338-06 forming?

[mattri]

From what I've read 338-06 cases are easily formed by simply running a 30-06 case through a 338-06 full length sizing die. Thoughts?

 

[swehrman]

That's how I make mine. I use a Redding die with one of their tapered expander balls.

-- Scott

 

[wapiti25]

you expand the neck from 30 cal to .338

 

[jonbearman]

Out of pure curiosity do you anneal first before you run them in the sizer?

 

[shortgrass]

Out of pure curiosity do you anneal first before you run them in the sizer?

Nope! Ran several new Norma .30-06 cases through my Redding FL die and presto! .338/06 brass,,, ready to load.

 

[mattri]

Good to know, thanks. Will post results.

 

[wapiti25]

I like to anneal before working any brass, it has reduced cracked necks for me.

 

[mattri]

Isn't new brass already annealed? If it hasn't been fired before forming would annealing be needed?

 

[222 rem]

I thought annealing was only required when making drastic changes in brass configuration.
I now anneal all cases.
Consistency is always desired.

 

[saunaking]

I had a 338-06 built in the mid 90's by a local gunsmith and used new 30-06 brass to open up to .338 without annealing. Nosler has since brought out properly head stamped brass, so I have switched to it. It is a bit spendy, but if you watch Nosler's outlet store (SPS) you can find good prices on over-runs once in a while.