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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 47
Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 47 |
Hi - I am having problems with Berger 156 Factory loaded ammo in my 6.5 PRC - and am planning to start handloading these bullets. Any advice would be appreciated
I have a Zermatt Origin Short Action, and a Proof CF Pre-fit - Hornady Factory Ammo (143 ELDX and 147 Match) shoots perfect - I spent quite a bit if time on the phone with Berger and they had me sharpie color bullet, throat, neck and base - it left no marks - the bolt handle does not come all the way back, then I have to put major backward force on it to get it the last 1/4 inch and unchamber the round. It happened with about 10/15 times and I lost a fair amount of skin on the scope knurls:) A few of the rounds actually chambered and shot - the accuracy was not great. The barrel is a 7.5 twist pre-fit and I plan on using VV N168 although I am not sure if I am skilled enough to load 106% compacted although in this heat I imagine I will have to settle for the starting load to avoid pressure
This happened with several rounds from 2 different boxes bought at the same time
Berger was very helpful and finally told me the only thing he could think of is that they use Lapua Brass and that the brass is made to the European spec CIP not SAAMI. This is unfortunate - since no components are available for more than 2 minutes I bought 100 rds of Lapua Brass, 300 bullets and 2 lbs of N168 - all ready to go - I always like to shoot the factory ammo first to give me a starting point for OAL, accuracy etc and when I saw 2 boxes come available - I grabbed them.
The gentlemen suggested I take to a gunsmith and have the extractor modified - this did not seem practical.
Any help would be appreciated - I was thinking that this bullet would push the 6.5 PRC closer to my concept of acceptable for the 300yd elk shots as opposed to my 300 WSM which obviousely kicks a lot more when I practice , which is a lot. I hunt in the high country in Colorado where we are often quite far away and over a valley.
Thanks for any advice - I doubt it matters but I am shooting in Dallas where the temp at the range even in the shade is well over 100F - not real fun screwing around with your rifle instead of shooting
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 58,587 Likes: 10
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 58,587 Likes: 10 |
Coupla things. Fhuqk Proof. Secondly,fhuqk Proof. Hint.
Your opening move is to CerroSafe your chamber and see EXACTLY what the fhuqk is going on. Extrapolate from there,be it concentricity or a dimensional spec. Hint.
Lastly,147's have a better BC than the 156. Hint.............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,400
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,400 |
Sacred cows make good burgers when you know what temperature to cook them at.-Rev. Billy
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 47
Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 47 |
oops - the mind is a terrible thing to go - N568 -
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,878 Likes: 3
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,878 Likes: 3 |
Seen this happen once before with a Proof barrel, factory brass was to long for the chamber, pulled the bullets trimmed back till brass would chamber and reloaded they shot fine, you might want to have the chamber re reamed, FYI the 147 gr. ELD-M will out shoot the 156 gr. Rio7
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 17,283 Likes: 4
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 17,283 Likes: 4 |
147 gr. ELD-M is the cat's meow.....
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 13,401
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 13,401 |
It ain't the Proof barrel. Hint....
Call em and tell em you want to send it back for new ammo.
That's what I'm doing. Didn't chamber in a GAP built Bartlein or another rifle.
“There are some who can live without wild things and some who cannot.” ALDO LEOPOLD
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 13,401
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 13,401 |
AND, I am shooting the 147 factory ammo now, cause I have a bunch. Seems to be the easy button....
“There are some who can live without wild things and some who cannot.” ALDO LEOPOLD
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,990
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,990 |
Pull the bullet dump out the powderand see if just the brass will chamber. Process of elimination.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 13,401
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 13,401 |
Brass is not deburred on my factory rounds. pulled bullets and tried to chamber empty brass, no go. Tried to chamber factory brass that was new in the blue box, no problem. Same trim length and neck OD on both. It's crazy....
“There are some who can live without wild things and some who cannot.” ALDO LEOPOLD
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