cutting the length of neck

[nilebartram]

I am gonna try to make 221 fireball cartridge from 223 case. I am getting ready for winter. I kinda know what I am doing. I just want to know, what is the best way,(tool) to cut the necks to length? I am looking to do a job that will not complicate or make more un- necessary work. I would like to call on the forums experts for advice. nilebartram

 

[Kurz]

The final trim length for the .221 Fireball case is 1.400" and the overall length of the .223 Rem. case is 1.760" so you need to remove something in the area of 0.350" rough trim. That's a bunch from the standard case trimmer.

You can look at the Lee Quick Trim which uses your reloading press. Accuracy is pretty good.

If you're considering large quantities, you should consider buying a Mini Chop Saw from Harbor Freight for about $33.00 which let's you quickly remove the majority of the length, clean up, form the case and final trim.

I use my Precision Tool Room Lathe with a cutoff tool.

But, in reality, with the availability of brass from at least 4 suppliers, I wouldn't waste my time, even for the love of a DIY project.

https://www.brunoshooters.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=302

For supposedly better product, Lapua makes .221 Fireball brass but at nearly twice the price of Remington. Your needs will dictate your price.

Enjoy!

 

[Just Say Moe]

Harbor Freight saw is your friend. Somebody on Ebay sells adjustable shell holders to save your fingers..

 

[243winxb]

221 fireball cartridge from 223 case

Check loaded rounds neck diameter. Maximum is .253" If larger, outside neck turn and/or neck ream.

Buy new brass? Search at ammoseek. $ .73 each.

 

[nilebartram]

Getting ready for a winter project. I am hoping for a lot of rain for California. nilebartram

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I am gonna try to make 221 fireball cartridge from 223 case. I am getting ready for winter. I kinda know what I am doing. I just want to know, what is the best way,(tool) to cut the necks to length? I am looking to do a job that will not complicate or make more un- necessary work. I would like to call on the forums experts for advice. nilebartram

Archery arrow shaft saw works well.

I’ve made 20 VarTarg (necked down 221 FB) cases from 223 brass and I’m telling you right now that the time, effort and pain it takes to make them is NOT worth it. Forming and cutting the necks is not the end of it. You will likely have to turn every neck as well because the brass will be way too thick on the neck walls to fit in any chamber or seating die. Trust me, save yourself a ton of headache and just buy fireball brass

 

[nilebartram]

Never hurts to learn and try to do something new. I had a friend that made 6BR brass from 308, before they had Br brass commercially. nilebartram

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Never hurts to learn and try to do something new. I had a friend that made 6BR brass from 308, before they had Br brass commercially. nilebartram

Then by all means have at it. Makes no sense when they have been making 221 FB brass for ages now. Been there, done that. Not my misery

 

[232]

Get a harbor freight mini chop saw for rough cut length. My first cut around 26,000 pieces with the same blade and belt before giving up. I have slowed down and probably cut only 6 or 7k on my current chop saw in the last four years. I have tried many other ways, and the mini chop is the least work.

I set mine to cut 10 to 20 thou over, and trim after with what was an ongoing upgrade of final trimmers for the last bit. Cutting with the chop saw is probably the easiest step in making 221 or vartarg out of LC brass.


With Lapua not producing fireball brass now and Remington sold out, there are very few and expensive options for new fireball brass. Bean counters eventually decide what will be made, and I don't think fireball brass is a big seller or money maker.

Good luck!

 

[Kurz]

With Lapua not producing fireball brass now and Remington sold out, there are very few and expensive options for new fireball brass. Bean counters eventually decide what will be made, and I don't think fireball brass is a big seller or money maker.

Your statements may be true but the supply chain still has product available. I've found Lapua and Remington available through several suppliers. Reality is that given the low operating pressure and diminutive powder capacity, 1,000 pieces should last most reloaders their lifetime. My first batch of Lapua is still going strong after several reloading cycles. I have yet to lose any cases from the Remington batch of 1,000 I bought 20+ years ago. Norma and Nosler produce this brass also.

In addition, if some of the supply dies up for a short period of time, brass refurbishers are making 221 Fireball brass, too. If all else fails or some of us need a winter project, we always convert some LC 5.56 brass.

 

[232]

"If all else fails or some of us need a winter project, we always convert some LC 5.56 brass."

This is exactly what the OP is asking about..

In this Panic demic, how long will the supply chain have product in stock, and when will it be refurbished. I am sure a lot of other more in demand products will be produced before a niche caliber brass will be on production schedule. God forbid the anti's win.

 

[JohnKielly]

I use a K & M neck turner shell holder clamped in a drill press & set a mini hack saw on a rest to shorten brass for a wildcat I have.

 

[geraldgee]

I make brass for my 7.62x40WT by shortening a 5.56 case about .200 to 1.560". I use a Gen1 'Worlds Finest Trimmer' in .223. Quick, easy, and consistent. Like suggested above, better to be .010 long than .010 short. NOTE: As this creates a lot of shavings, it may not be something you want to do while watching TV.

Good luck with it.

 

[Kurz]

This is exactly what the OP is asking about..

I guess I just have to continue using more 'emoticons' so that everyone understands some of my comments. It's like the 'it's a joke son' replies. There, get it?

In this Panic demic, how long will the supply chain have product in stock, and when will it be refurbished.

Reread the post: it doesn't matter how long because of the longevity of the brass in the first place. Buy 500 or 1,000 pieces and it will probably out live you.

I guess contentious and argumentative is back in style.

Enjoy your week!

 

[232]

Aw now you went and made me feel bad for being contentious and argumentative.
I think somehow I actually will enjoy my week, and hope you do too.

 

[hoz53]

I am gonna try to make 221 fireball cartridge from 223 case. I am getting ready for winter. I kinda know what I am doing. I just want to know, what is the best way,(tool) to cut the necks to length? I am looking to do a job that will not complicate or make more un- necessary work. I would like to call on the forums experts for advice. nilebartram

i to have the harbor freight mini chop saw- good for rough cutting brass but other things to