Downsizing Brass

Ace Quackhunter

Ace Quackhunter

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I finished my last build in 2024 and got it dialed in 2025 and shot my first match in May of this year. While I finished in the middle of the pack (15th) nothing to get worked up about. I got to thinking about all the 6mm that beat my score, now there was a problem with the loose nut behind the trigger and could not get him, I mean it adjusted. So why not neck down my recent 30 cal. build to say 7mm, or 6.5 mm.
So, my question is do I order a custom die to downsize with, changing only the neck size or can I get bushings to go into my existing die to downsize the neck.
I know that I will need to turn the brass and may need to ream the inside of the neck as well.
Do I just junk the idea and go buy 6mm whatever bench gun and join the crowd, let me hear your thought.
On a side note, I just found 243 Winchester & 6mm Remington that I forgot I had purchased some years back and don't think I have fired either one.
 
I don't think sizing down works as well as sizing up.
What type of shooting are you doing or want to do ? This is an important question ?
 
Bitteroot said:
I don't think sizing down works as well as sizing up.
What type of shooting are you doing or want to do ? This is an important question ?
Click to expand...
Not necessarily. Sizing up moves thicker shoulder brass into the neck which could mean neck turning or reaming. Kinda like a donut. Sizing down makes the thinner neck brass become part of the shoulder.
 
Ace Quackhunter said:
I finished my last build in 2024 and got it dialed in 2025 and shot my first match in May of this year. While I finished in the middle of the pack (15th) nothing to get worked up about. I got to thinking about all the 6mm that beat my score, now there was a problem with the loose nut behind the trigger and could not get him, I mean it adjusted. So why not neck down my recent 30 cal. build to say 7mm, or 6.5 mm.
So, my question is do I order a custom die to downsize with, changing only the neck size or can I get bushings to go into my existing die to downsize the neck.
I know that I will need to turn the brass and may need to ream the inside of the neck as well.
Do I just junk the idea and go buy 6mm whatever bench gun and join the crowd, let me hear your thought.
On a side note, I just found 243 Winchester & 6mm Remington that I forgot I had purchased some years back and don't think I have fired either one.
Click to expand...
While I have custom hydraulic forming dies on my wildcats, there are other ways to accomplish what you are trying to do. For instance, below is my .30 Gibbs.
1783686258282.png

(From L-R: .35 Whelen virgin brass, after running through the .30 Gibbs re-sizing die to establish a false shoulder, fire-formed with 11g WSF (COW method), and after running through the .30 Gibbs re-sizing, again).
 
FEENIX said:
While I have custom hydraulic forming dies on my wildcats, there are other ways to accomplish what you are trying to do. For instance, below is my .30 Gibbs.
View attachment 767194
(From L-R: .35 Whelen virgin brass, after running through the .30 Gibbs re-sizing die to establish a false shoulder, fire-formed with 11g WSF (COW method), and after running through the .30 Gibbs re-sizing, again).
Click to expand...
I also use hydraulic form die expanders for several improved cases, it is the easiest method I know of and saves barrel time and life.

Cheers.
 
Ace Quackhunter said:
So, my question is do I order a custom die to downsize with, changing only the neck size or can I get bushings to go into my existing die to downsize the neck.
Click to expand...
We don't know what your current chamber is, or what your current die is, or what chamber you intend to go to.
Honestly, you seem disinterested in it..
 
Smaller bushings work… take small steps like .010 at a time, maximum. Be generous with lube. Definitely plan to outside turn them or ream, but good results can be achieved. I dealt with this recently, and my results going from 30 cal to 6.5 are great, but I'm no comp shooter, either. I had to have more clearance for expansion, and it's not a fun job but it's one and done now, and the results are desirable.
 
Last edited:
I have very specific question. It is similar to the OP's question. If this is considered "highjacking" the thread, please slap my hand and I will start another thread.
I recently came into possession of several hundred primed cases. The note on the bag read "260" Remington. I blew it off and put the bags on the shelf. When I looked at the cases, I was very surprised to see the headstamp reading 243 Winchester. That made my day because I have two 243s.
My question is: Can I run these through a 243 sizing die to bring them back to 243 ? Any help with this will be appreciated.
Apology ahead if I have done something inappropriate.
 
Bitteroot said:
Here's the light gun equipment list for last years 1k nationals.
6 mm pretty much rule the roost with a couple exceptions.
Myself, I shoot a BRA

Loading…

forum.accurateshooter.com
Click to expand...
I understand about the 6mm being the round to beat. Most of the matches I attend there will be 90 % with a few 6.5mm and others. I am just not a 6mm fan and generally shoot a 6.5mm and I do win with it. When I first started out many moon's ago, I used a 308 and had some limited success with it and always like it. There are a few with 30 br that shoot at short range, and some appear to be one ragged hole and I like it..
 
Phil Rizzo said:
Smaller bushings work… take small steps like .010 at a time, maximum. Be generous with lube. Definitely plan to outside turn them or ream, but good results can be achieved. I dealt with this recently, and my results going from 30 cal to 6.5 are great, but I'm no comp shooter, either. I had to have more clearance for expansion, and it's not a fun job but it's one and done now, and the results are desirable.
Click to expand...
Phil,
For now I am thinking out loud. I just wondering how much trouble I would need to go too and make a 7mm and or 6.5 from 30 Cal. brass.
 
19elkhunter51 said:
I have very specific question. It is similar to the OP's question. If this is considered "highjacking" the thread, please slap my hand and I will start another thread.
I recently came into possession of several hundred primed cases. The note on the bag read "260" Remington. I blew it off and put the bags on the shelf. When I looked at the cases, I was very surprised to see the headstamp reading 243 Winchester. That made my day because I have two 243s.
My question is: Can I run these through a 243 sizing die to bring them back to 243 ? Any help with this will be appreciated.
Apology ahead if I have done something inappropriate.
Click to expand...
Run it through the sizer and see if it will chamber.
 

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