mattri
Junior Member
Posts: 14
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Post by mattri on Feb 21, 2013 15:26:35 GMT -8
First post, tried a search, sorry if this is all covered somewhere I didn't see. Will try to make this as concise as possible.
My wife likes to shoot and hunt, but also likes to "plink" at the range. She decided she couldn't live without an AR so we picked up a DPMS Sportical a couple of months ago. Looking at re-barreling it with a BHW 6x45. Was originally going to keep the upper stock, using cheap bulk ammo in it for informal range work, light varminting etc and then build a separate upper in 6.8, 300 Blackout etc as a deer rifle for her. Where we live most shots are within 75 yards, 150-200 being almost unheard of.
Then everything went nuts, and there is no more cheap ammo, so we decided to start re-loading for the AR (I reload for a number of other cartridges).
Then I got to thinking about it and looked at the 6x45- accurate, plenty powerful enough for close range deer hunting, great for varmint and range work, so now we're thinking just re-barrel the factory upper and use the brass we have.
First question- is the reasoning sound so far?
If so, the 6x45 is just a .223 necked up correct? Run .223 cases through a 6x45 full length sizer die and GTG? I imagine there are different reamers for the round but if going with a BHW barrel is there anything in particular to look out for?
I used to run a 20 Practical in a Savage PTA, this is basically the same idea only necking up instead of down right?
Thoughts?
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Post by Bowhntr6pt on Feb 21, 2013 16:35:11 GMT -8
I use a Hornady Custom set of dies that has a tapered expander ball. I just run .223 cases through the die, stretch out the neck, and check case length.
For me, it's been that straight forward with no issues. I think it's a GREAT round that's EASY to load for.
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mattri
Junior Member
Posts: 14
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Post by mattri on Feb 21, 2013 16:57:30 GMT -8
Thanks for the reply. I wanted to make sure that I wasn't getting in over my head.
I'm new to ARs so have a few questions on the barrel in general. I've swapped barrels on Savages and from what I've found so far it seems a pretty straightforward process on the AR as well.
Can I use the stock DPMS gas block and tube with the BHW barrel?
Should I replace or modify anything while I'm doing this swap?
Thanks, Matt.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2013 17:02:34 GMT -8
Everything is a straight across conversion as long as you use the same gas system length. You will need to us the same diameter for the gas block. .750 - .936?
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Post by Bowhntr6pt on Feb 21, 2013 17:04:12 GMT -8
I used a standard gas block and gas tube on my 6x45 build. I've built countless AR15's over the years and ALL the gas blocks I've ever used had holes LARGER than the barrel gas port.
This gives you some margin for error when trying to "line up" the gas block PERFECTLY over the barrel gas port hole.
All other parts were standard AR15 parts, stock, buffer, spring, Bolt Carrier Group, etc. It's simple and straight forward.
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mattri
Junior Member
Posts: 14
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Post by mattri on Feb 22, 2013 15:45:58 GMT -8
Great replies, thanks.
I'll have to do a little more digging in regard to the gas block diameter and gas system length.
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Post by GLSHOOTER on Feb 23, 2013 10:03:36 GMT -8
Great replies, thanks. I'll have to do a little more digging in regard to the gas block diameter and gas system length. If it is a standard barrel it is 750 if a bull it is 936. Go with a 20" barrel and standard rifle system and don't look back. Greg
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mattri
Junior Member
Posts: 14
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Post by mattri on Feb 23, 2013 16:46:57 GMT -8
Thanks for the info, is there a big advantage to the 20" over the 18" barrel? I only ask because its taking a little persuading to go with the 18" over a 16" as it is. The wife likes the way the 16" handles, I'm trying to get the most out of the round while keeping the platform one she likes to shoot.
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dr69er
Senior Member
Protect the US Consitution & the American Way.
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Post by dr69er on Feb 23, 2013 20:58:56 GMT -8
I would also suggest the 20" Std. Contour, it offers the best overall performance in a .223 based wildcat.
Good Luck.
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Post by Babaganoush on Feb 23, 2013 21:23:21 GMT -8
Thanks for the info, is there a big advantage to the 20" over the 18" barrel? I only ask because its taking a little persuading to go with the 18" over a 16" as it is. The wife likes the way the 16" handles, I'm trying to get the most out of the round while keeping the platform one she likes to shoot. Barrel length adds two things to the mix. Forward mass and additional muzzle velocity. The mass can aid, somewhat, in recoil reduction, but can also make the weapon more tiresome to carry for any distance (read hunting). It will also increase the effort needed to swing from target to target. For this reason, a standard profile can be attractive. Greater velocity gives you more of that "reach out and touch someone" advantage. Extra velocity can be helpful in some hunting situations, as it allows you to drop the hammer a little harder on game animals. People typically report 50-100 fps for each additional inch of barrel. YMMV, but you can expect an additional 100-200 fps at the muzzle. Lastly, 20" or longer barrels, coupled with a rifle length gas system tend to recoil less harshly and, from what I've been able to gather, also tend to run more reliably. That, of course, can be subjective. Hope this helps. David
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mattri
Junior Member
Posts: 14
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Post by mattri on Feb 26, 2013 16:37:04 GMT -8
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Post by GLSHOOTER on Feb 26, 2013 17:45:06 GMT -8
With the addition of a clamshell receiver holder from DPMS and a torque wrench and you are GTG. Greg
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Post by Babaganoush on Feb 26, 2013 22:28:42 GMT -8
+1 on Greg's mention of the clamshell holder from DPMS. The DPMS Sportical upper is unique due to it's additional thickness, and the standard clamshell holders will not correctly close on it, if at all.
David
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mattri
Junior Member
Posts: 14
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Post by mattri on Feb 27, 2013 15:55:37 GMT -8
Good to know, thanks. Where is a good place to source the clamshell holder?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2013 16:27:53 GMT -8
Good to know, thanks. Where is a good place to source the clamshell holder? I would try DPMS, the smooth side is a whole different animal.
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