I have been looking at the Forster neck size/ shoulder bump dies with bushings as opposed the the Forster full length die. I was planning on going with Forster Ultra seater die also. I was wanting to get a idea on what other 6mm br shooters are using. I will have a .272 neck. Thanks for the help.
Should I neck size or full lenght 6mm br
- Thread starter Jeffsavage
- Start date
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After 3-5 firings, unless you run a super-light load, you may NEED to size the case,not just push the shoulder back). In my 6BR, after a number of firings the place that sticks is about 1/4" below the shoulder,I used a marked case to find the tight spot).
The reality is that, if you have a good chamber cut with a modern reamer, FL-sizing the case will be no big deal. Use Ballistol lube, which is thin and clear, and it will be no more difficult or time consuming than neck-sizing.
My personal favorite sizing set-up for a 6BR is a Forster FL-sizing die with the neck honed to give the tension I want without bushings.
For a bushing FL die, go with Harrell's or Redding IMHO. Harrell's will pick a die that's a good fit based on your fired cases.
- - -
Some guys with a background of reloading big hunting rounds fired in sloppy factory chambers may have learned that neck-sizing,vs. FL sizing) works best with those fat chambers and big rounds.
But the small 6BR and similar cases are different. Consider that with the most accurate rifles of all--6 PPCs, the vast majority of shooters FL size their cases EVERY time.
Now you CAN get good accuracy in a 6BR neck-sizing only. But my point is that you WILL need a FL die in short order, so you're not really saving much by buying a die that can only neck-size.
The reality is that, if you have a good chamber cut with a modern reamer, FL-sizing the case will be no big deal. Use Ballistol lube, which is thin and clear, and it will be no more difficult or time consuming than neck-sizing.
My personal favorite sizing set-up for a 6BR is a Forster FL-sizing die with the neck honed to give the tension I want without bushings.
For a bushing FL die, go with Harrell's or Redding IMHO. Harrell's will pick a die that's a good fit based on your fired cases.
- - -
Some guys with a background of reloading big hunting rounds fired in sloppy factory chambers may have learned that neck-sizing,vs. FL sizing) works best with those fat chambers and big rounds.
But the small 6BR and similar cases are different. Consider that with the most accurate rifles of all--6 PPCs, the vast majority of shooters FL size their cases EVERY time.
Now you CAN get good accuracy in a 6BR neck-sizing only. But my point is that you WILL need a FL die in short order, so you're not really saving much by buying a die that can only neck-size.
NorCalMikie
Gold $$ Contributor
I use a Forster Precision Bushing Bump Die. I love it! :thumb:
After about 5 or 6 firings, I might need to run the cases through a Redding body die. I run a tight headspaced chamber and the brass won't grow.,Savage) I havn't had to bump the shoulder in quite a few firings.
If your loads arn't "too" hot, you should be able to go for quite a while before you need to body size. JMHO.
After about 5 or 6 firings, I might need to run the cases through a Redding body die. I run a tight headspaced chamber and the brass won't grow.,Savage) I havn't had to bump the shoulder in quite a few firings.
If your loads arn't "too" hot, you should be able to go for quite a while before you need to body size. JMHO.
Sounds like two good opinions, I have reloaded for several years just for hunting rifles and always neck size and full length as needed. I am getting a .272 no turn neck. If I go with a forster full length die I know they will ream the die out to my specs. My question is, do I have to shoot and measure my brass to come up with this spec,Lapua Brass)? If so, will one reamed die work with several different brands/weights of bullets, or would a bushing die with different bushings work best for my situation? Thanks for the information.
Preacher
Gold $$ Contributor
Before I would have a set neck size in a full length die I would want to be sure of the neck tension that gives the best accuracy.. and I would find that with a bushing die.
Once I had that figured out I would go with the honed neck on the Forster with no problem... Once you have that figured out it will make no difference what bullet weight or brand you want to shoot, but I would stick to the original bullet used to do the test just to be sure....... all 243 diameter bullets don't always measure exactly .243...
Once I had that figured out I would go with the honed neck on the Forster with no problem... Once you have that figured out it will make no difference what bullet weight or brand you want to shoot, but I would stick to the original bullet used to do the test just to be sure....... all 243 diameter bullets don't always measure exactly .243...
Thanks preacher, I think I will go with the Harrell's Full length bushing die. They stated to send brass fired 3 times and to use bushings to neck size them after firing, before sending them in.I got a .267 and .268 bushings to start things off. I also got a Forster Ultra seater die.
jeffsavage: One of my 6BRs' is a .272" no turn neck, using Lapua brass, loaded round neck dia. is .269", and I'm using a .267" neck bushing: life is good. My other 2 6BRs' are .265" necks, naturally requiring outside neck turning. At this point, and unless I see something different, I see no reason to have a tight, fitted neck that requires outside neck turning. Both "systems" seem to be equal & I can see no advantage to neck turning: doubt I'll ever have a chamber that requires neck turning again. Just my experience: I'm sure there will be those who will disagree. I also use the Forster Ultra Seaters, only complaint is the "numbers" are sometimes difficult to read, but for the price difference compared to Redding, no problem. Incidently: have had bad experiences with Norma 6BR brass, and would not recommend their use, and on top of that, they cost more $$$. Lapua remains the best.
Thanks FD, I already have Lapua brass on the way and the rifle will be a no turn .272 neck. I wish I already knew what size of neck die I will need, but I havent got he rifle yet. I guess I know after I do some shooting on what to do with the neck size.
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