cjc5062
FNG
Hi all, so I’ve completely gone off the deep end the last few months with precision hand loading. I don’t shoot PRS or anything, but do go out west to hunt every year and shoot often. I enjoy trying to get the most precise loads and accuracy out of my hunting rifles and am just trying to learn as much as possible. I’m focused on 6.5 PRC and 7 PRC at the moment.
In the last few months I have completely upgraded my reloading set up. I’m now running the following setup: Area 419 Zero 2 Press, Area 419 Full Length Micrometer Sizing Dies, Short Action Customs Infinity Arbor Seating Die, Amp Mark II Annealer, Amp Press, Henderson Trimmer, Primal Rights Primer, Ingenuity Precision Powder Trickler with Sartorius Scale, Mitutoyo calipers, Mitutoyo micrometer, Area 419 comparator set, Area 419 Powder Funnel and tube extensions, Accuracy One Concentricity Guage with Mitutoyo dial, and other odds and ends items. I have not yet purchased an Autodod case neck turner, but it has crossed my mind.
I have watched just about every video I can out there, including Primal Rights, Ultimate Reloader, Bolt Action Reloading, F-Class John, etc. and have tried my best to use the same processes in start to finish reloading. I’m currently using new Peterson Brass (sorted to .005” - <.001” neck concentricity), anneal first, then trim/chamfer, brush inside of the neck with nylon brush, powder charge, seat bullet.
I have been able to get down to very good Standard Deviations in my loads (some as low as 3 fps Standard Deviation for 3 shot groups), but cannot for the life of me get consistent or acceptable bullet runout. I’m using Berger Elite Hunter bullets in 140gr. for 6.5 PRC and 175gr. for 7PRC. I take my measurement of bullet runout halfway between the neck of the case and end of the bearing surface (before bullet starts to angle down). My bullet runout measurements range anywhere from .002” to .008”. With the quality of components and tools I’m using, I’m really hoping to get the runout to around .0005” but at this point would take anything less than .002”. I think I may have narrowed this issue to a few things, but would like to get other’s thoughts before I go trying other things:
In the last few months I have completely upgraded my reloading set up. I’m now running the following setup: Area 419 Zero 2 Press, Area 419 Full Length Micrometer Sizing Dies, Short Action Customs Infinity Arbor Seating Die, Amp Mark II Annealer, Amp Press, Henderson Trimmer, Primal Rights Primer, Ingenuity Precision Powder Trickler with Sartorius Scale, Mitutoyo calipers, Mitutoyo micrometer, Area 419 comparator set, Area 419 Powder Funnel and tube extensions, Accuracy One Concentricity Guage with Mitutoyo dial, and other odds and ends items. I have not yet purchased an Autodod case neck turner, but it has crossed my mind.
I have watched just about every video I can out there, including Primal Rights, Ultimate Reloader, Bolt Action Reloading, F-Class John, etc. and have tried my best to use the same processes in start to finish reloading. I’m currently using new Peterson Brass (sorted to .005” - <.001” neck concentricity), anneal first, then trim/chamfer, brush inside of the neck with nylon brush, powder charge, seat bullet.
I have been able to get down to very good Standard Deviations in my loads (some as low as 3 fps Standard Deviation for 3 shot groups), but cannot for the life of me get consistent or acceptable bullet runout. I’m using Berger Elite Hunter bullets in 140gr. for 6.5 PRC and 175gr. for 7PRC. I take my measurement of bullet runout halfway between the neck of the case and end of the bearing surface (before bullet starts to angle down). My bullet runout measurements range anywhere from .002” to .008”. With the quality of components and tools I’m using, I’m really hoping to get the runout to around .0005” but at this point would take anything less than .002”. I think I may have narrowed this issue to a few things, but would like to get other’s thoughts before I go trying other things:
- Short Action Customs Seating Die – I’ve heard mixed reviews on the SAC Infinity Die, in that there is too much movement since it is made for any caliber. Thinking of trying Micron dies or anything else that is highly recommended for precision.
- Henderson Trimmer – The pilot on the Henderson trimmer, while it doesn’t seem to do much to the inside of the neck when trimming/chamfering, I know Primal Rights states the pilot trimmers can impact seating. Although, I know this trimmer is highly regarded by many and used without issue.
- Change the lubrication for sizing – I currently use Hornady One Shot for lubrication, but this does not necessary get inside the neck well. I’ve heard many shooters using imperial wax as the main lubrication of choice.
- Neck turning – I have not yet purchased a neck turner, although I’m considering an Autodod. However, in watching various videos, I know getting <.002” bullet runout is very doable without neck turning.