I can't speak for anyone else but myself here...this is just how and what I would do...
I hope it works out for you guys...one way or the other...
Mac
Mac, it has already been worked out.
I know it just seems wrong to be sizing a loaded round. It sure took me to be about desperate before I finally listened, and HEARD, what jph45 and a few others were telling me. But I finally heard what they were saying, that it worked for them. And so it does for me, and quite nicely too I might add.
What it amounts to is ammo that is fitted to the chamber, a condition for which benchresters and varminters pay custom gunsmiths to achieve for them--a tight-neck chamber.
As John said, you need to forget a lot of what you thought you knew about reloading when dealing with this crazy mismatch--but, happily, there is a solution that works. Ya just gotta be open-minded enough to hear what someone else's experience is telling you.
I often have a tough time with the open-minded part.
Woodbutcher,
Yes, you are on the right track. But, you're going over the same ground that others have trod before you. If you need to make the journey, as I did, then go for it.
I was reluctant to re-ream because I had an additional problem, the gun was not locking up to my satisfaction; re-reaming voids the warranty and absolves NEF of any obligation to help you. Additionally, firing factory ammo becomes an iffy proposition, in my estimation. This is because, with a 376/379 barrel, the 375" bullet must "bump up"; enlarging the chamber may prevent this from happening.
I'll repeat: I can stabilize 375" bullets in my barrel by reproducing the factory crimp, which is VERY deep. I can almost get there using the Lee factory crimp die; bushing the round with a shim allows a bit more crimp. The additional bullet pull must be retarding the bullet's expulsion from the case at the moment of firing, long enough for the pressure inside the case to build up enough that obturation is occurring WHILE THE BULLET IS STILL INSIDE THE CASE. There can be no other answer given the dimensions involved.
I proved this to myself in order to satisfy my curiosity; I intended to use lead bullets from the outset. But it is nice to know that I can also shoot factory ammo, as well as homemade ammo using jacketed bullets that don't cost an arm and a leg to purchase, and are readily available locally.
By the way, I really like the way the rifle carries, points, and now, shoots. I've been really busy at home and getting ready to go varmint hunting this june. When I get back, I'll be working up accuracy loads with a new batch of brass and a newly-rebuilt powder measure. Hopefully I can put meat on the table with my 38-55; and maybe next year, who knows...the Quigley?
I am an optimist. And I don't give up easily.
