended brass I wanna shoot. 3rd do I want to turn nks or no turn.
The PRC case is a prime example of why I wouldnt use a saami reamer because of clicker problems.
The other is the 204 Ruger I dont like the.100 freebore makes no sense, I want adjustability. Will it shoot the way I want with all that freebore? Maybe maybe not, you will never get to the lands with a 32gr bullet before it literally about falls out of the neck.
Research is the key when picking a reamer design.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Theres variables to what your asking.
The first thing is the cartridge you want then look at the saami print, does it have the freebore I want for intended bullet. 2nd does it have generous nk clearance for intended brass I wanna shoot. 3rd do I want to turn nks or no turn.
The PRC case is a prime example of why I wouldnt use a saami reamer because of clicker problems.
The other is the 204 Ruger I dont like the.100 freebore makes no sense, I want adjustability. Will it shoot the way I want with all that freebore? Maybe maybe not, you will never get to the lands with a 32gr bullet before it literally about falls out of the neck.
Research is the key when picking a reamer design.

Okay, I didn't explain myself in great detail. So, pick a bullet first, then the brass you want to use. Then decide free bore and if I want to or not turn nks. So, with all that said, by getting a custom reamer (has we have for the 20VT) is it going to give be better accuracy and longer brass life?

 

[L.Sherm]

Okay, I didn't explain myself in great detail. So, pick a bullet first, then the brass you want to use. Then decide if I want to or not turn nks. So, with all that said, by getting a custom reamer (has we have for the 20VT) is it going to give be better accuracy and longer brass life?

Maybe maybe not, is the gun, reloader and shooter capable?

 

[L.Sherm]

Its like a recipe, can be bad, ok. or great depends on the ingredients

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Maybe maybe not, is the gun, reloader and shooter capable?

Yes, they are!

 

[Mike in Oregon]

I have a handful of years with basic reloading under my belt with common SAAMI spec's cartridges. I was able to get the job done and use load development to tighten my groups up without problems. Now that I have entered into the wildcats I will eventually catch on and do just fine, I believe.

 

[L.Sherm]

. Now that I have entered into the wildcats I will eventually catch on and do just fine, I believe.

Yes you will especially if your dedicated to it.

 

[L.Sherm]

Theres alot of knowledgeable people on here who are more than willing to help just keep an open mind and be willing to test some things and pick what works for you

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Absolutely sir! I'm 100% confident I'm capable and up to the challenge! I already have three of you gurus in my corner.

 

[Edd]

I have about a dozen reamers, none of them are SAAMI. It's in my DNA to monkey with stuff.