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Need basic help on forming a new case

Hi all,

Back in March I posted some questions about a possible new wild cat cartridge and the project is moving along,behind schedule unfortunately) for the rifle I am planning to take to Africa next month for plains game. It's based on a 300 WSM case, necked down to 6.5mm and shortened to an overall case length of 1.825 while maintaining the 35 degree shoulder and the standard body taper.

First I should say that the only wildcat case forming experience I have is making a case larger by fire forming with inert filler to get less body taper & a steeper shoulder angle, and not shortening a case body like I need to do on this one.

I got the forming die,a single die) from the smith tonight.

Here's the problem; I went to start forming cases tonight and lo and behold, when I try to push the shoulder back the necessary .300", it just collapses the case body about and 1/8 of an inch farther down the body like a pop can. The shoulder just seems to not want to budge! What am I doing wrong?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I looked through Designing and Forming Custom Cartridges,Ken Howell) as well as Wildcat Cartridges 1 and 2 tonight, but can't figure it out. I only have a matter of weeks left and am desperate to get this setup working if at all possible in time! I've attached the reamer specs and a case comparison in case it helps illustrate what I'm trying to accomplish. Thanks for any help!
 

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Scott:
You are trying to accomplish too much, too fast.
First, and intermediate neck size, say .312 would be a good start. Bump with that to get the push back started. With new brass, you are likely to get .050 to .075 with the first whack.

Anneal, clean, lube and go at it again with the same .312 neck die.
Keep up the same process till you get it pushed back to within .010 or so so of your final shoulder length. Then a final top die to get the neck diameter and shoulder you want. I'm sure you will need to neck turn the ID when you are done. WSM is very thick. .020 or so neck wall when your done.

Lube and surface finish is important. The best lube I've ever found for forming is STP mixed about 50/50 with way oil.

I've made dies in the configuration of our customs for just this purpose, and have great success.

I don't know where you are located, but I have a series for just what you are attempting here at the shop.

We always bore the ID's concentric to the newly formed OD when working up this sort of job.

My Email is wtc@ne.rr.com

HTH

Alan
 

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