I'm contemplating a project that will require turning about 15 thousandths off the rim of a 35 Remington case. Anyone ever done any rim turning? I'm wondering if one of the off the shelf case trimmers could be easily adapted for this or if I'd be better off just to take them to a machine shop & have them turned on a Lathe? Thanks M9
Turning rims down
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M9
This is done more often than most shooters realize. It's best done on a lathe. I would guess that a machine shop would have a pretty stiff fee for doing this unless you happen to get someone who is also a shooter and interested in your project. As far as using a case trimmer, you would need one that holds the case in a sleeve or adaptor, such as the Wilson, since most trimmers hold the case by the rim - exactly the part you want to work on. I suppose someone could make you a gizmo to hold the cases while they are in other types of trimmers but you'd have to pay for the gizmo.
If you have a drill with a 1/2 inch chuck you could take off 15 thou easily with a file but keeping them uniform would be a time consuming chore.
Good Luck.
What's the project?? Curious.
Ray
This is done more often than most shooters realize. It's best done on a lathe. I would guess that a machine shop would have a pretty stiff fee for doing this unless you happen to get someone who is also a shooter and interested in your project. As far as using a case trimmer, you would need one that holds the case in a sleeve or adaptor, such as the Wilson, since most trimmers hold the case by the rim - exactly the part you want to work on. I suppose someone could make you a gizmo to hold the cases while they are in other types of trimmers but you'd have to pay for the gizmo.
If you have a drill with a 1/2 inch chuck you could take off 15 thou easily with a file but keeping them uniform would be a time consuming chore.
Good Luck.
What's the project?? Curious.
Ray
Asa
That would work. Taking off as little as .015" should be doable with one cut.
I have recommended to several shooters that they shop around for a small used lathe. Something like an Atlas or Craftsman 6 inch. You can often find one for less than $100. It can be used to turn case necks, trim cases, make small parts, and yes, turn down rims. You don't need a lot of tooling. Just one chuck and one tool holder will get you by. It can be mounted on a piece of 1/2 plywood and stored out of the way when not being used.
Ray
That would work. Taking off as little as .015" should be doable with one cut.
I have recommended to several shooters that they shop around for a small used lathe. Something like an Atlas or Craftsman 6 inch. You can often find one for less than $100. It can be used to turn case necks, trim cases, make small parts, and yes, turn down rims. You don't need a lot of tooling. Just one chuck and one tool holder will get you by. It can be mounted on a piece of 1/2 plywood and stored out of the way when not being used.
Ray
I need to turn them down to fit a 7.62X39 boltface. The std 6mm BR case is just a little to fat @ .473 to function well through an AR.
I'm considering using shortened 35 Rem cases which have a .460" rim. Or 6.5 Carcano cases which are .450". The boltface on a 7.62X39 AR bolt is already pretty thin & the bolt lugs anchor to the recessed part of an AR bolt. Thats why I don't want to open the bolt face up. In short, a slightly skinner 6mm BR with a slightly rebated rim that,hopefully) I can get to feed through an AR.
I'm considering using shortened 35 Rem cases which have a .460" rim. Or 6.5 Carcano cases which are .450". The boltface on a 7.62X39 AR bolt is already pretty thin & the bolt lugs anchor to the recessed part of an AR bolt. Thats why I don't want to open the bolt face up. In short, a slightly skinner 6mm BR with a slightly rebated rim that,hopefully) I can get to feed through an AR.
Cheechako said:
Yea, thats about what I thought. My current trimmer is an RCBS that uses the shell plates. I was thinking maybe a Wilson or a Forester might work. Kinda hard too visulise when you don't have one though. I was kinda thinking maybe put it in the collet backwards with the rim end facing the cutter & getting a pilot to fit the primer pocket & using a outside neck turner to turn the rim down. Any suggestions as to a Wilson or a Forester? Thanks M9
M9
Aha! An AR shooter.
A lot of shooters have taken that approach using all sorts of brass. Go around to the different Forums and search and you will probably find a lot of good information from guys who have actually done it. There's even a 50 caliber cartridge with the rim turned to fit the AR bolt.
BTW, how many cases are you wanting to make?
http://www.gunblast.com/50Beowulf.htm
Good Luck
Ray
Aha! An AR shooter.
A lot of shooters have taken that approach using all sorts of brass. Go around to the different Forums and search and you will probably find a lot of good information from guys who have actually done it. There's even a 50 caliber cartridge with the rim turned to fit the AR bolt.
BTW, how many cases are you wanting to make?
http://www.gunblast.com/50Beowulf.htm
Good Luck
Ray
DON'T DO IT!!! There are at least 3 good reasons why building an AR in 6BR is NOT advised:M9Powell said:
* More than one gunsmith has expressed concern that .473" diameter cases don't leave enough wall thickness at the chamber to resist the pressures generated by firing a 60,000 PSI round.
* The bolt thrust from firing such a round can exceed the yield strength of a reworked bolt.
* The AR design has a fairly large section of unsupported case, and does not vent gas very well. When case ruptures occur, the damage is rather spectacular. Fortunately, the shooter is seldom severely injured.
You're looking at building a 6BWR,Bartlett-Wylde-Rat), 6MM AR,6-6.5 Grendel), 6mm Hagar, or 6-6.8 SPC. All of which can be built by established,reputable) gunsmiths.
Robert Whitley,think he posts here as "RCW3") builds 6mm ARs. John Holliger builds a version of the 6-6.8 SPC.
Gun of the week 68 should give you all the info you need to convert an AR to a 6mm wildcat.
Personally, I would stick to something based off a 7.62X39 like a PPC/Grendel or the SPC case. You know it fits and are easy to set up.
Nice conversion.
Jerry
Personally, I would stick to something based off a 7.62X39 like a PPC/Grendel or the SPC case. You know it fits and are easy to set up.
Nice conversion.
Jerry
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