Still Confused About Reamer Choices

[cl5man]

I've decided to build a 6Br on a Rem.700. I've been looking on this site and reading everything I can on the differences between the brass dimensions. I plan on using Laupa brass and want a no-turn neck. After looking through the Midway cataloge, I see they have two choices for a live pilot reamer. One is called a "6mm BR Benchrest" and the other is called the "6mm BR,Benchrest)Norma". The non norma reamer is talked about here on this site. I called Dave at PTG and asked what the differecne was between the two. He said the "norma" version has a frebore of only .065" and the non "norma" had .113 freebore. And there both made to use with Laupa brass. I plan on shooting lighter bullets so I'm assuming I"ll need the "norma" reamer? Also I've been checking out the barrel mans web site. His prices are outstanding but he only sells the barrels with a 14" twist. Will this be enough to stabilize 55gr - 75gr. bullets? Thanks for the help

 

[ReedG]

The reamer used in my barrel has a .060" freebore and even that is too much for 55/59-gr. bullets with a long ogive to reach the lands. My barrel shoots 59-gr. BIBs very well, though and also shoots up to 75-gr. without any problem. I think you'll be very happy with the 1:14 twist.

 

[MikeWilkerson]

I have both reamers in the shop and I have to agree with ReedG that even the Norma chambering has to much free bore for the 50 grain weight bullets. I shoot 65s and 68s through this chambering and it still pushes the bullet way out further than I would like. The reamer I have with the .113 free bore,or 6mmBR benchrest) is strictly for the long range shooters that want to shoot the longer VLD bullets. I have used the Norma chambering on rifles that were expected to shoot bullets as heavy as 80 grs and they still shoot well.

 

[Anmlsrdelicious]

cl5man, Jerry Stiller is currently putting together a gun for me. He ordered a reamer at my request last week. It will be a 6br norma, cut for the Lapua brass, .060 freebore, but the neck is gonna be .266, so it will require some turning. If your interested, you may want to give him a call. .060 might still be a bit much for the lightest bullets, but the 68-80gr should do well.

 

[Ogre6br]

HI
With a .065 FB can you still used the 88 grain Berger LD without looseing to much case volume?? or having jam problems??

Thanks
later
P

 

[cl5man]

I decided to order a custom reamer from Dave Kiff. A pretty nice guy to work with. I told him what I was gona be shooting through it and he told me I needed .065 freebore. I plan on starting with the 65gr. Vmax's. I did send "the barrel man" a money order for a Shilen 14" twist barrel. Just got my jig built for centering the action on the lathe. I'm just waiting on parts now. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Thanks for the help

 

[Changeling]

cl5man, you never said what you are building this rifle for? That make a lot of difference in your selection.
Changeling

 

[Ogre6br]

cl5man, you never said what you are building this rifle for? That make a lot of difference in your selection.
Changeling

Do you mind if I answer that for my question.

Mine will be used mainly for Vermin and predators using 58 or 65 v-max.
I also want to be able to play at field rifle and 3 position shooting when my shifts allow.
Thinking of using 85-90 grain projectiles... Speer 85 spbt, 87 V-max or 88 Berger or ????? What do you suggest I try in that weight range.

Will the .065 FB be ok for that weight range without loosing to much case capacity.

thanks
later
P

 

[Forum Boss]

If you're using the 87gr V-max, keep in mind that it has a long bearing surface for its length. We had Dave Kiff measure a loaded dummy round with the 87gr V-max and came up with a minimum Freebore of .071",the base of bearing surface .050" above neck shoulder junction) and a max of about .140".

For your purposes, if you want to shoot the 105s as well, a Freebore in the .085" range might be ideal.

 

[cl5man]

The gun i'm building will be used for varmit hunting and maybe a little competition between shooting buddys. I've never been involved in any kind of formal target competitions, maybe if theres a group around here I might try it once to see if it's for me. Got my new Leupold VX-111 6.5x20 LRT yesterday. All I need now is the barrel, can't wait.