6.5x54 headspace- brass

[yodad 2]

Factory loads in my 1903 Mannlicher Schoenaur(6.5x54) work just fine. Then I got a bunch of Norma brass and built up a batch of reloads. My starting load of 37 grns of H4350-160 grn Hornady bullet showed me a backed out primer.

I double checked everything in close detail. I found that the Norma brass's shoulder is 0.007 too far back as compared to RWS and Kynoch factory rounds. The only solution I see is to go the false shoulder method of correction. I have always worried too much about bullets contacting the rifling.The throat is a LONG way down there!

Problem is that I have never had to do this before. I can take them up to 7mm then back down( creating a false shoulder) to 6.5 gradually 'till I get a snug fit. Do you think 7mm is enough? And do I start to thinking anneal?

I now have 150 virgin Norma brass-still dont want to lose any- I have been experimenting with some ancient CIL stuff- fired who knows how many times- their shoulders seem the same as the factory stuff

Thanks for any advice you can offer

Brian

 

[H4831]

It would appear to me that you will have to fire form the Norma brass to fit the chamber. The loaded cartridge must be held tightly against the bolt face to prevent the firing pin from driving the case forward. The easiest way to do this would be to seat the bullet so far out that it is in tight contact with the lands. Then when it fires the shoulder will expand to fit the chamber.
If you are concerned about seating into the lands (I wouldn't be) you can just load a lighter charge in the case.

 

[yodad 2]

Thanks H 4831- cone to think of it-that would be easier on the brass too.