6mm WOA - part 4

Published on September 2, 2019
Duration: 53:33

This video details advanced reloading techniques for the 6mm WOA cartridge, focusing on bullet seating consistency, powder selection for heavy bullets, and accuracy testing with various muzzle devices. The instructor, with clear expertise, demonstrates troubleshooting common reloading issues and provides insights into achieving optimal performance. The content is highly technical, suitable for intermediate to advanced reloaders seeking to refine their process for this specific cartridge.

Quick Summary

Reloading the 6mm WOA with heavy bullets (103-107gr) requires careful attention to bullet seating and powder selection. While Reloader 17 and Vit N550 offer higher velocity potential, they demand precise load management to avoid over-pressure. Achieving consistent overall length, especially for magazine feeding at 2.3 inches, is critical for accuracy, with the Hornady seating die proving superior to the Forster die for this task.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Recap
  2. 00:34Bullet Seating Die Issues & Solution
  3. 01:01Muzzle Device Testing (Suppressor & Tuner)
  4. 01:34Focus on Heavy Bullets (107gr & 103gr)
  5. 02:29Powder Selection for Heavy Bullets
  6. 03:03Initial Testing: Tuner & Suppressor
  7. 03:12Brass Preparation (Starline & Hornady)
  8. 03:30Loading 90gr GameChangers
  9. 05:05Bullet Comparator Measurements
  10. 06:18Setting Up Hornady Seating Die
  11. 07:07Seating 90gr GameChangers (2.3" OAL)
  12. 08:54Base to Ogive Measurements
  13. 09:23Hornady Brass Seating Adjustments
  14. 10:34No Bullet Deformation Observed
  15. 11:02Range Test 1: Suppressor On
  16. 12:22Brass Condition with Suppressor
  17. 13:22Range Test 2: Harrell's Tuner Brake
  18. 13:31Tuner Brake Settings (0, 50, 100, 150)
  19. 16:58Range Test 1 & 2 Summary
  20. 18:05Brass Cleaning & Prep
  21. 18:28Shoulder Bump & Annealing Decision
  22. 18:55Case Length Measurement & Trimming
  23. 21:03Primer Pocket Inspection
  24. 21:15Primer Pocket Go/No-Go Gauge
  25. 23:22Loose Primer Pockets Identified
  26. 23:50Preparing for Heavy Bullet Loads
  27. 24:01Heavy Bullet Selection (107gr & 103gr)
  28. 24:29Powder Selection for Heavy Bullets (IMR 4451, RL17, H4350, N550)
  29. 25:54Loading Heavy Bullets: Initial Test Plan
  30. 26:38Seating Heavy Bullets (2.3" OAL)
  31. 28:04Bullet Condition After Seating
  32. 29:15Ogive Measurement Across Load Range
  33. 30:14Reloader 17 Load Development
  34. 31:01H4350 Load Development
  35. 32:42Vit N550 Load Development
  36. 33:34Range Test 3: Heavy Bullet Loads
  37. 34:17IMR 4451 Load Testing
  38. 35:13Reloader 17 Load Testing
  39. 36:11H4350 Load Testing
  40. 36:42Vit N550 Load Testing
  41. 37:34Brass Analysis: Heavy Bullet Loads
  42. 39:36Next Steps: Reloading for 103gr ELD-X & 107gr SMK
  43. 40:03Reloading Plan: Reloader 17 & N550
  44. 40:49Range Test 4: 103gr ELD-X Loads
  45. 41:00103gr ELD-X with Reloader 17
  46. 43:40103gr ELD-X with Vit N550
  47. 45:09Range Test 5: 107gr Sierra MatchKing Loads
  48. 45:48107gr SMK with Reloader 17
  49. 47:31107gr SMK with Vit N550
  50. 49:26Brass Analysis: Final Heavy Bullet Loads
  51. 51:01Overall Project Summary & Takeaways
  52. 51:37Conclusion & Future Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key challenges when reloading heavy bullets for the 6mm WOA cartridge?

Reloading heavy bullets (103-107 grain) for the 6mm WOA presents challenges with case capacity, limiting powder charge and thus velocity. Achieving magazine length (2.3 inches) can also impact accuracy, requiring careful balancing of seating depth and powder selection to avoid over-pressure signs.

How does bullet seating die fit affect reloading consistency for the 6mm WOA?

A proper fit of the bullet seating die's stem is crucial for consistent overall length and preventing bullet deformation. The Forster die's poor fit caused issues, while the Hornady die provided a much better fit, leading to more reliable seating and improved accuracy potential.

Which powders are most promising for achieving high velocities with heavy bullets in the 6mm WOA?

Reloader 17 and Vit N550 showed higher velocity potential with 103-107 grain bullets in the 6mm WOA compared to IMR 4451 and H4350. However, these faster powders require careful load development to manage pressure, as max charges around 29.0 grains were pushing limits.

What are the signs of over-pressure when reloading the 6mm WOA?

Over-pressure signs in the 6mm WOA include ejector marks, extractor smearing, raised burrs on the case head, and ultimately, primer blowouts. Loose primer pockets can exacerbate these issues, making brass condition crucial to monitor.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Johnny's Reloading Bench

View all →