Once fired .243 Win brass in a different rifle questions for you...

[mickeydim468]

I have about 280 once fired cases that I put through my Rossi .243. I sold that rifle and bought a new Weatherby Vanguard .243 and now the old brass will not fit in my new rifle. I use the Lee Classic Loader kit that you hit with a hammer to make your bullets.

I like my little hammer kit because it only neck sizes the brass, which makes the rifle shoot very accurately.
1) Is it time to get a press and a full length sizing die or are there services out there that will size brass for you?
2) I will only use the full length die once to size this once fired brass, at least I think I will only use it once. Why else would you need to have a full length sizer?
3) Would this be something that I would use so I can justify the expense of the die?
4) Will the Lee Classic Loader die I have, that you hit with the hammer, thread into a press?
5) I am thinking about getting the "C" type Lee Reloader press from F&M for $22.99 and the Deluxe Rifle die set, which includes the neck sizer and full length sizer with a bullet seater for $26.99. Would this do what I am looking to do, or do I need the Deluxe die set, or can I get by with the RGB set they have for $13.99 and use the neck sizer from my hammer set?

One last question and I will leave you alone...
6) How about just buying some new brass, would that be a better solution?

I think that's about all I was wondering right now.

Thanks,

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, you have to full length size it.

No, you can't use your hammer-bammer die in a press.

I'd really suggest a better press then the $22 buck one. It is tiny, and not much room in the frame for rifle cases, or much leverage to size them.

The RGB die set includes a FL sizer and a seater die.
That's all you need.

You can partial neck-size with it by backing the die out of the press about a turn.

rc

 

[243winxb]

Buy a press and Full Length Die set. Also a case trimmer.

Will the Lee Classic Loader die I have, that you hit with the hammer, thread into a press?

No.

How about just buying some new brass, would that be a better solution?

No, because soon or later you will have to Full Length Resize (FLRS) your brass.

can I get by with the RGB set they have for $13.99 and use the neck sizer from my hammer set?

Yes.

 

[moosehunt]

Mr. Model addressed you fairly well, I'll add just a bit. The reason that the cases won't fit your new rifle is that it has a smaller chamber. As stated, you'll have to FL size. And not just once. After about 5-7 loadings using neck sizing, it will be necessary to FL size again. New brass may or may not temporarily solve your problem, because you may find that it doesn't chamber either, though it is generally produced on the small end of the curve. I have had new brass that wouldn't chamber until FL sized, though not common. And still, after 5-7 loadings with your neck die, you'll have to FL (and trim) it anyway. That's also a good time to consider neck annealing--it will significantly extend your case life..

 

[xmanpike]

Moosehunt made a lot of sense. You should only neck size brass that is going back in the same rifle IMO.

FYI I have full length resized brass that would easily fit in my Rem 700 .270 win, and the bolt wouldnt come close to closing on my friends Weatherby Vanguard. Possible that the chamber and throat in the Weatherby Vanguards are just very tight compared to most.

 

[Remo-99]

If I was in your situation, I'd buy the deluxe dies, they have the shellholder included(the RGB's don't).

FL size and then re-fireform the brass to that rifle. Then necksize after that.

And I'd really be thinking of a better press than a C-frame for the FL sizing task.

Also a Lee case length gauge/trimmer, is something else that would be handy.

 

[mickeydim468]

I'd really suggest a better press then the $22 buck one. It is tiny, and not much room in the frame for rifle cases, or much leverage to size them.

I really can't afford more at this time. When I do have more funds available for another better quality press, I figure I can still use this one for priming, or bullet seating, or whatever else does not require that much force like a full length sizing die would. In other words this would only be a temporary solution. Plus I didn't want this thread to become a debate about which press is better than another press. I just asked if it would work, not if it was the best solution available at any price. $22.99 is what the budget will allow right now, and seeing as though I need a solution now, I figured the Lee Reloader "C" type press would be what I would get, if it will work. It was also the only one I could find in that price range.

That's also a good time to consider neck annealing--it will significantly extend your case life.

Anealing... What is that and how do you do it? I have not heard that term before.

You should only neck size brass that is going back in the same rifle IMO.

Well, until I changed the rifle, I was only reloading for one rifle. I had no intentions of changing rifles, until I determined the problem I was having with the old rifle, was actually the rifle, then I sold it and bought the new Weatherby.

Also a Lee case length gauge/trimmer, is something else that would be handy.

I agree, but I will have to wait until my next paycheck to do any more than what I had already stated.

 

[ranger335v]

Get the "Reloader" press, it's much better than you may think. I got one years ago to use as dedicated decapping press. Had to try it of course, it handled FL sizing of my .30-06 brass quite well. Liked it so much I got a second one to go along side my old Lyman turret and Rock Chucker.

IF you want an inexpensive steel press, take a long look at the Lee Classic Cast. It's fully as good as my RC and costs MUCH less!

 

[mickeydim468]

IF you want an inexpensive steel press, take a long look at the Lee Classic Cast. It's fully as good as my RC and costs MUCH less!

Ranger, I think that is the one I have my eye on for next paycheck. I figured I would have the "C" Reloader press for the light stuff, and then I would have the "O" style Classic Cast for the heavy stuff later. I was pretty sure that the "C" press is capable of doing what I want, so I can at least get started loading some of my old brass. I do not have much powder right now anyway, I just wanted to get ready for when my powder arrives.

So, who knows what anealing is? Can you explain what it is and why I need to know this?

 

[rcmodel]

http://www.lasc.us/CartridgeCaseAnnealing.htm


BTW: I wanted to add that I bought one of the little Lee Reloader Press's several years ago to use as a dedicated de-priming press.

It has been used exactly one time, is has been gathering dust in a junk box ever since.
The frame C opening is so small I can't get my hand and a .223 case in it at the same time.

rc

 

[mickeydim468]

Thanks RC, I will reconsider the press but that annealing article is great.

Thanks!

 

[mickeydim468]

OK, What do you guys think of the Lee Breech Lock Challenger press then??? Here is a link F&M's page for the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press

 

[cougar1717]

I think I'm going to go against the grain on this one. It really just depends on your financial situation, how much you're willing to spend, and how much you're actually going to shoot. If you go with a press setup, you'll probably have at least $200 in it before everything is done, considering the press itself, dies & shellholder, other tools, bench to mount it, hardware, etc. If you only shoot occasionally or are reloading because it's cheaper than a $14 box of Federal ammo at Walmart, I would really consider selling your 280 pieces of brass for $30-$40 (or whatever someone is willing to pay), buying a bag of new brass (around $30), and being content with your Lee Loader. But that's up to you.