Working on my 6.5 Lapua project and wanted to discuss freebore. I know what freebore is, but how does it play into bullet selection. My freebore from the reamer print is .109. I’ve heard (right or wrong) that I need more like .169 to shoot the 140 grn Amax’s, that .109 is more for the lighter 123 bullets. Just wanting to see what the collation was between freebore length vs. bullet selection.
Gunsmithing Freebore
- Thread starter avidflyer
- Start date
Re: Freebore
All the.109" means is you have to seat the bullet deeper into the case. That doesn't mean it's a bad thing it's just different. I've come to the conclusion that long freebores are highly over rated. They require a higher degree of maintence.
All the.109" means is you have to seat the bullet deeper into the case. That doesn't mean it's a bad thing it's just different. I've come to the conclusion that long freebores are highly over rated. They require a higher degree of maintence.
Re: Freebore
I have a couple of reamers that are designed for very light bullets in 30X47 and 30BR that have zero freebore. These barrels are used strictly for 100 to 300 yared BR, and shoot quite well with the zero freebore with 125 gr. and lighter.
I have a couple of reamers that are designed for very light bullets in 30X47 and 30BR that have zero freebore. These barrels are used strictly for 100 to 300 yared BR, and shoot quite well with the zero freebore with 125 gr. and lighter.
Re: Freebore
I have a couple of reamers that are designed for very light bullets in 30X47 and 30BR that have zero freebore. These barrels are used strictly for 100 to 300 yared BR, and shoot quite well with zero freebore with 125 gr. bullets and lighter.
I have a couple of reamers that are designed for very light bullets in 30X47 and 30BR that have zero freebore. These barrels are used strictly for 100 to 300 yared BR, and shoot quite well with zero freebore with 125 gr. bullets and lighter.
Re: Freebore
The .109 is fine and more ideal for shooting a wider variety of bullets in the 130-140 range. The 140 amax has a rather long bearing surface and would be at its best with a .160-.170 freebore. If you're really committed to using only that bullet, then more freebore is what you want. I would (and did) use the .109 for my 6.5x47 to maximize my options and find the very best shooting bullet. It ended up being the Berger 130 VLD for me so I run that.
The .109 is fine and more ideal for shooting a wider variety of bullets in the 130-140 range. The 140 amax has a rather long bearing surface and would be at its best with a .160-.170 freebore. If you're really committed to using only that bullet, then more freebore is what you want. I would (and did) use the .109 for my 6.5x47 to maximize my options and find the very best shooting bullet. It ended up being the Berger 130 VLD for me so I run that.
Re: Freebore
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: avidflyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">did you try the140 amax with the.109 freebore? if so how did they work out?</div></div>
I did not try the 140 Amax's (didn't have any). I'm sure they'll shoot just fine. All you're giving up is a little case capacity.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: avidflyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">did you try the140 amax with the.109 freebore? if so how did they work out?</div></div>
I did not try the 140 Amax's (didn't have any). I'm sure they'll shoot just fine. All you're giving up is a little case capacity.
Re: Freebore
I had a reamer made by PT&G for shooting a 123 AMAX and my freebore is .187, but thats because I sat the bullet long to free up room for powder.
I had a reamer made by PT&G for shooting a 123 AMAX and my freebore is .187, but thats because I sat the bullet long to free up room for powder.
Re: Freebore
Call your reamer manufacturer and tell him the bullet you seek to shoot and he will tell you the freebore you need.I agree with Dave Tooley as it is just different.Ideally the base of the bullet should never go below the shoulder junction for consistent ignition.
Call your reamer manufacturer and tell him the bullet you seek to shoot and he will tell you the freebore you need.I agree with Dave Tooley as it is just different.Ideally the base of the bullet should never go below the shoulder junction for consistent ignition.
