.222 Mag. To .204: Has anyone done this?

[slancey]

I lubed up my first piece of virgin .222 Mag. brass to neck down to .204 and I wrecked it. Any thoughts on how to size these down without destroying half the batch? I’ve been reloading for 25 years, so I understand the jargon. This is my first .204, however. Thanks for any insights.

 

[LCazador]

You need a 204 form die or a bushing die and form down in smaller increments but you might try sizing with 222 mag die first without the expander button and then running through 204 full length die. I use a bushing die, no problems. What kind of dies do you have?

 

[pauls]

You might try using your seater die with the seating stem removed for the initial size down. It's worked for me on several smaller caliber downsizing efforts. Good luck.

 

[SBS]

I have a .20-222 which has the same neck and requires the same neckdown. I have a FL die for the this cal. and I use it to make my brass. I use Imperial die wax on the neck and insert the case as far as it will go in without stopping. I withdraw it and relube the neck and rotate the brass some and usually it goes all the way down the neck on the 2nd try in the die. I think the FL die helps support the shoulder. Annealing the neck, even though new, might also help, but I've never had to on new brass (Win. and Rem.)

 

[AckleymanII]

You should sell the 222 Mag brass and buy new 204 brass, have money left over.

If you want to neck down another, put a very, very heavy chamfer on the OUTSIDE of the case mouth, try a bullet seater first. Lube.

 

[Barossa_222]

I agree with the above statement. Why even bother? Sell the Rem Mag brass and buy plentiful 204 brass. No forming, no neck turning, just load and go have fun.

 

[slancey]

I agree with the above statement. Why even bother? Sell the Rem Mag brass and buy plentiful 204 brass. No forming, no neck turning, just load and go have fun.

That sounds like the best advice so far. Thank you!

 

[squirrelsplitter]

Here is the place I get my 204 brass

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/72472

 

[AWS]

I shoot a 20 Practical and size 223 brass to 204 and FL size in a 223 die and then in Bushing die with a bushing for a .204. You can get a 204 Bushing die and do the same thing. But like others say sell the 222 RM brass and get dedicated 204 Brass.

 

[slancey]

Thanks for your help gentlemen. I did indeed sell the brass and I've been able to source a hundred each Norma and Remington brass in .204. I'm looking forward to exploring the loads.