How to make that first wildcat???

[Markbo]

I have this idea for a wildcat cartridge. Heck it has probably been done already, but it's MY idea and I want to pursue it. The parent case is already chosen. It has to be shortened a bit because of magazine OAL restraints.

How do I go about forming the first ones? Do I just make a hand drawing with exact measurements and send it to someone to make dies and recut the chamber? Who does this? Any advice is welcome... this is my first foray into making my own and I really don't know how to proceed.

Thanks
Mark

 

[spclark]

I'd suggest the first item you need is a chamber reamer made to your wildcat's dimensions.

Then you need to either shorten up & re-chamber your existing barrel, or start with a fresh new barrel blank.

Then your reamer can also be used to have custom dies,case sizing, bullet seating) made for your brass reforming operations, prior to shooting your first loads. Some folks don't advocate using the same reamer for both operations,chambering barrels and making dies) but a lot depends on just what you'll be doing with this wildcat,hunting vs. target shooting).

Even if it's YOUR idea, why not get in touch with some of the more popular reamer manufacturers -

http://www.jgstools.com/mainarea.html

http://www.pacifictoolandgauge.com/

,these aren't the only folks making reamers but they're good!)

- to see if there's something they make already that might be close to what you have in mind?

 

[Markbo]

That is exactly what I needed to know.

Thank you!

 

[Preacher]

You sure can use the reamer for a seating die, but don't even bother to try to make a sizing die with it----- it won't work !!!!!

 

[457ciSBC]

I have this idea for a wildcat cartridge. Heck it has probably been done already, but it's MY idea and I want to pursue it. The parent case is already chosen. It has to be shortened a bit because of magazine OAL restraints.

How do I go about forming the first ones? Do I just make a hand drawing with exact measurements and send it to someone to make dies and recut the chamber? Who does this? Any advice is welcome... this is my first foray into making my own and I really don't know how to proceed.

Thanks
Mark

I've done several here's what works for me, most have been radical shoulder movement and necking to a smaller size. It's not the fastest method, there's more than one way to skin a cat, your mileage may vary.

Regardless of how you do it. Here's something to keep in mind, you can't make a FL sizing die using a finish reamer. How can you size a case when the die is the same size as the chamber? The best method is a sizer and finish reamer or have your sizer die made undersize to your chamber print.

1. Rough form case using forming dies, this could be anywhere from 90-95% formed. I will usually use several different brands of parent cases if applicable. The base to shoulder I leave about .010-015 long.

2. From my partially case and "theory" case dimensions, I work up a reamer print. Then I send it PTG to have Dave Kiff look it over and approved.

3. I sent the reamer print to Hornady and have them make me FL sizer die, that obviously a few sizes smaller so that it is a sizer die.Also, I tell them whether it will be used in a bolt gun or AR and how much to size the neck too, if it's not a bushing die.

4. Then once the FL die is done, I run my 95% formed cases into my FL sizer. Here verify that it sizes the neck and bumps the shoulder back like I wish.

5. I go back and review my reamer print for "ah hah's", like maybe once I formed case they come out .010 longer or shorter or maybe I have decided that I will or will not turn necks, maybe I've changed my throating or freebore......stuff like that, although radial body dimensions are carved in stone. Then sent off to PTG to have a finish reamer and headspace guage made.

6. Prep cases to be ready to be fireformed.

Oversimplified, but you get the idea.

Your hardest part might be initially forming the case.



mike