F/TR and Palma shooters (Reamer selection)

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Trevor60

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Hello

Following the thread on barrel selection I would like to hear your comments on selecting a reamer. Is there a consensus on which one to use?
The ones I have heard about so far are

95 WTC
Bisley 150
Obermeyer Match GR
Canadian RG reamer (I know next to nothing about this reamer)
308 Habu
M852
 
Trevor

I have been using the Obermeyer Match reamer for quite a while now with good results. With the introduction of the rule 150 at Bisley, I now lengthen the freebore to conform with a PPG 0.3085 throating reamer and have found that accuracy with all the current 155 bullets did not suffer. Most reamers for Palma will have a body that is very close to the Obermeyer with varying configurations of freebore to match the bullet of choice.

Mike
 
Following the thread on barrel selection I would like to hear your comments on selecting a reamer. Is there a consensus on which one to use?
Click to expand...
Trevor,
I called PT&G last year for a reamer. I told Kathleen (the PT&G receptionist on the phone) I wanted a reamer that was built for Lapua 308 brass, and would be using a 155 grain Scenar. It turns out it was a custom reamer, so it took a little longer to get. No problems. About $160 delivered. When I measured the new chamber for OAL it was about 2.85". However, I switched to Berger triple nickle. The OAL is much longer now, but since it is made specifically for Lapua brass, I have not had to trim my brass after 4 firings. I also have neck sized only, so far. I know nothing about the other reamers, but I know my reamer in the hands of a good smith produces very small groups for me.
 
Thanks for the responses

Mike, Maynard
My understanding of the Obermeyer is that is has a 2degree 30 minutes leade angle which was used initially for the m14 and it freebore was short as a result, everything elses on the Obermeyer is generous which in my mind is a good thing.

Mike
It seems that you have overcome the shortcoming of the freebore by getting a throating reamer are you please with this set up would you chamber a new barrel with the same?

Terry
Do you have the specs on your reamer 2.850 (assuming this is Ogive length) seems long do you jam or jump the Lapuas have you noticed a difference between the Berger and Lapua. Watching your results at Bisley and at ORA matches the chambering seems to agree with you.

For references I was able to locate the following reamer dimensions (based on PTG Dave Kiff)

The .308 Palma Bisley (Bisley 150 Rule) reamer
body .4732" at the bolt face
.454" at the shoulder
.3085" freebore diameter
1 degree 30 minute leades
3435" neck diameters
.0917" freebore length.

The 308 Palma 95 WTC (heard there is different versions now).
body .4726" at the bolt face
.4551" at the shoulder.
.3085" freebore diameter
1 degree 30 minute leades
.3435" neck diameters.
308 Palma has an .055" freebore length

.308 Obermeyer Match GR reamer.
Body .4737" at the bolt face
.455" at the shoulder,
.3440" on the neck diameter
.0850 freebore length
.3085 freebore diameter
2 degree 30 minute leade angle.

.308 Habu
Same dimensions as the Oberymer EXCEPT 1 1/2 min leade angle.
neck - .346 at base, .345 at mouth.
**the case dim, pass the BISLEY 150 and the 1 1/2 min throat gives the necessary OAL to pass.


Those are the 4 .308 Winchester reamers listed in the Kiff reamer print book.

The .308 M-852 reamer
.470 at the bolt face,
.455" at the shoulder, .
345" neck diameter, .3095" freebore diameter x
.075" freebore length
1 degree 30 minute leade angle
 
I use the Palma 95 by JGS. This reamer will also allow the feeding of ammo through a Rem 700 mag and just kiss the rifling at around the 2.790" with the 168 SMK.
bb
 
Tom

When rule 150 was introduced it was thought that the measurement would be a lot more than what it turned out to be. The Obermeyer would be on the borderline with what was specified so I made sure it would pass so we would not have to mess with it in the UK.

Trevor

It is not a problem if all the chambering operations are done at the same time and you have an excellent smith. Should you have to change the freebore afterwards, there is always that risk. If I were to be doing a new barrel, I would purchase a reamer to cut like my current chambers but with about 0.030 less freebore. This is so I can get the B155.5's to fit in my plastic ammo boxes.
 
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