How do I fix case head separation for 6.5x55 swede

[ulav8r]

The reason for step 5 is that all your brass will not match the condition of the brass used for the initial setting of the die. Each time a case is used it's hardness will change and it's ductility will change. This may then require step 5 be used.

[M-Tecs]

You're losing me on step 5. If I have the die set in step 2 how is the last step being performed? Do i need 2 sizing dies...Well, I have some fired brass to experiment on. maybe I'll see what I'm not understanding

Step 5 is to correct the normal case growth that happens after repeated neck sizing only. At some point the case will start offering resistance to closing or extraction. That point may never happen with light cast loads and can happen relatively quickly with top end loads.

The 22-250 has a little more body taper than the 6.5 Swede. In the 80’s when I switched to a 22-250 for coyote hunting running and long shots were the norm. My loads were top end. It only took 4 or 5 firings before the cases need a light FL sizing. Other than BPCR I haven’t neck sized only since.

The video below is directed at long range precision shooters but it has some basic sketches starting at the 3 minute mark that might help you understand shoulder bump and case variations better.

[yeahbub]

Yes, two dies, your neck-sizing die and your now-preset full-length sizing die. For now, you'll be neck-sizing cases with the neck-sizing die. After enough repeated neck-sizing and firings, the cases will exhibit some resistance to bolt closure. When they get to this point, use your now-preset full-length sizing die to size the case and move the shoulder back just .002". Now they'll chamber freely and you're set for several more loading/firing/neck-sizing iterations before, eventually, the cases will again show some resistance to closing the bolt. Then, it's back to mounting the preset full length sizing die and full-length sizing the cases, thus once again moving the shoulder back a couple thousandths, just enough to freely chamber. It's a cyclic repetition.

[ebb]

M Tecs I totally get what you are saying, and I agree. But what does it matter? If Tikka has sent out a rifle that the chamber is out of spec they will have to fix it. Once the headspace is over sized and is causing case separation, it is a liability and I am sure they would rather fix it than end up in a lawsuit over someone getting hurt. Even though most oversized chambers can be worked around as most have said with a first firing stretch, then only moving the shoulder a minimum, it still has to be able to shoot factory ammo. Bottom line is the OP paid for a rifle that 6.5-55 Swede, not one that is 6.5 Swede plus 30 thousands. Why should he have use a work around when he paid for a quality rifle and didn't get one? If this is another issue then the headspace gages will prove it is or is not the chamber length, and the manufacturer will have no come back.

[yeahbub]

If the rifle came with an out-of-spec chamber, then, yeah, return it and get them to make it right. But, there may be another scenario: Some years back, a fellow was losing cases by head separation on the second firing. It turned out the loading dies were very short, and his usual practice was to raise the ram/shell holder and screw the die into the press until they touch. This worked perfectly with his old dies, but they were worn and he had bought a new set, assuming they would be the same, but, no joy. Because the die was short it created the same headspace problem as a too long chamber.

[chutestrate]

Yes, two dies, your neck-sizing die and your now-preset full-length sizing die. For now, you'll be neck-sizing cases with the neck-sizing die. After enough repeated neck-sizing and firings, the cases will exhibit some resistance to bolt closure. When they get to this point, use your now-preset full-length sizing die to size the case and move the shoulder back just .002". Now they'll chamber freely and you're set for several more loading/firing/neck-sizing iterations before, eventually, the cases will again show some resistance to closing the bolt. Then, it's back to mounting the preset full length sizing die and full-length sizing the cases, thus once again moving the shoulder back a couple thousandths, just enough to freely chamber. It's a cyclic repetition.

Ok now I get it. Thank you. Wasn't connecting it all together. Will spend so.e time on the bench this weekend.

[M-Tecs]

M Tecs I totally get what you are saying, and I agree. But what does it matter? If Tikka has sent out a rifle that the chamber is out of spec they will have to fix it. Once the headspace is over sized and is causing case separation, it is a liability and I am sure they would rather fix it than end up in a lawsuit over someone getting hurt. Even though most oversized chambers can be worked around as most have said with a first firing stretch, then only moving the shoulder a minimum, it still has to be able to shoot factory ammo. Bottom line is the OP paid for a rifle that 6.5-55 Swede, not one that is 6.5 Swede plus 30 thousands. Why should he have use a work around when he paid for a quality rifle and didn't get one? If this is another issue then the headspace gages will prove it is or is not the chamber length, and the manufacturer will have no come back.

I have yet to see a new factory bolt rifle with an out of spec chamber. Most bottleneck SAAMI HS specs are 0.000" is go, plus 0.007" is no-go and field is plus 0.010".

Short dies that allow oversizing are much more common. SAAMI chamber and cartridge specs are voluntary but are widely followed. I haven't seen the equivalent for dies?

My bet is this is a die and or reloading process issue. Even if the chamber is just under plus .007" no-go gauge and the die and shell holder combination specs are on the short side that will cause head separations while everything is still in spec. The instructions that come with the dies are written with the most basic level possible to work in most instances. Optimal and serviceable are not the same.

You are kind of making my point that reloaders should have the simple tools and knowledge to measure the case and chamber fit.