What did you do in the reloading room today?

[fuzzymarindave]

Had to use my RCBS stuck case removal tool. Not the first time for 6.8 Western with both Win brass and ADG brass in RCBS full length die and Redding shell holder with height matching the chamber. Cases are tumbled in walnut media and then they are cleaned with cotton towel and a little simple green. Using Frankfort arsenal spray lube which says to allow flash off before sizing. I shield the spray from the neck/shoulder and dip the neck into graphite media before sizing.

I’ll be looking into adjustments to my procedure to help eliminate this occasional nuisance.

 

[akh223]

It has been a while since I updated this post. I am 99% finished. Just a few more small things and I'm calling it good.

The cabinet is for my bullet storage. I tried to find an old library card catalog to use, but holy moly are they expensive. So, I built what I needed. All of our electric is now run. The bench will be my shooting bench. It has been weather sealed. The legs are white oak (with a metal leg I had left over). So, I am not too worried about them rotting out. I am building a small, roofed platform to place it under. I am please with how everything turned out. I will take pictures of the whole room once it is all complete.

That cabinet looks great! Nice woodworking!

 

[Torque]

Final pictures. I have some clean up/organization stuff to finish up, but functionally, it is finally finished.

 

[MD97756]

Anxiously awaiting my package from midway so I can start loading up ammo for the new 6cm. The bench is still clean and organized.

 

[streamerfish]

It has been a while since I updated this post. I am 99% finished. Just a few more small things and I'm calling it good.

The cabinet is for my bullet storage. I tried to find an old library card catalog to use, but holy moly are they expensive. So, I built what I needed. All of our electric is now run. The bench will be my shooting bench. It has been weather sealed. The legs are white oak (with a metal leg I had left over). So, I am not too worried about them rotting out. I am building a small, roofed platform to place it under. I am please with how everything turned out. I will take pictures of the whole room once it is all complete.

Thats pretty awesome!!

 

[Marty]

Following up from my earlier post…

Summary: Cut (then threaded and crowned) a 22” sporter barrel to 16”. This 6” reduction was a weight savings of 5.85 oz and I can shoot the bullet about as fast with a handload.

• 22” barrel shooting Hornady Match ammo, 108 grain ELD-Ms produced an average velocity of 2730 fps (sample size 20 shots).
• 16” barrel shooting Hornady Match ammo, 108 grain ELD-Ms produced an average velocity of 2405 fps (sample size 10 shots).
• Made 10x handloads using CFE 223 and shooting the 109 ELD-M here’s what resulted:

29.5 grains = 2440fps​

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30 grains = 2515fps​

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30.5 grains = 2514fps​

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31 grains = 2593fps​

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31.5 grains = 2651fps​

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32 grains = 2679fps​

I frankly expected to see pressure at/around the 31 grain mark; didn’t load any above 32 grains. Seeing the results and no pressure signs, I do want to pressure test from 32 grains to 34 grains using 0.5 grain increments. If any pressure is noted, I simply won’t shoot any higher charge in that test.

I do think that it is possible to get around the 2700 fps mark with the 109 grain ELD-M and CFE 223 out of this 16” barrel. More load testing to come.

Cheers!

Finally got back to the range to finish up pressure testing.

• 32 Grains = 2675 fps AVG- no pressure signs
• 32.5 Grains = 2731 fps AVG, maybe a stiffer bolt lift?
• 33 Grains = 2772 fps AVG, light ejector swipe, stiffer bolt lift.
• 33.5 Grains = 2831 fps AVG, popped primer, ejector swipe, and hard bolt lift. I wasn't going any higher.

With a 16" barrel and 109 ELD-Ms, I think I'll start with loading up some with the 32 grain charge and see how it groups. Sub 1.5" 10 shot group would make me happy. More to follow...

 

[49ereric]

Sized primed and flared 100 cases of Norma 357 mag brass.

 

[Caseknife]

Final pictures. I have some clean up/organization stuff to finish up, but functionally, it is finally finished.

Just needs a couple Euro's on the wall now to finish it up.