headspacing with brass only 6BR

[foxx]

I've head-spaced with fired cases, but have never seen/heard of anyone using virgin brass. Any reason I can't do that?

[bootsmcguire]

I did when I set mine. Ran it through the FL die and set the headspace. Been working great for me. Only downside is some factory ammo may not want to chamber, but with the 6BR most ammo is of higher quality and closer consistency. If you are handloading only then you're all set.

[SFLEFTY]

Thank you Boots!

[foxx]

Yep. Thanks. :)

[bootsmcguire]

I really do prefer to use a sized fired case if possible, but in a pinch this will work fine or at least it has for me.

[RyanG]

Dumb question.....

How do you use a fired case for a new barrel?

Ryan

[bootsmcguire]

I would try and find a used case from another rifle and then size it in my FL die. If that's not possible then get the gauges or do like mentioned above.

Sometimes you have to think outside of the box, but you can normally get there from here.

[Werewolf]

Ask around, someone will give you a fired case. My ffl dealer gave me a once fired 22-250 case when I couldn't find one. Then when you size it and set headspace your gun's chamber is set to your reloading die. Works great for me!

[foxx]

Okay.
Cool.
NOW I am beginning to see why y'all talk about using FL sized, once-fired cases to set the headspace.

You're matching the RIFLE to the DIE.

"AH, HA!" said the blind man as he picked up his hammer and saw.

[Stockrex]

Use your fired/sized brass to head spaces, some of the gods headspace with them too.
The only downside will be that your spec maybe non standard and you might not be able to run factory ammo.
other than that, go for it.

[foxx]

Use your fired/sized brass to head spaces, some of the gods headspace with them too.
The only downside will be that your spec maybe non standard and you might not be able to run factory ammo.
other than that, go for it.

Right.
Thanx, Stock, but the point of my OP was I do not have any fired brass. Was wondering why I couldn't or shouldn't use VIRGIN brass.

[FW Conch]

foxx, you "can" use virgin brass. I want my brass fire formed to the chamber, and avoid full length sizing as long as possible. Only down sides have been mentioned above.

Good Luck-Good Shooting....Jim

[foxx]

Thanks, again, everyone.

I'm still learnin'. :)

[Savage6x284]

I hear of people all the time using brass to headspace their barrels.

To me, headspace gauges are cheap and if I can't find the proper headspace gauge I'll make it on my lathe and cylindrical grinder.

Using a FL sized case may indeed establish your headspace but it may also size the body of the case much more than is necessary resulting in brass which is work hardened from moving the metal around excessively.

Jim said it. Avoid FL sizing as much as possible.

[earl39]

Foxx you can use virgin brass but you can run into the brass being even shorter than what your die will size it to. Factory brass is sized on the small side for the most part because it may have to go in a chamber that runs on the small side and it will easily go in a chamber that is toward the high side of the reamer specs.

[foxx]

Hmmm... Earl, I was planning on using Lapua brass. It's all I have.

and I'm considering what Savage6x284 said about just going ahead and getting some gauges b/c I will also be installing barrels onto some I plan to sell, anyways. I just didn't want to spend the money on them.

[Stockrex]

http://www.savageshooters.com/showthread.php?16432-Why-not-headspace-with-an-unfired-case

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3740556.10;wap2

[foxx]

Thanks, Stock. Guess I'm not alone, here.

Geez, I'm feeling like someone in one of those posts said a less-experienced hand loader would feel. Somewhat lost, dazed and confused over what, at first glance, seems like a simple thing.

I'm no dummy. Maybe smarter than most in some things. :)
Why the heck can't I just learn all there is to learn about shooting and loading from one person, or a book or the internet? :)

[Savage6x284]

Foxx,

With the Savage you only really need to buy the GO gauge making doing it correctly less expensive.

[foxx]

yeah, I was looking at those.