6PPC Brass & Bullets

[RayS]

Can anyone recommend a supplier for brass and bullets for the 6PPC.  I'm guessing only Norma makes factory brass and since I really don't want to fireform .220 Russian brass I guess I will be using the Norma stuff.  Any comments on the Norma quality.  As far  as bullets go I am open to suggestions as far a brands and weights (for 1 in 13.5inch twist).  I can't find anyone here who stocks target/match bullets.
Thanks
Ray

[Bill Gammon]

#1 what size is the neck?
#2 Why do you not want to fireform brass? It is one of the evils of Benchrest.
#3 68gr is the key word for a PPC, 13.5 or 14 twist.
#4 Norma PPC, brass, I used it once 15 years ago and have not used it since. Not knocking it, I got almost 3 firings on it before it went into trash can.

[cyanchycki]

Ray, the first thing is what is the neck diameter of the chamber in that rifle?  That will determine whether or not you use Lapua or Norma in my eyes.  For a .269 neck the new Norma is on the thin side.  It is okay for a .261 or .262 to clean up.  For a .269 I would use Lapua.  As Bill mentioned it appears to not handle the pressure like the Lapua.  I believe this may be so even with the new Norma.  

What is your fear of fireforming?  It is the NORM with a PPC.

In regards to bullets that is a tough one.  Your guaranteed easy get is the new Berger Column Bullets.  Lot of Berger dealers in Canada.  Lyle Turton is just doing a BIG group order.

Dan Opel sells bullets but he out.  The other is Bill Mitchell in Ontario who makes bullets.  I do not have his contact info but someone might.  That is about all I can tell you about bullets via the web.........

Supplier for brass, Peter Dobson of Hirsch Precision on the east coast.

Calvin

[Bill Gammon]

Just looked and I see you are from Thunder Bay, you are lucky to have one of the best bullet makers in the Province, Bill Mitchell in Mansfield ON, Buy a ton, why do I not use them? I bought 2 ton of Hottenstein bullets 10 years ago and when they run out guess who's bullets I will be using. Bill Mitchell's. I was given some (without his knowledge) and tested them and shot them, and was extremely happy. I will have to pay the same as you will have too, so there is no freebies. In fact I get so pissed off when people get "FREE" samples and write glowing articles on how good they are. Sorry I am ranting again!!

[cyanchycki]

Bill, I got a free sample from Bob Kerr and have yet to try them...... LOL

So NO rave reviews from me.....

[RayS]

Bill and Calvin:
My gun is a .263 and the reason I don't want to fireform right now is that the gun is brand new, never fired.  I just got this gun yesterday from Jeff.  I have read on the Accurate Shooter forum that Norma has begun production again on 6PPC brass and that the new product is far superior to their old stuff. 
Ray

[cyanchycki]

Ray at some point in time we felt as you did.  Since you have a .263 neck you can try the new Norma.  It will/should clean up nicely to fit your chamber.  I would turn for a loaded round diameter of .260-.261.  Make sure you have the right bushings as well to get good neck tension on those bullets.  The thinner necks appear to need more tension than the thicker.  For a .261 loaded diameter I would have .257, .258, .259 bushings.  Taking into consideration there may be about 1/2 thou springback after sizing this would give 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 thou of neck tension.  Just my thoughts.     

Myself, personally, I shoot a .269 neck.  I am striving for 3 thou total clearance with a bullet seated.

Calvin

[RayS]

Thanks Calvin:
Funny thing about your recommendation.  I just got back from picking up my order from the states and the bushing sizes back ordered .257, .258,.259.  The bushing shipped .256. I am going to try to get some Norma brass to get started with.  I just ordered a 21st Century Shooting neck turning tool (Couldn't find a Pumpkin and Sinclair is out of stock on theirs as well as the bushings) so I am slowly getting to the point of actually being able to shoot the gun.
Ray