Hello, I am a brand new member and this is my first post. I welcome questions or constructive criticism on anything I say or ask. I apologize for the rehash on this subject, but I still have questions. I want to convert brand new Lapua .30-06 brass to .25-06. I have read a lot about it on this forum, and while some seem to have success in doing it in one step, I think my best bet would be to go from .30-06 to .270 and then to .25-06. I know this will make it necessary to turn the necks, and perhaps trim, but I have no issue with that as I am already set up.
Questions:
1. What sort of die should I use for the intermediate step to .270? Will any old full length re-sizing die with the guts removed work, or do I need to spring for something more fancy? (The final sizing will be done in Redding Full length bushing die, and I might need some more bushings - I currently use a .281)
2. If I understand correctly, new Lapua brass is already annealed, but will that be sufficient for the complete conversion and first firing?
3. I could write what I know about annealing on my pinky thumbnail, but I am wondering if I need to get into it or not. I have a new barrel with a semi tight chamber - .285, and currently, my turned and loaded cases are .283. Headspace is set to .002 or less. All that said, the finished brass doesn't move much when firing or resizing. But, I do want long case life and the best accuracy I can get. So, should I take the plunge into annealing? If so, any advice on an annealing unit would be appreciated.
I have seen folks wanting to do this, and a lot of times the question comes up as to why they want to do it. Well - times being what they are, .25-06 brass is not easy to come by. Secondly, I have my heart set on Lapua, and they don't make it. The brass I was using was Federal, but after just a few firings, the primer pockets are loose. I don't see any pressure signs, I am currently running a mild load, and I'm about .005 out of the lands.
Thanks in advance for any help or advice,
Brian Anderson
Questions:
1. What sort of die should I use for the intermediate step to .270? Will any old full length re-sizing die with the guts removed work, or do I need to spring for something more fancy? (The final sizing will be done in Redding Full length bushing die, and I might need some more bushings - I currently use a .281)
2. If I understand correctly, new Lapua brass is already annealed, but will that be sufficient for the complete conversion and first firing?
3. I could write what I know about annealing on my pinky thumbnail, but I am wondering if I need to get into it or not. I have a new barrel with a semi tight chamber - .285, and currently, my turned and loaded cases are .283. Headspace is set to .002 or less. All that said, the finished brass doesn't move much when firing or resizing. But, I do want long case life and the best accuracy I can get. So, should I take the plunge into annealing? If so, any advice on an annealing unit would be appreciated.
I have seen folks wanting to do this, and a lot of times the question comes up as to why they want to do it. Well - times being what they are, .25-06 brass is not easy to come by. Secondly, I have my heart set on Lapua, and they don't make it. The brass I was using was Federal, but after just a few firings, the primer pockets are loose. I don't see any pressure signs, I am currently running a mild load, and I'm about .005 out of the lands.
Thanks in advance for any help or advice,
Brian Anderson