Something I Forgot
My friend Stu Harvey reminded me that I should explain the difference between the original 220 Russian 'go' gauge and the Beggs 'go' gauge which is .010 shorter.
When I design and build something, I strive for perfection in every way right from the 'git-go', but as most of you know, that is almost impossible to achieve; the 220 and 6mm Beggs cartridges were no exception.
During the planning stages, I studied and agonized over the dimensions for the chamber reamers and dies. I wanted everything to be as standard and uncomplicated as possible. I was determined to make everything fit perfectly so shooters would not experience the frustration of mismatched chambers, cases, dies etc.
With the exception of the sharper radius at the junction of the neck and shoulder, the chambers were to be exactly the same as the original 220 Russian cartridge and use the Lapua 220 Russian case as it came from the box. The Beggs cartridges would use the standard 220 Russian 'go' gauge. All was well, or so I thought.
Bushing type sizing dies were ordered from Hornady and L.E. Wilson agreed to make the straight-line seater dies. All was well and good until some began complaining that the no-turn chambers were .010 too long for the Lapua 220 Russian case.
This was no problem with the tight-neck benchrest rifles as you get some crush fit as a result of the neck turning operation, but in an effort to get everything perfect, I decided the Beggs 'go'gauge should be ground .010 shorter than the 220 Russian. I should have stayed with the original 220 Russian 'go' gauge and that's what I do with the rifles I chamber, but for those who use the .010 short Beggs gauge; listen up.
The Hornady bushing-type sizing dies were designed for the 220 Russian 'go' gauge. If your chamber is headspaced on the Beggs 'go' gauge, which is .010 shorter, it is necessary to remove .010 from the bottom of the sizing die or top of the shell holder in order to bump the shoulders back when sizing.
So there you have it; warts and all.
It's HARD to get anything perfect the first time; isn't it? But I tried, and let me be quick to say that if this has caused any grief on your part, I'll be happy to compensate you, make the modifications for you, whatever it takes to make you happy.
It's really no big deal and any gunsmith worth his salt will not see this as a serious problem. I can assure you, Stuart Harvey understands it and any rifle he chambers in either 220 or 6mm Beggs, will shoot well and function perfectly.
Stu Harvey was quick to recognize the advantages of the Beggs cartridges and now shoots nothing else in his short range BR rifles. Such an endorsement from a man of his experience and stature is indeed, a great honor.
Thank you Stu
Gene Beggs