Necking down .308 to .243

[reloader243]

I have been given 2 cases of Federal .308 match ammo...just shy of 1000 rounds. I'd like to try necking some down to .243 and turning the necks to .268 for my .270 neck Shilen barrel. What do I need in form dies to do it? Never reformed befor except fire-forming .243 Ack fron .243 brass...any help?

 

[dmickey]

I would start by resizing the .308 brass in a .308 Winchester full-sizing die with the expander ball removed. The next step would be to put the brass through a 7mm/08 full-sizing die,also with the expander ball removed.) Then run it through the .243 Winchester full-length sizing die,this time leave the expander ball in.) I would also use the Imperial Sizing Die Wax. I believe it is now distributed by Redding.

 

[Travelor]

You wll have to turn the necks as theywill be WAY TOO THICK and will cause excessive pressures unles the necks are turned.

A friend did not turn the necks of 243 cases he made from 308 cases and the gun blew up!

Otherwise, no problem at all. I have done it and did it in one pass through a 243 die. Used lots of lube on the necks.