I recently reworked 100 rds of .444 Marlin (new Remington) brass to the 7x57R configuration. Not wanting to invest in a forming die, I used a combination of dies that I had on hand. These were: 9.3x62, 8x57, 7x57. The procedure that I used was as follows: (1) 9.3x62 sizing die to reduce neck to .366". (2) 8x57 seating die w/o stem to reduce neck to .330". (3) 8x57 sizing die to reduce neck to .323", and to form shoulder. (4) 7x57 seating die to reduce neck to .290". (5) 7x57 sizing die to fully form neck and locate shoulder. They were then trimmed to length. No neck turning or reaming was necessary. Cases were not annealed before forming and a total of 4 cases were lost due to neck creases.

This method could probably be adapted to a wide variety of other cartridges without having to resort to costly forming dies. Thanks to Ross Seyfried for the idea of using the seating dies in case forming.

Did you know that Midway and Graf have Norma 7x57R brass?

What are you shooting the Rimmed Mauser in? I have an Antonio Zoli combination gun; 12 ga over 7x57R.

I ran a .444 case into my 9.3x57 dies the other day, on a sudden impulse. I think it would be a nifty cartridge, in a Winnie 94 Big Bore with Woodleigh 250 gr RN's.

Now THAT would be a whim... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Yes, I knew that Midway offered Norma brass. Remington .444 brass is $31. 19/100 while Norma 7x57R is $72.99/100.

My rifle is a BRNO 204 7x57R over 12 ga. Your Zoli sounds like a nice firearm.

Yes, a 9.3x57R would be a fine cartridge for a 94 Win. As I performed each sizing operation, I was intrigued by the possibilities. In particular the 8x57R and the 8x57R necked to 7mm looked like excellent prospects for single shot rifles and SMLE No.1 and No.4 rifles. Also, Marlin 444s and 95s would be good candidates for conversion to one of these rounds.

My favorite candidate at this point would be a SMLE No.4 with a shortened magazine and stocked in a Westley Richards pattern. These rifles are extremely slick and handy and well worth the time and energy required.

Here is a photo of a SMLE No.1 MkIII that I built in .303. This is what I have in mind for a 9.3, 8 or 7mm ctg.

Oh my...very nice rifle <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />!

I see your point about the .444 brass cost. I only bought 40 rounds of Norma brass, and developed one load featuring 154 gr Hornady RN bullets at about 2500 fps. It's an iron-sight walking-around gun, so that seems sufficient.

You could build one of those SMLE's in .444, too, if you needed a bear thumper <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

There is or was a firm that was turning out the SMLE in 45-70 if
you need a bear thumper. Will dig out name & address if interested Cheers NC

Gibbs Rifle Co. is or was offering a SMLE converted to .45-70.

Yes they are...but it's not nearly as pretty as your rifle. Plus -- that's a 45-70, not a .444. What would really be fun would be such a fine rifle in .366-.444, aka 9.3x57R.

(Common sense is not required here...this is a hobby <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.)

MuleDeer What would one load that SMLE too. Same as the Marlin or what?
Just curious as to what performance one could expect from such an outfit,
as the SMLE is a slick smooth bolt action. Your comments! Cheers NC-Don

I built a Yugo48A up in standard 444 Marlin....very interesting project to get it to feed the rimmed cases, but worth it, I think... it really gets the attention of the "supermagnumloundenboomer" guys when it sends a 180 XTP over the chorono at over 3200fps.......... not to mention, it'll sling pieces of a coyote or groundhog 15 feet up in the bushes with a solid hit from that bullet...

Converting a Yugo 48 to .444 is a real feat! Did you put a slanty block in the rear of the mag to prevent rim-lock? Details would be appreciated.
Bandukwallah

I would think you could load a SMLE to higher pressures than a Win 94 -- at least the ones originally made in .308. I couldn't imagine that if you chambered one in .444 that running a 300 gr bullet 2250 fps or so would be any kind of problem...except for whatever was on the receiving end <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />!

Thanks Muledeer I was just wondering kinda out load what the SMLE
would do with the 45-70. You answered my question that they could be run up to the same load as are being run through the Marlins if I read you correctly?
Cheers NC-Don

Bear in mind that I'm speculating here -- if I were shooting a .45-70 SMLE I would start with low-moderate loads and work up, as always. But I have to believe that a good SMLE is capable on handling any load a Marlin or Winchester lever action is.

I do think one of the Gibbs rifles would make a great SE Alaska boat rifle <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />.