Sizing options for 6.5x47 Lapua

[The Lawn Ranger]

I am trying to weigh the cost benefits of neck vs. full-length sizing for the 6.5x47 lapua caliber. I currently neck-size only for lapua 308 brass and case lifespan has been in the 20-25 reload cycles with moderate loads. I have got some recent advice here on the Hide that pushes me in the direction of full-length sizing with a shorther case lifespan.
Anybody that loads for this caliber knows that Lapua brass is the only game in town and although it's of high quality, it is spendy ($1.10 per case). The Forester FL die setup with micrometer seater is about half the price of going with the Redding s-type neck sizing set up.
I am leaning in the FL sizing direction currently but wanted to elicit some more feedback from those of you who relaod for this sweet caliber.

Some other considerations:
1.fire-forming for my chamber (never a bad thing)
2.I will shoot approx. 1000 rounds per year
3.I don't want to trim brass

Thanks in advance.

 

[MALLARD]

Re: Sizing options for 6.5x47 Lapua

full length sizing will cause you to trim your brass more then if you neck size.

f/l sizing IMHO does nothing to improve accuracy. How could f/l sizing be more benifical then neck sizing ?

plus , if you f/l size you'll need to lube up the cases , which means you'll have to clean them to.

as for dies , it's hard to beat the redding s type neck die and body die for all your resizing needs. The seater is up to you.

 

[CSS]

Re: Sizing options for 6.5x47 Lapua

With my 6.5L I have to FL size every 4th firing or I can't close the bolt.

 

[Scott_at_Vortex]

Re: Sizing options for 6.5x47 Lapua

I personally always full length and almost exclusively use Forster dies. Once you get set up figure out what size you want to size your neck to and then send the die back to forster and have them hone it out to your spec. They will do this for a very reasonable $12. With all three lots of blue box lapua brass I have I use a FL Forster die that I had them hone out to .286 (my loaded rounds measure .288)


The 6.5x47 case is very strong and well designed. As long as you anneal every once in while and dont run 140gr bullets at 2900 (and tell me there are no pressure signs),the brass will last a very,very long time. I have some with 20+ loads and the pockets are just as tight as new brass(they actually feel tighter for some reason). A good friend of mine has a number of cases that he only uses for load development, they have over 40 loads on them and he has never even annealed them. He also full length sizes.


Scott

 

[avidflyer]

Re: Sizing options for 6.5x47 Lapua

Always have Lee build you a collet die....$60 bucks and done I use Forster for F/L in my 6.5.

 

[gvanhyning]

Re: Sizing options for 6.5x47 Lapua

I use Redding dies and the versatility of changing a bushing is a big plus in terms of neck tension and if you decide to turn necks. Trimming brass is a fact of life when it comes to reloading and the only exceptions to this that I have experienced are the Ackley Improved chamberings. I have a .22-250AI and .243AI that I don't have to trim. I personally don't know which to endorse in terms of FL or neck sizing. I have neck sized only and have to FL after several shots. I have FL sized and experienced case head separation after 12 shots.

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: Sizing options for 6.5x47 Lapua

On the 6.5x47, I was told by a very reputable person, that you need to FL size this caliber everytime. I've been shooting the x47 for about 2yrs now and I started out neck sizing only with a Redding Type S. However, after 3-4 firings I'd have to do a FL size anyway or I wouldn't be able to close my bolt on the round. So, neck sizing only is fine, but eventually (3-5 firings) your going to have to FL size and when you do it's going to work the hell out of the brass due to it having to be resized so much at one time.

Now, I FL size everytime with a Redding Type S FL die. I have it setup to where I just barely (.001"-.002") bump the shoulder each time. This, to me, is easier on the brass doing it a little at a time, rather than a huge resize all at once. Use good imperial sizing wax and anneal after 3-4 firings and you should be able to get alot of life out of those cases.

I've noticed no differences in accuracy going from NS only to FL size each time.

 

[pyplynr]

Re: Sizing options for 6.5x47 Lapua

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: trevor300wsm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I FL size everytime with a Redding Type S FL die. I have it setup to where I just barely (.001"-.002") bump the shoulder each time. This, to me, is easier on the brass doing it a little at a time, rather than a huge resize all at once. Use good imperial sizing wax and anneal after 3-4 firings and you should be able to get alot of life out of those cases.</div></div>

Exactly my process. Works wonderful. Accuracy is great.