Forming brass

[46490]

What are the recommended steps and equipment needed to form 30br cases from 6 Norma br Lapua cases? I have seen using full length 30br sizing die vs expander mandrel and also using a 308 die to expand the necks as well as fire forming the cases. All recommendations will be considered - just wanting to buy the proper equipment the first tiime.

 

[Bill Norris]

My method was pretty simple. I started with K & M expander mandrels in steps but then (CAUTION-LUBE INSIDE NECKS) tried it by using a Redding 30BR Type S neck die with bushing removed and the Redding 30 cal. tapered expander button installed to neck up the 6mmBR Lapua brass to 30 caliber in one step. I then run the K & M expander mandrel in the necks to prep for turning with a Forster turning tool. I turned the necks to @ .098 as instructed by Zack (WSMNUT) and then run the necks thru a .324 Redding bushing in my 30BR neck die. My chamber neck diameter is .330 and loaded neck diameter is .3275. There was no noticeable difference in concentricity neck runout with the 30 cal. tapered sizing button vs. the step-up procedure.

 

[Fuj]

If it's new brass, it may have a good enough anneal on them
to get started. If not, a good anneal is your friend.

 

[P1ZombieKiller]

it's an old video, but I still do it almost exactly the same.

 

[DJSBRS]

I spray with One Shot and then recommend you expand up several times utilizing several expanders. (this keeps the neck wall straight and not push the shoulder to one side and to keep the neck concentric before neck turning). I start with a 25, 6.5, .284 then a 30 cal expander that matches the neck turning mandrel. After neck turning to match the required neck clearance, you must trim aol length. Most reamers will require to trim to a maximum AOL to 1.510 to chamber properly. Check for case runout before loading. I recommend FL resizing prior to loading and check to confirm the case will fit chamber before loading.

DJ
DJ's Brass Service
205-461-4680

 

[Fuj]

I would not recommend "tumbling" brass for 48 hours as
mentioned in the video. It just beats up the case mouths,
unless there is ample brass that needs trimmed after.

 

[P1ZombieKiller]

I would not recommend "tumbling" brass for 48 hours as
mentioned in the video. It just beats up the case mouths,
unless there is ample brass that needs trimmed after.

FYI.... I have change my process to tumble them 45 mins in wet media. And this was 1 factor in changing that.

 

[TrxR]

I spray with One Shot and then recommend you expand up several times utilizing several expanders. (this keeps the neck wall straight and not push the shoulder to one side and to keep the neck concentric before neck turning). I start with a 25, 6.5, .284 then a 30 cal expander that matches the neck turning mandrel. After neck turning to match the required neck clearance, you must trim aol length. Most reamers will require to trim to a maximum AOL to 1.510 to chamber properly. Check for case runout before loading. I recommend FL resizing prior to loading and check to confirm the case will fit chamber before loading.

DJ
DJ's Brass Service
205-461-4680

Whose expanders are you using? i done a bunch with the long tapered PMA expanding mandrel in one step but would like to go to the multiple step process .

 

[DJSBRS]

Whose expanders are you using? i done a bunch with the long tapered PMA expanding mandrel in one step but would like to go to the multiple step process .

Hornady neck dies. I run the elliptical expander down just enough to expand and then just barely clear the necks only.

DJ

 

[TrxR]

Hornady neck dies. I run the elliptical expander down just enough to expand and then just barely clear the necks only.

DJ

Curious why the Hornady neck dies and not a expander die? Also do you use a certain neck die or one designed for 30br?

 

[DJSBRS]

Curious why the Hornady neck dies and not a expander die? Also do you use a certain neck die or one designed for 30br?

The Hornady elliptical expander has very little bearing surface contact. Therefore it allows the stretching with less stress on the neck wall for each application. IMO, it expands the neck walls more consistently and less likely to split. I use this method for any calibers requiring at least a two step or more final expansion. On a one step expansion, whatever expander you use will work fine as long as you use the proper lubrication to reduce neck wall friction stress.

DJ

 

[TrxR]

The Hornady elliptical expander has very little bearing surface contact. Therefore it allows the stretching with less stress on the neck wall for each application. IMO, it expands the neck walls more consistently and less likely to split. I use this method for any calibers requiring at least a two step or more final expansion. On a one step expansion, whatever expander you use will work fine as long as you use the proper lubrication to reduce neck wall friction stress.

DJ

The die you use for expanding the 30br, is it a 30br neck die or something else?

I might try some PMA expanders in 25, 6.5,and 284 as i believe they are eliptical shaped as well.