forming .358 Win from .308 brass questions - 07/04/12
I have a new .358 Win Ruger M77 Hawkeye on the way and want to know other�s experiences forming brass from .308 brass. I am leaning towards forming my own since .358 brass can be somewhat scarce and expensive. I have already purchased an RCBS die set. I did email RCBS to confirm that the expander ball is tapered.
As I understand it my steps to form into .358 are:
1. Chamfer case mouth.
2. Lube the inside of case neck.
3. Full length size.
4. Trim to length if needed.
5. Load and shoot.
Is it really this simple? I�m not opposed to slowing down and taking extra steps if it will ensure superior results.
Do I need to anneal the neck before or after expanding it?
Any lube preferences? I�m leaning toward graphite.
Any benefit or disadvantage to using once fired military brass? GI Brass has some WRA68 brass right now that is only $110/500.
Is the RCBS die set good enough or will I get better results with another brand?
I do know that there is a fire-forming method that some people like but by time you consider the powder and primer costs I�m not sure what the benefit would be.
As I understand it my steps to form into .358 are:
1. Chamfer case mouth.
2. Lube the inside of case neck.
3. Full length size.
4. Trim to length if needed.
5. Load and shoot.
Is it really this simple? I�m not opposed to slowing down and taking extra steps if it will ensure superior results.
Do I need to anneal the neck before or after expanding it?
Any lube preferences? I�m leaning toward graphite.
Any benefit or disadvantage to using once fired military brass? GI Brass has some WRA68 brass right now that is only $110/500.
Is the RCBS die set good enough or will I get better results with another brand?
I do know that there is a fire-forming method that some people like but by time you consider the powder and primer costs I�m not sure what the benefit would be.