6.5x55 Swedish Reamer: A Deep Dive into Chambering Options
The 6.5x55 Swedish cartridge, a classic and versatile round, offers exceptional accuracy and performance. Many reloaders choose to ream their chambers for optimal performance and consistent accuracy. Finding the right reamer, especially one that avoids overly aggressive jumps, is crucial. This article delves into the nuances of selecting a 6.5x55 Swedish reamer, focusing on minimizing the jump between the chamber and the leade.
What is a Reamer Jump, and Why Does it Matter?
The "reamer jump" refers to the abrupt change in diameter between the chamber's body and the leade (the area where the bullet transitions from the chamber into the rifling). A large jump can lead to several issues:
- Inconsistent Accuracy: The bullet can jump unevenly, impacting its trajectory and potentially causing flyers.
- Increased Pressure: A sharp jump can cause increased chamber pressure, potentially leading to dangerous situations.
- Bullet Damage: The impact of the jump can damage the bullet's nose, further impacting accuracy.
A well-chosen reamer minimizes this jump, creating a smooth transition that promotes consistent accuracy and safe pressure levels.
Choosing the Right 6.5x55 Swedish Reamer: Key Considerations
Several factors influence the choice of a 6.5x55 Swedish reamer, beyond simply avoiding a large jump:
- Headspace: Precise headspace is paramount. An improperly chambered cartridge can cause dangerous pressure increases or failures to fire.
- Freebore: This is the distance from the beginning of the rifling to the end of the chamber. Careful consideration of the freebore is essential to match the bullet length and avoid pressure issues.
- Throat: The throat is the area where the bullet's base enters the rifling. Proper throating contributes significantly to accuracy.
- Reamer Manufacturer Reputation: Selecting a reamer from a reputable manufacturer is crucial to ensure quality and precision. Some manufacturers specialize in reamers designed to minimize jump.
What are the common causes of excessive reamer jump in 6.5x55 Swedish?
Excessive reamer jump in a 6.5x55 Swedish chamber is often a result of improper reaming techniques or using a reamer not specifically designed for this cartridge. Inaccurate measurements, insufficient experience, and employing an unsuitable reamer profile can all result in a significant jump, leading to decreased accuracy and potentially unsafe pressure levels.
How can I check if my 6.5x55 Swedish reamer is creating an excessive jump?
Checking for excessive reamer jump requires specialized tools and gauges. A chamber gauge can provide precise measurements of the chamber dimensions, allowing you to evaluate the jump between the chamber's body and the leade. Ideally, consult with an experienced gunsmith or reloader to accurately assess the jump. They possess the expertise and equipment to ensure the chamber is safely and correctly reamed. Visual inspection alone is not sufficient for this kind of measurement.
How important is freebore length when dealing with a 6.5x55 Swedish reamer and minimizing the jump?
Freebore length plays a significant role in minimizing reamer jump and optimizing overall accuracy in the 6.5x55 Swedish. Correct freebore length prevents the bullet from seating too deeply or too shallowly within the cartridge. An improperly matched freebore length can create a pronounced jump, ultimately affecting bullet stability and trajectory. Therefore, selecting a reamer with the appropriate freebore, and understanding its interaction with bullet choice is vital for consistent results.
What is the recommended freebore length for a 6.5x55 Swedish reamer?
There's no single "recommended" freebore length for a 6.5x55 Swedish reamer. The ideal freebore depends on the specific bullet used. Longer bullets generally require more freebore to prevent excessive pressure. It is strongly advised to consult loading manuals and relevant reloading data for the specific bullets you intend to use to determine the appropriate freebore length for your 6.5x55 Swedish chamber.
Ultimately, achieving the perfect chamber with minimal reamer jump requires careful planning, the right tools, and ideally, the expertise of a skilled gunsmith. Using a reputable reamer and paying close attention to the details ensures safe and accurate performance from your 6.5x55 Swedish rifle.
