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Alpha1 wrote: I do have some new unfired Norma brass so I used one of those cases the case chambered and the bolt closed no problem. I would say the case was a snug fit but the bolt operates OK and the case ejects fine.

So what's the problem - again?

Do you possess a reloading manual which has the SAAMI dimensions? If so, make some measurements on the cases which will chamber and compare them with the cases which do not chamber and the SAAMI data. This should give a clue as to where the problem, if any, lies. Norma brass, like Lapua, is top quality, if expensive. I could live with Norma.

The Gun Pimp wrote:
So what's the problem - again?

It won't chamber a round longer than 2.8/2.9" depending on the type of bullet - Alpha1 will correct me if I'm wrong or if he has updated dimensions.

zeroveez wrote:Do you possess a reloading manual which has the SAAMI dimensions? If so, make some measurements on the cases which will chamber and compare them with the cases which do not chamber and the SAAMI data. This should give a clue as to where the problem, if any, lies. Norma brass, like Lapua, is top quality, if expensive. I could live with Norma.

I've given him a pdf with the SAAMI dimensions.

The "problem" appears to be that the barrel has a short throat.

I was on the range with Dave when the issue happened, the bolt was tight to close because the bullet was set too far out for the chamber and was being pushed back into the case as the bolt was being closed and this was also causing some bulging of the case neck. That is what caused the high pressure making the fired case difficult to extract and why I told Dave not fire any more and check his oal for that round.

The cases were chambering fine it was the bullet hitting the lands that was the problem.

What Dave needs to do is get the oal for that bullet and chamber and load to those dimensions and all will be fine, if that particular bullet sets too deep in the case for Dave then he will need to look other bullet weights and nose profiles for his chamber.

Shouldn't be difficult there are plenty of tools and ways around to get the oal for around.

A good chamber slug/cast would tell him exactly what his chamber measurements are and then he can load to this. But it is not necessary, just get the oal right.

If it's an M55 it was made for .308 size rounds, my mag will accept a max loaded length of2.78" to the tip of the bullet .If it is chambered for 6.5 x 55 then the mag will only accept a loaded round to these dimensions. If you single load then it's different ballgame .Will an unfired new empty case chamber ? if so then it may be very tightly chambered with a short throat for light bullets - 120 gr maybe.
Only M65 Tikkas were chambered for 6.5 x 55 from new , I have one and it's a longer action than the M55.??

Happy New Year everyone

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What Adam said.

The rifle does indeed have a short throat. I bought the rifle because it is chambered in 6.5x55 Swedish I expected it to chamber factory 6.5x55 ammunition. I have spent my life shooting military rifles except for my Steyr ssg69. I have no previous experience with custom built rifles.
Any way after lots of chambering's of different makes of cases using the Hornady overall length gauge. cases with slits cut in the neck the bolt closed on empty cases with a bullet to gauge over all length. Cases with different manufactures bullets in different weights I now know this rifle is a hand loading jobby only.

I know the maximum overall length's I can load to with the cases and bullets I have available. I know that all the overall length's are SHORTER than any suggested over all length's in ANY of the manufactures data manuals. The rifle has a short tight chamber. My only concern now is that the 120grain A max bullets are seated very deep in the case and there is not a lot of bullet sticking out and this is because the Amax measures .264 which I thought was correct but in fact all the other manufactures bullets are .263. I am not sure I will use the A max. I might have to go to a lighter bullet. But I am ready to range test the rifle I think I have got it sussed. Any way next range day I will just let Adam shoot it and observe. :shakeshout:

waterford103 wrote:Will an unfired new empty case chamber ? if so then it may be very tightly chambered

We've finally established that it WILL chamber a new, unfired case (see above) but please what is this 'tight chamber'? Explain please.

Dromia of course has the answer - the throat is the problem - it's a bit on the short side.

Phew! Five pages!

It's often best to ask Dromia first...

So if its on the short side can it be altered would a finishing reamer make any difference.
I am not really bothered how many pages it ran. Its all a learning curve.