Using previously fired 6.5x47Lapua Brass in new chamber/barrel??

[DIBBS]

I recently had my 6.5x47 Lapua rebarreled. The new chamber is somewhat smaller than the old one, and it takes a moderate amount of effort to FL size fired cases from the old barrel for the new chamber. (Old chamber was slightly oversize, and I used a ~custom FL sizing die from Harrels). I know, if I had my own reamer..this would have been a non issue.

I can size the brass so that it chambers easily, but with a "moderate" load with the old brass fired in the new chamber, there is a click at the top of the bolt throw. (Indicating high pressure, but I don't believe I'm there yet.) [Surgeon action] Since I have 3-400 of these brass, freshly annealed,only fired 3-6x, I'd really like to use them in the new tube. I guess if worse comes to worse, I could sell them and purchase new.

I had also toyed with the idea of putting the old barrel on a 700 action, having the chamber recut, and having a good deer/coyote rifle that I could use some of the brass in-that's down the road though

Thoughts or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[dkhunt14]

You will probably end up getting the click with the new brass also, once they have been fired a couple of times. Hope not but that is what happened when I had a tight reamer.

 

[Shynloco]

dibbs,
I had a similar issue when I rebarreled my .308....went from a SAAMI spec chamber to a custom .308 chamber using a PTG Bisley reamer on the new barrel. New Lapua fit into the new chamber, but Lapua brass previously fired in my SAAMI spec chamber needed a Small Base Die resizing and then it fit. Just something to consider in different size chambers as you still need that .002 clearance between the chamber wall and the casing to avoid issues.

PS. Might consider trying a Body Die (If you have one) on the old casings and see if that does the trick.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Small base die should alleviate the problem, if not, time for new brass.

 

[DIBBS]

Small base die should alleviate the problem, if not, time for new brass.

Erik I haven't done any research, but is there a manufacturer of a SB die that you would recommend? I'd really like to extend the life on these cases. Thanks!

Craig

 

[Erik Cortina]

Small base die should alleviate the problem, if not, time for new brass.

Erik I haven't done any research, but is there a manufacturer of a SB die that you would recommend? I'd really like to extend the life on these cases. Thanks!

Craig

I'm not sure. I'm sure a 308 small base would work. I can make you one if you want. Let me know.

 

[Milo 2.0]

Cutting the shoulder off a reg body die may work also, then trim .005" off the bottom of it. This ensures you're not bumping the shoulders back into the dark ages.

 

[Shynloco]

Small base die should alleviate the problem, if not, time for new brass.

..... is there a manufacturer of a SB die that you would recommend? I'd really like to extend the life on these cases.

Craig

For what it's worth, mine are Redding as are most of my sizing dies.

Alex

 

[243Mendoza]

Your new chamber may also have a tighter neck. Check neck clearance.

 

[stansrifles]

The die you mentioned having from harrels precision does it have a number on the bottom post that number I might be able to help .
Stan