Spec'ing a 20 Practical reamer

[redrockranger]

You both neck down in 3 steps. I followed the suggestions I read on 6mmAR and ordered a .233 & .225 bushing planning on a 2 step process. Mind sharing what size bushings you are using in your processes?

Thank you.
Gerald

LC 09 is my favorite brass. I use a .226 bushing. It's not enough when used on my Lapua brass, to much spring back.

40gr Nosler where running 3800 fps @ the muzzle. 32gr would run 4000 fps. I just can't become a fan of 32gr. bullets. Love the rifle in a dog town. Leopold VX 2 with fine duplex. If my math is correct a grown Prairie Dog with fit in the thin portion a 300 yds.

 

[pdhntr]

Hi Gerald,

I turned another stem for my 223 collet neck die. I anneal before sizing. Easy-peazy.

Jim

 

[geraldgee]

I'm using Lapua brass and my loaded rounds measure at .2315/.232. I like light neck tension so I'm using a .230 bushing.

I have decided use turned necks. I order 200 pcs of Lapua today. I am thinking of .012 per side with a loaded diameter of .228.

Thoughts.

Thank you
Gerald

 

[nmkid]

I don't remember my neck diameter but, I'm thinking .233. I think you are on the right track but, I wouldn't turn them unless they won't chamber. I think back to the naming of this round...Practical, because it was so easy to form. I'm also using Lapua.

 

[geraldgee]

I don't remember my neck diameter but, I'm thinking .233. I think you are on the right track but, I wouldn't turn them unless they won't chamber. I think back to the naming of this round...Practical, because it was so easy to form. I'm also using Lapua.

A fair argument for sure....My thinking is that with turned necks, I can maintain consistency with any quality brass....maybe over thinking
Thanks for responding.
Gerald

 

[nmkid]

The last 3 years I have been into "wildcats". My first one I decided to turn all my brass, (Lapua) to .013 before I had the barrel. The first time I went to the range I was ejecting cases with a whole bunch of smoke/soot(?) all over them. Finally, I decided to call the barrel maker and ask about the rifle's neck measurement. If I remember correctly, (LOL) my loaded rounds were about .008+, ( once again if I remember correctly) under the neck measurement. I posted pictures of the fired cases here on the forum. The gunsmith said the gun would still be safe to shoot but, I was uncomfortable with the whole situation. That cost me another barrel! So, now when I order a new barrel I wait until I get the barrel before messing too much with the cases.

 

[GrocMax]

PTG loves to sneak in the small base body on their 223 based stuff, so if you are contemplating using once fired brass, buy the small base die now, you are going to need it. New brass will come in at .373"ish so there ain't no issue until you get ahold of some brass fired in a std SAAMI or generous semi-auto chamber.

Not saying its wrong to use a tight base, I can understand the benefits, just be aware.

The off the shelf 20P reamer will be .233" neck 0 FB 1.5 leade and 1.770" max case OAL. Check case OAL the necking down operation can lengthen by up to .010", many brass brands can be 1.765" OAL new so it pays to check.

Personally I wouldn't waste the money on Lapua 223 or other high dollar brass for something like this, decent bulk deals are coming back.

 

[GrocMax]

Why do I get an SQL firewall error trying to edit?

 

[GrocMax]

40 vmax .010" to .020" off, Benchmark if you have it start at 24g.

They ain't picky use the 223 powders you have.

 

[Chuckr]

I'm finding it difficult finding anyone with a 20 practical rimmer, either to cut a chamber or to sell me a reamer short of waiting 5 months for a new one. Any information here would be much appreciated

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

My BHW AR barrel kicks out brass with .231 necks. I mostly use LC brass. I run brass thru a RCBS fl 223 die to set the shoulder. I had a Redding 223 neck bushing die I picked up on clearance. I found a .231 bushing, than a final .224 bushing. I do anneal the brass before sizing. If I ever run across a Redding 77111 die(on sale) it would save me a step. 20p fired brass just gets the .224 bushing after the FL die.

 

[JB10]

I'm finding it difficult finding anyone with a 20 practical rimmer, either to cut a chamber or to sell me a reamer short of waiting 5 months for a new one. Any information here would be much appreciated

I rented one from 4d reamer rental in December. Ordered it and had a shipping notification 2 days later that it was in its way to me.