Short Throat With Long Bullet

[sawacs]

I have two rifles I built from scratch based on Savage actions and CBI barrels (260 Remington and a 6.5x284). However, one thing I did not do when ordering the barrels was specify a match chamber which leaves me having to load 120's and 123's to keep the base of the bullet out of the neck/shoulder junction.

For example, if I load the 140 Amax, 139 Scenars, or the 140 VLD bullets, the bullet sits below the neck shoulder junction.

My question is, from an accuracy standpoint, should I be overly concerned or simply stop overthinking this stuff. Should I have the barrels throated for the 140's?

Btw, I am not a benchrest shooter but I do pretend to be when I go to the range The farthest my range goes is 200 yards

Information would be most appreciated.

 

[jackie schmidt]

I have two rifles I built from scratch based on Savage actions and CBI barrels (260 Remington and a 6.5x284). However, one thing I did not do when ordering the barrels was specify a match chamber which leaves me having to load 120's and 123's to keep the base of the bullet out of the neck/shoulder junction.

For example, if I load the 140 Amax, 139 Scenars, or the 140 VLD bullets, the bullet sits below the neck shoulder junction.

My question is, from an accuracy standpoint, should I be overly concerned or simply stop overthinking this stuff. Should I have the barrels throated for the 140's?

Btw, I am not a benchrest shooter but I do pretend to be when I go to the range The farthest my range goes is 200 yards

Information would be most appreciated.

The 260 will probably live just fine shooting the lighter, and shorter bullets, as the powder capacity is just right for them.

But the main reason for building a 6.5 284 is to make use of it's ability to handle the heavier and longer bullets.

With the straight part of the shank going past the neck shoulder junction, you have the possibility of hitting the dreaded do-nut that Always seems to form despite our best efforts. This can cause erratic neck tension and in extreme cases case a swollen spot at that point.

That, and you are loosing powder capacity by shortening the affective overall chamber volume. Granted, not a lot, but it is a 6.5 284.

Without committing too much "Benchrest Heresy" with what I am saying, your could rent a throater from Pacific Tool, and using a little common sense, extend the throats yourself. Just use a good fitting bushing, and a extension and T Handle on a socket. Since the thing is only cutting about 3-4 thousands to the side, you will have to be careful that you don't let it feed in too far with every revolution.

Without knowing your expertise is this sort of thing, you might want to send the barreled action to a Gunsmith. But in truth, it's a very easy operation.



E

 

[sawacs]

The 260 will probably live just fine shooting the lighter, and shorter bullets, as the powder capacity is just right for them.

But the main reason for building a 6.5 284 is to make use of it's ability to handle the heavier and longer bullets.

With the straight part of the shank going past the neck shoulder junction, you have the possibility of hitting the dreaded do-nut that Always seems to form despite our best efforts. This can cause erratic neck tension and in extreme cases case a swollen spot at that point.

That, and you are loosing powder capacity by shortening the affective overall chamber volume. Granted, not a lot, but it is a 6.5 284.

Without committing too much "Benchrest Heresy" with what I am saying, your could rent a throater from Pacific Tool, and using a little common sense, extend the throats yourself. Just use a good fitting bushing, and a extension and T Handle on a socket. Since the thing is only cutting about 3-4 thousands to the side, you will have to be careful that you don't let it feed in too far with every revolution.

Without knowing your expertise is this sort of thing, you might want to send the barreled action to a Gunsmith. But in truth, it's a very easy operation.



E

Thank you for the information!

I'll stick with the current chamber on the 260 and run the lighter bullets.

The 6.5x284 was built to serve as a hunting rifle which means after load development is complete, the rifle will be a safe queen

Regarding expertise, I did build and head space both rifles myself so I would not be too worried about lengthening the throat myself.

Off topic but I figured I would ask here vs creating a new post.

How does 42.0 grains of H4350 sound for a starting load with the 123's?


Thanks!