Case Forming

[calidefector]

I was looking into some Case Forming Dies from RCBS. Namely, two that convert .30-06 into 7x57 Mauser and 8x57 Mauser.

Of course the first issue I see is being very careful with two very similar appearing cases with the same (incorrect) head stamps. Nothing a color-coded dot on the primer or something couldn't fix.

So, here's some questions:

Do any of you regulary resize cases? If so, how do the re-formed cases perform for you? Any other issues that folks encounter with this procedure? Things fit good for you? Does the case forming weaken the case?

I'm a brass scrounge, and all I ever find of 8x57 Mauser is mil-surp stuff that is berdan primed. I figured I could get some use out of those scrounged .30-06 cases I find.

Thanks in advance,
Tim

[rayra]

should work fine but you might want to read up on annealing work-hardened brass in your oven.

[22popnsplat]

In the process of annealing brass you want to avoid heating the case head , Read up on the process . I have the Ken light case annealer . I do shoot some wildcats and in my experiance i have found Imperial sizing wax to be the best for case forming .

[gunboat]

In the distant past I formed 7x57 from 06 -- no annealing just squeezed them down in a 7x57 full length die and trimmed them -- worked fine in an old rolling block - may be less satisfactory in a more modern chamber -

[Beelzy]

You don't have to anneal them, but if you wish for a good reloading life it
is advisable. Make sure to use plenty of good paste type type, and expect
a 10% rate of loss when forming the cases. Also make sure not to use max or
near max loads when final "fire-forming: the cases.

Annealing can be done with a propane torch and a pan of water. A Hornady
manual describes the method.