6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

[bohem]

I've been using a set of the Redding Competition dies with the bushing. I found that the spec CM chamber spits out fired necks at 0.296-0.2965" from 2 different CM's but the die set came with a 0.286 bushing, loaded necks are 0.293"

I was thinking about moving to a 0.289 or 0.290 bushing. The seating pressure is high, the rifle shoots well, but I don't see a need to overwork the brass and run such high neck tension values.

What say ye?

 

[memo43]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

Have you tried calling Creedmor sports and speaking with Dennis DeMille, he is pretty good guy and always willing to help.

memo

 

[bohem]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

I haven't, good call. I'm going to do that now, thanks.

 

[SONIC SAAMI]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

I don't know much about anything however I do know this.

Once I forgot all about bushing dies and just started using the standard Hornady 6.5CM dies my life is much more simple.



Full length resize every time.

Kick the shoulder back .001.

Ram a 140 A-Max over 41.5g of H-4350 and shoot it.

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=144b2ts" target="_blank"><img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/144b2ts.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
5 shots @100m from a DPMS in 6.5CM

5 shots @100m from a Stiller built barreled action set in a ACIS

 

[FCS]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

289 would be my suggestion, though I don't think a 290 would hurt you any.
286 is too small IMHO, only thing you are "gaining" is overworking brass.

I typically run 0.004 under loaded round, has worked well for me.

 

[bohem]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

DaveD - I appreciate the advice, right now I'm running them from a bolt gun and if it was a gas gun I'd be doing that. The group from the stiller looks much like what I'm getting from the factory published load on the 140's.

I'm not worried about the repeatability of the rifle at all, it's currently shooting groups consistently in the mid 0.3's but I don't think it's necessary to keep sizing the brass down so far each time.

I left a VM for Dennis DeMille, hopefully he'll call back or shoot me a quick email regarding this. I'll post up what he thinks if/when he gets back to me.

 

[SONIC SAAMI]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

Dennis will get back to you and please post what he had to say.
The STD Hornady die will give you .002@the neck

 

[shoot4fun]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

I use a 290 bushing when neck sizing. When FL is necessary I use the Hornady FL die. The 6.5 CM is showing to be incredibly accurate. It has taken the place of all my other 6.5 cal rifles.

 

[bohem]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

I"ll post up what Dennis has to say, I suspect that Redding supplies the 286 die to err on caution and make sure that it sizes every single piece of brass that goes in there.

My CM has been fantastic, I've only had it for about 3 weeks and about 200 rounds, but I'm really enjoying it.

I was planning a short action build late last year, I came home from SHOT with a couple of things decided:

1) Give BigHorn a whirl - glad I did
2) On Rob & Tony's advice (Tony's been working on me for 6 months), give the 6.5 CM a try - glad I did
3) Top it with a Razor HD... the pattern continues.

 

[Rob01]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

.286 is too tight. At work now but I believe my standard Hornady die sizes them to .290. I know it's about .002" under my loaded rounds. I was surprised it was set up perfect for the .002" neck tension I usually use.

 

[bohem]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

Cool, sounds like a 290 is the way to go. Thanks guys.

 

[Rob01]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

I will check tomorrow when I get home to be sure though.

 

[SONIC SAAMI]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

I'm at the bench right now.

140 A-max bullet,STD Hornady die and a Hornady CM case will give .002@ the neck.

 

[shoot4fun]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

I have two 6.5CM rifles now. The first is a Badger M2008, Bartlien 1 in 8, AICS built by APA. David said, IIRC, he shot a 1.75" 3 shot at 700 yards when certifying it. The other is a Beanland built on a Stiller Tac30 with Krieger barrel.

 

[btyeung]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

I've used both 0.001 and 0.002 neck tension with good results in matches. I turn necks and mike them.

 

[Rob01]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

Just checked my sized brass and it's sized to .290. My loaded ammo is .292.

 

[bohem]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

Cool, I'm going to snag a 290 bushing on my next Grafs order. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Stone842]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

+1 on the .290 Bushing

 

[KevinU]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

Using a bushing Redding die as well. .002 neck tension has given me great results.

Congrats on the Bighorn!

 

[427Cobra]

Re: 6.5 CM - Question for the reloaders

I don't understand the need for bushing dies with this caliber, Hornady dies are great dies, and are priced well, I have 6 sets of Hornady dies, all make great ammo, with the 6.5 Creedmore Hornady dies are tailored made for there brass, where is the need for bushing dies?