Fired brass for custom sizer die

[memilanuk]

So... if you were planning on getting started with a cartridge that is completely new to you - i.e. zero existing dies or tools - and want to end up with a custom sizing die made to fit your fired brass... what's the best way to get there?

Seems kind of silly to have to buy a 'factory' die to only neck size a few (3-5) cases to be fired a few times each (2-3x) to send off to a custom shop to make a dedicated F/L sizer - but I'm not really seeing any way around it.

I'm asking mainly because I've done almost *all* my shooting over the years with factory dies, with pretty fair results for the most part but I've also done enough shooting over the years to realize that there have been a few occasions where a sizing die that matched the chamber better might have been nice.

 

[Fast14riot]

Lee collet neck die is about the cheapest option, or borrow a die.

 

[Medic505]

What caliber? I might have a die to loan you. Unless it's a 6.5 Creedmoor.....

 

[Bc'z]

And I have a hornady 6.5 crredmore match grade and .264 caliber neck sizer if needed.

What caliber? I might have a die to loan you. Unless it's a 6.5 Creedmoor.....

 

[243winxb]

Fire form with a filler. No bullet. http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2017/02/how-to-fire-form-brass-without-bullets/

 

[spclark]

Monte what are you hankering to mess with now?

When I started in with that 284 INCH five years ago I borrowed a 7-08 die from a friend.

I have a bunch of dies now, most not seeing any use. Maybe one of ‘em’ll work for what you want to do. PM me, let me know if I can help.

 

[memilanuk]

Looking more in the way of a 300 PRC and 338LM Improved.

 

[memilanuk]

Fire form with a filler. No bullet.

Pretty sure that is not going to be good enough for having custom dies made.

 

[TrxR]

Could you maybe just take a bushing and push it on enough to hold a bullet?

 

[Mark W]

Could you maybe just take a bushing and push it on enough to hold a bullet?

That's exactly what I've done in the past. Worked great for me.

 

[memilanuk]

And hold that bushing in what, exactly, if firing the cases 2-3 times (which some shops request)?

 

[Alan Warner]

And hold that bushing in what, exactly, if firing the cases 2-3 times (which some shops request)?

Monty:
Yea, the chicken or the egg? I'd rather have steak,but I digress----------
I've accommodated this for some (if there is no other way) by supplying a die set up with a "dummy" body insert and a top that will size the neck well enough to seat for a second and/or third firing.
The dummy body insert is chamber size and I can make them up quickly. When you have fired brass, send all the inserts back and I'll make up exactly what your sizing needs are.
Kind of a PIA, but it gets it done.
Alan

 

[TrxR]

And hold that bushing in what, exactly, if firing the cases 2-3 times (which some shops request)?

I was thinking just tap it on. Im thinking you would only need a small portion sized just hold the bullet.

Im going to be in the same position with my 30br really soon.

 

[Mark W]

And hold that bushing in what, exactly, if firing the cases 2-3 times (which some shops request)?

It’s not that hard. I lubed the neck and pushed the bushing on just far enough to make it hold a bullet (about 1/16”) with my bench vise. I then loaded the case in me press without a die in place. At that point all you have to is place a piece of flat stock on each side of the neck under the bushing and lower the ram.

 

[Medic505]

300 PRC and 338LM Improved

No need to sweat the small stuff huh...LMAO

 

[ppaul]

Take some double faced tape, stick a bushing on a small piece of 1/2 plywood. Put it on top of the case in your press and pull the lever! easy peasy

 

[AJC]

Sounds like a job for an arbor press and a decapping pin

 

[Mikemci]

Fast14 gave you the answer.
LCD. Simple and cheap.

 

[memilanuk]

Sounds like a job for an arbor press and a decapping pin

Not sure how that helps with the resizing aspect...

LCD. Simple and cheap.

Not necessarily, as neither of the example cartridges are catalog items with Lee. So I get to special order custom dies, that aren't what I want long term, so I can fireform some cases, so I can special order the custom dies I *actually* want...

 

[Old Navy]

Sounds like a job for an arbor press and a decapping pin

Or a drill press.