Need advice; buggering up cases trying to convert .223 to .300

[PFDD]

Frank,

I sincerely appreciate your thorough reply.

What you've said makes perfect sense that I'm trying to expand the mouth of the case in the region of the die where I should be resizing it down. I may have slightly buggered up my expander button too.

Understood on the instructions, but I've gone through many cycles of feverish interest in one aspect or another of shooting/reloading and then let it go dormant for many years before dusting stuff off again and heading in some new direction. Changing calibers recently on a Dillon 650 was a major evolution to me because I hadn't done it in probably 10+ years and had to relearn how on top of cleaning and relubing it in the appropriate places. Fortunately the Dillon instructions are thorough and laden with pictures..! My experience base has big time gaps in it and I've never reformed new cases, yet I suspect I could have figured this out if I tried harder to analyze the steps as they were happening. As you've stated forums like this make a huge difference to someone like me, and I appreciate the efforts and suggestions of all involved. Leveraging the experience of others is the best asset I've had.

I keep the South African cases around as sacrificial offerings to the trimmer gods and such when changing case holders on the Giraud trimmer or setting up dies. I've spent some time with long range shooting so I match condition my cases short of neck turning and along the way there are steps which chew up a few pieces of brass. The last thing you want to do is chew up a Lapua match case when you can offer up some South African as long as you're not screwing the equipment up. LC cleans up nice and performs well as does IMI match brass and with match prepping and sorting is about as good as anything else. I use a lot of LC cases and that's what I intend to use with the .300 when I've got it dialed in.

I suspect with the expander in the right position within the die, my brief flurry of intense forum activity will end. I'll confirm when I've got them coming out properly.

Thanks again,

Brad

[Scalce]

Originally Posted by PFDD

I suspect with the expander in the right position within the die, my brief flurry of intense forum activity will end.

This board is too slow so go mess something else up so there are posts to read.

[PFDD]

No problem there as you're probably already figured out. When I get home I'll see if I can attach the PDF I got from Redding and failing that if you give me your email I'll send it to you.

I still haven't cut or recontoured my gas tube to fit in the TP555 gas block so I'm sure I can come up with some drama there and then how to get and keep the AR running with the right subsonic load. Stand by, I'll come up with some other mini series.

Thanks for your help.

Brad

[PFDD]

Update:

Amazing what happens when you run the expander button at the correct height in the die....!

Just tried two Lake City once fired cases and what do you know; smooth as butter with little leverage and far less lube required. The entire difficulty was induced (well by ignorance) but you've helped me through it and I appreciate the assistance.

Here are the Redding instructions for forming 300/221 cases using .223 cases:

CASE FORMING INSTRUCTIONS
300/221 Remington FROM 223 Remington BRASS
DIES REQUIRED:
1.300/221 Remington Form & Trim Die
2. #10 Extended Shell holder
3.300/221 Remington F.L. Die Set

BRASS REQUIRED:

Cases for the 300/221 Remington can be made by necking and reforming 223 Remington brass. It is desirable to use new unfired brass for forming. As it has not yet been work hardened by repeated firings, it is softer and easier to form.

There is always a potential problem when case forming from one caliber to another. The neck wall thickness may increase. You should be aware of this problem and its potential dangers. You may encounter this problem when making 300/221 Remington cases from 223 Remington brass. Reaming or neck turning of the case necks may be necessary in order to
produce cases that will chamber and function safely.

SEQUENCE:
1.300/221 Remington Form & Trim Die functions as Form #1. Cut and file off excess and then debur.
2. Final size using the standard 300/221 Remington F.L. Die.
3. Inside neck ream or outside neck turn cases if necessary.

CAUTION: A note of caution applies to "wildcat" calibers and all case forming operations.

WATCH THE NECK DIAMETER. If insufficient space is available in your chamber to allow the case necks to "open up" and release the bullet, very dangerous pressures can result. Any difficulty in chambering is a caution flag!
If possible compare the neck diameter measurements of a previously fired case from your chamber with those of a loaded round. The neck diameter of the fired case should be a minimum of .002-.003" larger than the unfired one. If in doubt, consult a competent gunsmith.

If you should have any questions concerning the above procedure, contact:

REDDING RELOADING EQUIPMENT
1089 STARR ROAD
CORTLAND, NY 13045
tech Iine@redding-reloading.com
REDDING-HUNTER INCORPORATED 1089 STARR ROAD CORTLAND, NEW YORK 13045 TELEPHONE: 607-753-3331

Thanks again gents.