243 AI and lapua brass???

[djtjr]

I recently bought a gun in unfired condition built by kelblys from a gentleman that needed to off load it. Its a 243 AI single shot built on a kodiak action with a 25 inch kreiger 1-12 twist heavy fluted bbl. I am told its a std neck but perhaps not. My brother has a similar 243 ai that he doesn't use and gave me some of his lapua brass that is neck turned to about 13 thousandths wall thickness and only once fired. I resized it in a 243 ai body die and tried to chamber a round without a bullet seated and couldn't get the bolt to close on any of 10 rounds. I marked the neck with a marker and there didn't seem to be any contact so I was wondering if you guys had issues with the web in lapua brass being too thick for your chambers or something like that? what are your thoughts so I can start to eliminate all the possibilities and get a load built up safely. my go no go gagues indicate the chamber is perfect. i would like to use lapua brass but what would be the next best option if you think it is the brass???

thanks

 

[RWSGunsmithing]

Re: 243 AI and lapua brass???

Was the brass previosly fired in another chamber?

 

[Tazman]

Re: 243 AI and lapua brass???

I have a GAP 243AI (1-10 twist) and I only use the Lapua brass. Mine runs a 80 grain berger at 3520FPS with a mild load of Reloader 17. It is a tack driver with the 90 grain bergers and it shoots the 80's very well also. Most of the issues Ive seen with brass was related to the chamber reamer from gun smith to gun smith. I have some loads from a buddy and they are extremely tight in my gun. After having a closer look, there were suttle differences in the shoulder angle and case taper.

Just start with new brass and you should be fine.

 

[djtjr]

Re: 243 AI and lapua brass???

thanks guys yes robert the brass was fired in another chamber first i just figured after fl sizing it would bring that dimmension down and if lapua brass wasnt going to work i would just start with norma or winhester and go from there. now my dilema seems to be weather to get new lapua and hope for the best or just start with norma or win. any sugestions here would be helpful as well.
thanks again,
d

 

[260shtr]

Re: 243 AI and lapua brass???

New Lapua should do fine. Fireform it t your chamber.

 

[JCH]

Re: 243 AI and lapua brass???

I had two 243AI's by different reamers and the brass was not interchangable. Just fireform your own. It happens.

 

[Shireman]

Re: 243 AI and lapua brass???

agreed. you need to fireform in your own chamber.
After running into this very issue, I now have my own reamer.

 

[leatherman]

Re: 243 AI and lapua brass???

Not trying to steal the thread, but what is the trim to lenght your using? Should I just use the trim length for the 243 Win or just trim say 1 thousandths offand call it good? anyhlp would be great.

I fireformed these in my chamber useing factory Win 100gr's

They formed flawlessly.

Stephen