Resizing 25 WSSM to 243 WSSM?

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grandpawj

grandpawj

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Feb 3, 2011
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Morgan County, TN
As you probably know finding 243 or 25 in WSSM is harder than finding hen's teeth. I have been searching for 243 WSSM brass for some time without success. I was in a pawn shop the other day and they had a box of 25 WSSM's (I didn't even ask how much!) Anyway the thought crossed my mind of getting them then unload with a "whack-a-mole" bullet puller, resize to 243 and reload. If I can do it, how difficult the task, and what do I need?
 
A co-worker of mine reloads for his 25 WSSM he uses any WSSM brass he can find. He has done what you are thinking about. It works for him so I'm sure it will work for you.

However he said that the necks tend to run thick and by necking down from .257 to .243 you might have to turn the necks down so they will chamber.

Also he said that after you pull the bullet to pop the primer out and to anneal the case necks before you neck them down...it will prevent splitting the necks.
 
When all else fails, you can form .223, .243, & .25 wssm brass from .270 wsm, 7mm wsm or .300 wsm cases. RCBS and others have forming dies. Again, you will need to trim them to length, form, anneal and turn or ream the necks.

I have a .243 wssm too, and I accumulated enough brass before the last panic to last longer than my Winchester M70 will.

I hope this is helpful.
 
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Thanks guys. Tomorrow I will go to the pawn shop and get them. Actually they had one box of 223 and one box of 25 WSSM's. I shall get both boxes, hope they still got them.
 
HHmm a hardware store in the small town where I work had (can't remember which) 243 or .25 WSSM for I think about $22 for a box of 20. (only one box)
If brass is really steep and hard to find I could pick up the box and break them down and send you the bullets and cases for cost.
(will check tomorrow at lunch and see if they still have them)
 
I have a 243 WSSM also. I love the rifle. they really need to start making brass for it again. everyone needs to email all the manufacturers to start making them. I have some cases I need to anneal before I load them again. annealing them makes me nervous as they are so short and i don't want to get the bases to hot. been thinking about using the pan of water method.

I emailed RCBS about forming dies to take 300 WSM to 243 WSSM and the reply was they would need to be special made and would run about 1000.00 bucks.:eek:
 
Got them. They had one box. $22.99 + tax .243 WSSM CXP2 100gr Powerpoint
X243WSS.

(funny looking little critters, short and fat.....hhmm sort of reminds me of one of my ex girlfriends:eek:)

Is it legal for you to receive loaded ammo in your state?
It looks like if I follow the rules (UPS or FEDEX must go ground) label them ORM-D all over that I can send the ammo with no-hazmat fee.

Don't know for sure so any feedback on shipping the live ammo would be appreciated. Otherwise I should be able to break them down but since they are .243 WSSM and that's what you after I will see about shipping them live if it legal for you to receive them.
Over 18 :) (guessing with grandpawj you're a bit over 18),and the other stuff, you're not a nut or a terrorist etc.
,Let me know what you want me to do.
 
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Dude-dog, you are a good man! and yep I passed 21 years old a long long time ago. Retired from the military and 67 years old. Have PM'd you with my contact info. Admin please don't treat this as a "classifieds" set of posts.
 
Admin please don't treat this as a "classifieds" set of posts.
Click to expand...

My dad (deceased now) was in the Army for 30 years (Korea, 3 tours in Vietnam). I'm an Army brat, so since your retired military I decided I will just make them a PIF.
(I figure no good deed goes unpunished :D )

(so it's a PIF not an add.:) sorry mods if I was bordering on an add)

UPS is on the other side of town about 20 miles away(the opposite direction from work) but I will get them there ASAP and let you know when they are on the way. Maybe tomorrow, next week for sure.
 
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:cuss::banghead:
UPS store here said they couldn't ship them as they are HAZMAT.
I am sure loaded ammo is not hazmat and UPSs site says they can ship them but since UPS here was being a pain, I broke them down and sent the cases and the bullets.

Knocked the primers out with my Lee universal decap die and a 7mm Rem Mag shell holder.

Glad to have been able to help out.
 
UPS

There is UPS, AND a UPS Store. I found out about 10 years ago that the UPS Store will NOT send ammo. I went to a Hardware Store in town that took UPS shipments, and there was no problem. So Google UPS and find where they pick up packages, and you will be in business.
 
Thanks for the tip, to late though, I broke them down and sent bullets and cases, no powder or primers in a SFRB.
I tried a UPS hub not a UPS store but got a clerk who was a jerk.
 
For the OP I have 6 or 7 brass of some sort of WSSM or another I found at a range. I will find them in the next couple days and PM you if they are worth sending to you.
 
Maybe today. Living in the boonies, these secondary roads don't get much attention. With the upcoming rain, I am hopeful the snow and ice on the will melt and roads will be navigable today. As soon as I get my hands on them, will let you know. Thanks again.
 
Alas, the box of brass and bullets arrived to my mailbox today!! Now to reload and squeeze off a few. Many Thanks Dudedog. If I can ever be of service please let me know.
 
Nice to know the PO got them there even of the roads were in bad shape.
For some things you just can't beat Flat rate boxes.
60lbs of bullets (MFRB) -- shipping $14 across country 2-3 days usually.
16 lbs of bullets in a SFRB $6. (I think the rate just went up to $6.80)
The PO is great on the Flat rates because as they say if it fits it ships one flat rate.

When I get one of the heavy ones I'm sure my post person is wondering what in the heck is he ordering.:)

Glad to have been able to help you out.
 
Thanks Poper, I just ordered me a 50 round bag. With what I have received from Dudedog that should be enough to last me for the remainder of my huntin' days. You know I had searched far and wide for these things. Just goes to show you, when you belong to a large group of helpful folks, it can be found somewhere on this earth.

Also a hearty thanks for all who has helped and all the inputs I have received on this thread.
 
Thanks Poper from me, too. In my case, I'm going .243 to .25 WSSM but that works.
I've seen used WSSM cases on Gunbroker for $3 or more - each!
 
Well surprise.
I got home today and there was a package with TWO boxes of 100 bullets waiting for me, some nice .357 XTP HPs and some FMJs for .45 :cool: :cool:

Big thanks to you Grandpawj, It was not necessary but is surely appreciated.:D
 
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