In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
Using a wildcat reamer to make reloading dies?
ern98
Member Posts: 1,725 ✭✭✭✭✭
This question is academic only but it has bothered me off and on for some time now, so tell me what you think. Can I take a wildcat chamber reamer, lets say a 30-06 ackley improved, that I have used to ream out a barrel's chamber and then use it to ream out a set of reloading dies to reload for that chamber with? Part of me thinks that it would work and be like a neck only type resize. Part of me thinks that the resizing die has to be slightly oversize so as to push the metal of the brass back past spec and then let it spring back a touch in the process. I am intentionally keeping this question on the simple because otherwise it would be just to difficult to discuss. So, has anyone out there tried this or read anything on it?
Comments
As you are aware..merely running a case back into the chamber will not size the brass down so as to hold a bullet.....
One can use a roughing reamer...sometimes..to make the sizing die.
Ream the blank with your finish reamer.
Have the ID of the die hard chromed, .002 thick (die will be .004 smaller than chamber).
At least that's the way Dave Manson told me to do it.
I never thought about the hard chrome. I intend calling some of the local places to find price of doing so.
I used to buy roughing reamers when you could get top quality reamers for $70.00 but now that the trend has spiraled upwards to about double that cost, I see no reason to spend the extra money. I use a standard reamer, use it carefully and sending it off to be touched up by the manufacturer.
You can use a chamber reamer to make your dies but you have to bear in mind that you can't stop there, you have to do something more to them to accomplish the sizing of the case.
"Part of me thinks that it would work and be like a neck only type resize. Part of me thinks that the resizing die has to be slightly oversize so as to push the metal of the brass back past spec and then let it spring back a touch in the process."
Absolutely correct, except that we have to clarify that term "oversize" so that we agree that the interior dimensions of the dies are smaller in order to resize the case smaller. This can be applied to either a neck die or a full length resizing die. You can also make special dies such as 'body only' dies and then switch to a special necking die if you want.
Use your reamer and then send the dies out for electroless nickel (e-nickel) which has a higher lubricity than the hard chrome, although realistically, both will work just fine. I've done this on many occasions in order to have dies to work with when I can't wait 8-12 weeks for a custom set to made. I have also used a couple of boring bars and indicators to make complete sets of dies to the size required for resizing the cases. The set up is a bit tedious but you can make dies just as good as the secondary market makers do, in less time with less associated cost. There are other ways to use existing dies with minor modifications to get you through the process also.
Blank dies are available through several outlets such as RCBS, Nowlin, Callahan (Midway), and Z-Hat.
Best.
On a bushing die, the bushing is removable, and different bushings are available to control the amount of sizing the neck gets. With this type of die, you would only be plating the body portion of the die, and installing the neck bushing after plating.
The Callahn's are not set up for use as bushing dies BTW.
This is from the RCBS discription
quote:These die sets feature a Full Length Sizer die that uses precision-machined neck bushings (sold separately) to size the case neck just enough provide the exact amount of bullet tension without overworking the brass. To determine the proper neck bushing size, measure the outside neck diameter of a loaded cartridge and subtract .002" to .003" to allow for a small amount of brass spring back....
There is at least one guy that makes die blanks set up to use the same bushings that Redding sells for their dies.
Most die designs can be modified (this keeps me safe from the "exceptions rule" that so many thrive on using) to use a neck bushing from standard manufacturers (see JLC below). It's a little more work but if bushings are the way you want to go, there is a solution.
In my opinion though, if you need a complete design, you should start from scratch and make a set exactly the way you want it right from the start. You can save some time by ordering stems and such from another manufacturer if you don't care to invest that amount of time threading and making small parts. If you look at Z-Hat's site, he describes using a leaded steel for the dies he sells. Leaded can work for you or against you depending on final dimensions and the method of heat treat or plating. I've used leaded a lot for certain applications and I like the way it machines. But it isn't for every use. The metals experts can give a better description I'm sure so I won't waste your time.
In most cases (exceptions rule) you can be better served by making a simple arbor press die or dies such as the L.E. Wilson's, at least to get started. You can produce some of the straightest and most concentric ammunition from one of these set ups as opposed to a standard reloading press. I very rarely get into such volumes that require a progressive press unless I'm going varmint shooting so an arbor press set of dies works great.
Here is a short list of people that do die work. Pay close attention to JLC if you don't want to do your own work and want something like this done. The others on the list are all involved in accuracy and precision so don't overlook their services either.
http://www.pacifictoolandgauge.com/ (reamers, dies, parts for gunsmithing)
http://newlonprecision.com/
http://www.neiljones.com/
http://lewilson.com/
http://www.harrellsprec.com/ (BR & PPC type)
JLC Precision Bushing Neck-Sizer Die Conversion
Price: $35.00
JLC Precision Custom FL Dies and Wilson Micro-Seaters
-- Great Accuracy Combined with Superior Value --
Custom dies fitted to your chamber produce the best accuracy and longest brass life. You can order a custom die cut with a chamber reamer for $150-$200. A better solution is offered by Jim Carstensen. Send him a Redding 6BR Body Die, and some fired cases, and he will adapt the die to hold Wilson and Redding neck bushings. On a custom basis, he will hone the die core for perfect, "just right" body sizing/shoulder bumping. Your Cost? Only $35 plus the donor die, plus honing/custom fitting on an hourly rate. (Honing usually runs about $30). Does it work? Yes, just ask Al Nyhus, 2003 IBS Champion, who uses JLC bushing dies for his BR rifles.
JLC Precision (Jim Carstensen)
http://www.jlcprecision.com/pages/1/index.htm
jlcprec@netins.net
13095 450th Ave
Bellevue, IA 52031
Shop phone: (563) 689-6258, cell: (563) 212-2984
(209) 966-8141