Modified case jig

[Jester896]

I don't think you have been understanding what I have been saying. You can't drill the case if the case turns with the drill.

From the video…you hand tighten the die in the jig to keep the case from spinning…then you need the shell holder to remove it.

 

[MarkInPA]

From the video…you hand tighten the die in the jig to keep the case from spinning…then you need the shell holder to remove it.

Correct. I have the Jig and have tried to use it. It doesn't perform like it did in the video. The die doesn't hold the case but, instead the case spins inside the die with the drill bit. The picture is of a case that I tried to drill. You can see the marks on the case where it was spinning inside the die. Take a look at the neck. I had to crank the jig so far onto the die body that I was starting to size the neck. My bullet was to large to slip into the neck and would not have worked anyway.

 

[Sergeant Stadanko]

I've been using my lathe and knee mill for this purpose. Not fast, but it works well.

From the video, it looks like a great idea. Good luck to everyone trying to improve on a great idea.

 

[randy86314]

What did I miss here? Why should I want to install a thread into a good case that isn't stuck in a die?

 

[parshal]

For this

 

[Valek]

I've not tried it since I use a lathe but it seems reasonable that one could drill a case with a hand drill since the primer pocket is a pilot of sorts. Use a vise with grooves to hold the case. If you tap half turn in, half turn out, etc., I can't imagine the case would spin too much. I'm someone here has tried that to no avail, though.

Parshal, do you put a collet in a chuck in the headstock, put the brass case into the collet, put a drill bit into a chuck into the tailstock, and then drill using that set-up? If not, how do you use your vise to modify the case? Thank you.

 

[Jester896]

The one from Creedmoor uses a v block for the vice. Drilling it on a press may help with drilling it straight.
When my buddy makes them on his lathe for me he pushes the case in a cleaned die, indexes the case in the die, puts the bit in the chuck in the tail stock then taps it by hand using the tail stock to center it with the indention in the tap handle. The case doesn't turn under that pressure.
If this doesn't work similarly it will go back. I have a few fired cases for a couple of rifles that I can use to test it. It should be here tomorrow according to tracking info.

 

[parshal]

Parshal, do you put a collet in a chuck in the headstock, put the brass case into the collet, put a drill bit into a chuck into the tailstock, and then drill using that set-up? If not, how do you use your vise to modify the case? Thank you.

I don't even us a collet. I just chuck the case in a 3-jaw and drill/tap from the tailstock.

Regarding the vise, I was commenting that I bet you could hold the case in a vise with a v-block and drill by hand where the primer pockets acts as a pilot hole. I imagine you can drill/tap it straight enough that the plastic ram of the Hornady tool will accommodate anything not perfect.

 

[MarkInPA]

I am wondering if small and large rifle primer pockets make a difference. I was trying the jig on a .30-06 case which of course uses a large primer. Maybe a small primer pocket may have worked better. It just seemed like the drill bit really wanted to dig in and grab hold instead of cutting. I tried drilling at different speeds but that didn't seem to make a difference.

I have a small, cheap drill press. I may try to clamp the case down in a vice and maybe see if I can figure out a way to use the jig as guide.

 

[parshal]

Might try a sharper drill bit at a higher speed.

 

[MarkInPA]

Might try a sharper drill bit at a higher speed.

You might be right. If a sharper drill bit is required, then they should supply a sharper drill bit appropriate for the job with the kit.

 

[parshal]

I'm sure it's a .66 cent drill bit.

You might try to get the drill to full speed before touching the case. It's gonna get grabby if you're already on the material when you start.

 

[Jester896]

9/32 or .0281 would be the drill size for 5/16-36. A lower pressure may help too. I have a SB .223 & FL bushing die and several .270s. Those will be the 2 I try first when it arrives tomorrow and report back. When he does it on the lathe he cleans the die with brake cleaner first so it holds a little better when my buddy makes them for me.

 

[MarkInPA]

9/32 or .0281 would be the drill size for 5/16-36. A lower pressure may help too. I have a SB .223 & FL bushing die and several .270s. Those will be the 2 I try first when it arrives tomorrow and report back. When he does it on the lathe he cleans the die with brake cleaner first so it holds a little better when my buddy makes them for me.

Let me know how you make out. Maybe we can figure this thing out together. I did try using alcohol on both the case and the die.