Semi-auto reloading question

[Tines]

Before I started trying to find a load for my dad's rifle, I did a little research on "reloading for semi-auto rifles". I realize that there are some "additional" factors in reloading for such rifles but I'm also finding that some guys claim them to be old "wives tales". I, for one, am not wanting to find out! I'm hoping that some of you can shed some light on this before I blow the rifle (or myself) up! :blink:

 

The best group we've gotten is about 1.5" @100yds. And we're thinking this might be the best we're going to get. The only "issues" that we've had so far are over-pressurization "signs" on certain loads (although we're far from "maximum"). And these have all been primer issues. Once again, just looking for some concrete info on things to improve it's accuracy, all the while being safe. BTW, it's a Browning BAR in 7mm Rem Mag.

 

P.S. Some of the things I'm finding on-line to remedy/reload for semi's appropriately seem costly and almost leaves a person not knowing where to begin.....

 

Thanks,

 

Jake

 

[jeffro]

Loading for a BAR is very easy, and straight forward. You will want to make sure you FL size your brass each time. I wouldnt neck size for any semi-auto. You should be able to get your groups around MOA, but most semi-auto wont shoot as good as a bolt gun.

[catclaw]

I will bet that the pressure signs you are getting might be headspace problems in reality. If you have excessive headspace, the case is driven forward by the firing pin a few thousands and then goes off, the pressure causes the case walls to swell and bind against the chamber walls. There is now a free space between the bolt face and case head, the same pressure that forced the case against the walls of the chamber blows the primer out of the pocket and against the bolt face and mashes it flat. It looks like pressure but is not.

 

If you are under max loads by quite a bit, then this might be the culprit. Adjust your dies so that they barely bump the shoulder back on a case that has been fired in THIS very rifle. See if this makes a difference.

 

Otherwise, you only need to make dang sure that you don't seat a bullet too far out and jam it into the rifling and cause a mess. Usually the magazine length prevents this. Very long VLD type bullets are not good candidates for BARs for this reason. Use reasonable weight and length bullets. Good luck Jake.

[Tines]

Thanks for the info, guys. Everything you mentioned, Dennis, seems to be information I've also gathered from other forums and sites. Great to see that most are on the same page. Thanks again and I'll let you all know how these next groups turn out....