Necking up brass question...

[CjC73]

I recently purchased a 338-284 and it came with FL dies and would like to find out the proper method to size brass from .284 brass? Is it as simple as running it thru the FL die? Or should I do an intermediate step of necking up the .284 to .308 and then thru the FL 338 die?

If the intermediate step is a better option, do I just use a .308 neck sizing die?

Thanks!

 

[Twicepop]

It won't fit in a .308 neck die, too large at the shoulder. If it was me doing it, I'd opt for a Sinclair expander die with .30 and .33 caliber expander mandrels. Run through F/L die after this and then anneal.

 

[ranger3]

Redding also makes expanders that would work for you. check out their website.

 

[DocDoc]

I second the Sinclair expanders and two steps with some kind of lube. I use dry. Otherwise

 

[CjC73]

thanks for the tips all.... i'll check out Sinclair and Redding expanders. What's the best way to anneal them after necking them up?

 

[ranger3]

Redding also makes expanders that would work for you. check out their website.

 

[4Bowhunter]

Here you go. check this expander out .

 

[KMart]

I second the Sinclair expanders and two steps with some kind of lube. I use dry. Otherwise

I found one of those on my reloading bench once. I don't know where it came from, but it wasn't quite as well done as yours.

 

[CjC73]

So I think this is what you all are talking about...this expander die body....

http://www.xxicsi.com/expander-die-body.html


And the 30cal and 33cal expander mandrels from here...

http://www.xxicsi.com/arbors-and-mandrels.html

 

[joshb]

I second the Sinclair expanders and two steps with some kind of lube. I use dry. Otherwise

Interesting wildcat but I think I see a doughnut forming.

 

[tmwinds]

Unless you plan on forming a large amount of brass, it may be more economical to farm this job out to DJ's Brass. The cost of the equipment could exceed the cost of having him do it. He could also anneal and remove the doughnuts that I expect to form. If interested google DJ's brass for his website.

 

[fguffey]

He could also anneal and remove the doughnuts that I expect to form.

Why would a donut form when necking up? Why would a donut form when necking down?

I neck up 280 Remington cases to 338/06 and 35 Whelen, I do not add steps but I do not use fired/work hardened cases, I use new cases. I have used 30/06 cases but there is an inherent problem when necking up 30/06 cases to 338/06 or 35 Whelen; when necking a 30/06 case to 35 Whelen the case shortens .035" from the end of the neck to the case head.

F. Guffey

 

[CjC73]

The cost of the equipment could exceed the cost of having him do it.

What equipment besides the expander die and mandrels? What I posted was $60?

What else would I need?

 

[tmwinds]

Why would a donut form when necking up?

I neck up 280 Remington cases to 338/06 and 35 Whelen, I do not add steps but I do not use fired/work hardened cases, I use new cases. I have used 30/06 cases but there is an inherent problem when necking up 30/06 cases to 338/06 or 35 Whelen; when necking a 30/06 case to 35 Whelen the case shortens .035" from the end of the neck to the case head.

F. Guffey

 

[tmwinds]

I said I expected a doughnut to form. I based this on first hand experience from necking up 6BR cases to 30BR cases.

 

[tmwinds]

What equipment besides the expander die and mandrels? What I posted was $60?

What else would I need?

You may already have the additional tools need. If a doughnut forms as I expect you would need a neck turning kit and mandrels. You also mentioned annealing. I'm not suggesting you can't or shouldn't do it yourself. Just pointing out another option.

 

[CjC73]

You may already have the additional tools need. If a doughnut forms as I expect you would need a neck turning kit and mandrels. You also mentioned annealing. I'm not suggesting you can't or shouldn't do it yourself. Just pointing out another option.

Ok... I appreciate the options. I'll keep it in mind. But yeah, don't plan on doing 100s and 100s.

 

[fguffey]

I said I expected a doughnut to form. I based this on first hand experience from necking up 6BR cases to 30BR cases.

Most of the answers and responses come from shooters that are widely indignant about everything; especially when it comes to donuts. Years ago I said I have cases that will never form a donut, and I said I have cases I form that require the donut to be removed before I finish forming. And then I said I have chambers that are designed to form donuts when a round is fired.

I have formed thousands of cases without one donut; but if one shows up I know what caused it. Have formed 22/6MM Remington wildcat cases from 30/06 and 25/06 cases, forget the donut; if something is not done to keep the hole through the neck open there will be no hole.

F. Guffey

 

[M-61]

And then I said I have chambers that are designed to form donuts when a round is fired.

Be interested in an explanation on that chamber. Maybe a quick sketch?

 

[tmwinds]

[ if something is not done to keep the hole through the neck open there will be no hole.

F. Guffey[/QUOTE]
What?