6.5 PRC - 142gr Sierra MatchKing with IMR 7977

Published on May 16, 2022
Duration: 25:43

This video details the process of preparing and using a Lee full-length sizing die for 6.5 PRC brass. The instructor emphasizes thorough cleaning and lubrication of the die and brass to prevent stuck cases, a problem encountered with a previous Redding die. The video demonstrates proper die disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly, followed by successful brass sizing and headspace measurement, indicating a successful resolution to previous issues.

Quick Summary

To prepare a Lee sizing die for reloading, disassemble it, clean the interior with high-percentage alcohol, and lubricate the decapping rod with Imperial Sizing Die Wax. For 6.5 PRC brass, generous case lubrication, especially at the base, is crucial to prevent stuck cases. An ideal sized headspace is around 1.643 inches, providing a small shoulder bump.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 6.5 PRC Brass Sizing Issues
  2. 00:11Lee Sizing Die Acquisition
  3. 00:13Previous Redding Die Problems
  4. 00:24Main Focus: Successful Full Length Sizing
  5. 00:37Reloading Best Load from Last Video
  6. 00:54Powder Charge Progression (IMR 7977)
  7. 01:05Primer: Federal GM 210M
  8. 01:13Lee Die Disassembly and Cleaning
  9. 01:44Lee Die Inspection with Borescope
  10. 03:33Lubrication: Imperial Sizing Die Wax
  11. 03:50Lee Die's Stuck Case Feature
  12. 05:26Sizing First Brass Cases
  13. 06:09First Sized Case Results
  14. 07:10Sizing Remaining Factory Brass
  15. 08:28Headspace Measurement of Sized Brass
  16. 09:21Fitment Test in Firearm
  17. 09:29Testing Other Brass Types (Hornady, Nosler)
  18. 10:03Normal Lube Application
  19. 11:08Fitment Test of Other Brass Types
  20. 12:22Sizing Additional Nosler Brass
  21. 13:13Collet Clamp Issue and Resolution
  22. 13:53Case Length Measurement
  23. 14:11Case Mouth Chamfer and Deburr
  24. 15:24Transition to Bullet Seating
  25. 15:28Redding Competition Seating Die
  26. 15:37Target Overall Length (2.950 inches)
  27. 16:42Bullet Seating Process
  28. 17:00Case Capacity Check (IMR 7977)
  29. 17:29Powder Charge vs. Max Load
  30. 17:51Range Setup and Rifle
  31. 17:53Target Distance: 100 Yards
  32. 17:55Chronograph Setup (Lab Radar)
  33. 18:08Target System (ShotMarker)
  34. 18:47First Group: 55.0 Grains
  35. 19:11Sizing Die Adjustment Needed
  36. 19:26First Group Analysis
  37. 19:39Velocity and SD: 55.0 Grains
  38. 20:04Next Load: 55.4 Grains
  39. 20:35Next Load: 55.8 Grains
  40. 20:45Shooting Position Adjustment
  41. 21:20Suppressor Mirage Issue
  42. 21:37Next Load: 56.2 Grains
  43. 22:07Next Load: 56.6 Grains
  44. 22:19Point of Impact Shift
  45. 22:47Final Group Analysis
  46. 22:58Post-Shooting Bench Review
  47. 23:00Brass Condition After Firing
  48. 23:23Future Sizing Die Considerations
  49. 23:43Headspace Adjustment Possibility
  50. 24:04Next 6.5 PRC Video Outlook
  51. 24:24Overall Group Performance Summary
  52. 24:45Velocity Summary and Comparison
  53. 25:11Conclusion: Successful Brass Sizing
  54. 25:16Bullet Inventory and Future Plans
  55. 25:31Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key steps to preparing a Lee sizing die for reloading?

Before using a Lee sizing die, it's essential to disassemble it, clean the interior thoroughly with high-percentage alcohol, and inspect for tooling marks. Then, lubricate the decapping and expanding rod with a product like Imperial Sizing Die Wax before reassembly.

How much shoulder bump is ideal when full-length sizing 6.5 PRC brass?

For 6.5 PRC brass, an ideal headspace measurement after sizing is around 1.643 inches. This typically results in a shoulder bump of one to two thousandths of an inch, ensuring proper chamber fit.

What is the recommended lubricant for sizing 6.5 PRC brass?

Imperial Sizing Die Wax is recommended for lubricating 6.5 PRC brass cases during full-length resizing. It's important to apply it generously, especially to the base of the case, to prevent issues like stuck cases.

What were the highest velocities achieved with IMR 7977 powder in the 6.5 PRC?

In this test with 142gr Sierra MatchKing bullets, the highest velocity achieved with IMR 7977 powder was 2867 feet per second using a 56.2-grain charge. The maximum load tested was 56.6 grains.

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