7mm-08 Improved 40 reamer question

[ggshoots]

I finally found a set of RCBS 7mm-08 Improved 40 deg FL dies. I learned from my 243Ackley that Ackley and Win Improv are not the same so get the dies first. I emailed RCBS and asked if they could send me a copy of the die specs, included part/sku numbers from box and description so I could match the proper reamer to them. When they got back to me it is like they didnt even read my message. Told me I needed to get my reamer then go to a custom die maker as they no longer do custom die work yada yada yada.... He also told me they do not send reamer specs out. I have a number of RCBS dies and this is not the first time I have been frustrated with the lack of support from them.

I believe I will either make a casting of the die to get my measurements or make a hydraulic adapter to the sizer and that should allow me to get the dimensions I need as well. I want to make one anyway. Probably make a casting and hydraulic anyway just to see how close the hydraulic method works. I will buy a reamer as I want to do a couple barrels, bench and hunting contours on 2 different actions but not at the same time. Wanted a 7mm-08 Ackley for a long time, I like Ackleys so dont tell me I need to go with something different. haha

Has anybody had luck getting prints from RCBS or do you have a print maybe. I will also email Manson and a couple others and see if they have the print for my dies and can match it. I hunt and just shoot bench for fun but this may be a informal match set up as well.

Thanks for any help,

Glenn

 

[epc308]

I finally found a set of RCBS 7mm-08 Improved 40 deg FL dies. I learned from my 243Ackley that Ackley and Win Improv are not the same so get the dies first. I emailed RCBS and asked if they could send me a copy of the die specs, included part/sku numbers from box and description so I could match the proper reamer to them. When they got back to me it is like they didnt even read my message. Told me I needed to get my reamer then go to a custom die maker as they no longer do custom die work yada yada yada.... He also told me they do not send reamer specs out. I have a number of RCBS dies and this is not the first time I have been frustrated with the lack of support from them.

I believe I will either make a casting of the die to get my measurements or make a hydraulic adapter to the sizer and that should allow me to get the dimensions I need as well. I want to make one anyway. Probably make a casting and hydraulic anyway just to see how close the hydraulic method works. I will buy a reamer as I want to do a couple barrels, bench and hunting contours on 2 different actions but not at the same time. Wanted a 7mm-08 Ackley for a long time, I like Ackleys so dont tell me I need to go with something different. haha

Has anybody had luck getting prints from RCBS or do you have a print maybe. I will also email Manson and a couple others and see if they have the print for my dies and can match it. I hunt and just shoot bench for fun but this may be a informal match set up as well.

Thanks for any help,

Glenn

View attachment 1416307

I called RCBS with questions about a die that sized things way too far. All I got from the woman on the phone was, send it in, we’ll send it to inspection to see if it’s good or not. Had a call a week later from a guy in their inspection/rework department with a good attitude. While he wouldn’t send a print, he gave me all the pertinent numbers over the phone and was willing to rework the die outside of print dimensions in my favor since I had enclosed a couple fired cases.
I was lucky to get that right person, as he was the key.
I agree with casting the die and working from there since it’s a given. Probably be the least amount of headache in the long run. I’ve had good luck getting prints from reamer companies, so hopefully you will be able to get things matched up.

 

[ggshoots]

I agree. Thank You. I know Manson Reamers has always been great on responding to questions. Haven't talked to Clymer

 

[Phys86]

I agree. Thank You. I know Manson Reamers has always been great on responding to questions. Haven't talked to Clymer

I had my first reamer made by Manson. A guy named Ray there helped me design it. He was amazingly helpful.

 

[AlNyhus]

What was the reason for going with the RCBS instead of Redding? -Al

 

[Dusty Stevens]

@Ray Gross will have a reamer for you

 

[std7mag]

I got my reamer from PT&G. 7mm-08 IMP 40°. 0.060"freebore.
I think i have the same dies you pictured. I'll check & get back to ya on that!!

 

[ggshoots]

Al,
I have been in no big hurry to build the 7mm-08AI as I always have plenty of projects going. I have no problem waiting for a good used set of dies and I believe the Redding's were running right at $200 when I started looking but not available. Found these for right at $35 shipped and have never had any real issues with RCBS so bought them. They are like new and the difference is quite a bit of money towards a barrel or will almost pay for the reamer. Redding also got back to me and said they will not send a drawing but if I send a drawing of the reamer I want to use they would review it and make sure it is compatible with their dies.

std7mag,
What bullets does your reamer tend to work well with? Info on the reamer would be great as I always like having another option.

 

[DaveTooley]

The only important number you have to figure out is the shoulder diameter. Make a pin gage slightly oversize and then, between centers, keep reducing the diameter until you make contact with the shoulder.

 

[ggshoots]

Thanks Dave, not sure why I didnt think of that. I did cast my different Ackley and Improved dies and Have the info I need now. I am a person that likes to visually verify the info. Learned on the 243 Improved 40 deg dies everyone sells as Ackleys. They are not the same as a Ackley as PO Ackley designed them. There are many people I believe are oversizing their brass because of this bad info and just trusting it. The 243AI seems to be the one cartridge where this is a big problem.

 

[std7mag]

Al,
I have been in no big hurry to build the 7mm-08AI as I always have plenty of projects going. I have no problem waiting for a good used set of dies and I believe the Redding's were running right at $200 when I started looking but not available. Found these for right at $35 shipped and have never had any real issues with RCBS so bought them. They are like new and the difference is quite a bit of money towards a barrel or will almost pay for the reamer. Redding also got back to me and said they will not send a drawing but if I send a drawing of the reamer I want to use they would review it and make sure it is compatible with their dies.

std7mag,
What bullets does your reamer tend to work well with? Info on the reamer would be great as I always like having another option.

My rifle is a bought used Stevens 200 with factory barrel.
No idea of round count when i bought it, or when i reamed the barrel.
It is a hunting rifle that did double duty as a range rifle.

As a hunting rifle i mostly concentrated on the 140gr weight class of bullets.
139gr SST & 140gr Ballistic Tip COAL of 2.895" for 0.020" off the lands.
140gr Berger VLD at 2.898" for 0.005" off the lands.

I checked my dies. They are Redding 7mm-08 IMP 40.

I remember being told by PT&G that while we commonly use the term AI, the reamer & die companies won't use that term for cartridges based on the 308 family as Ackley never messed with them.