Cartridge conversion
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 10:21 pm
The most common and recommended brass for converting to .450 Bushmaster is .284 Winchester brass. However, there are a few important considerations and alternatives to keep in mind:
.284 Winchester Conversion
.284 Winchester brass is the preferred choice for several reasons:
1. It has a rebated rim, which is necessary for the .450 Bushmaster cartridge.
2. The head diameter matches the .450 Bushmaster at .473 inches.
However, there are some challenges to be aware of:
• The neck wall thickness of converted .284 brass can be an issue, potentially requiring custom neck reaming.
• Some users report no problems with neck thickness, suggesting it may depend on individual chamber tolerances.
Conversion Process
To convert .284 Winchester brass to .450 Bushmaster:
1. Cut and trim the brass to 1.700 inches.
2. Chamfer the case mouth.
3. Resize using a .450 Bushmaster sizing die.
Some reloaders report success without any additional fire-forming process.
Alternative Options
While less common, other brass types have been considered for conversion:
1. 7.5x55 Swiss: It has the same head diameter as .284 Winchester but would require fire-forming due to its non-rebated rim.
2. 6.5-284: Another potential option, though less frequently mentioned.
Considerations
• Converting brass should only be done if commercial .450 Bushmaster brass is unavailable.
• Starline produces high-quality .450 Bushmaster brass, which is widely recommended for reloading.
• When converting brass, pay attention to neck wall thickness and overall cartridge dimensions to ensure proper fit and function in your firearm.
.284 Winchester Conversion
.284 Winchester brass is the preferred choice for several reasons:
1. It has a rebated rim, which is necessary for the .450 Bushmaster cartridge.
2. The head diameter matches the .450 Bushmaster at .473 inches.
However, there are some challenges to be aware of:
• The neck wall thickness of converted .284 brass can be an issue, potentially requiring custom neck reaming.
• Some users report no problems with neck thickness, suggesting it may depend on individual chamber tolerances.
Conversion Process
To convert .284 Winchester brass to .450 Bushmaster:
1. Cut and trim the brass to 1.700 inches.
2. Chamfer the case mouth.
3. Resize using a .450 Bushmaster sizing die.
Some reloaders report success without any additional fire-forming process.
Alternative Options
While less common, other brass types have been considered for conversion:
1. 7.5x55 Swiss: It has the same head diameter as .284 Winchester but would require fire-forming due to its non-rebated rim.
2. 6.5-284: Another potential option, though less frequently mentioned.
Considerations
• Converting brass should only be done if commercial .450 Bushmaster brass is unavailable.
• Starline produces high-quality .450 Bushmaster brass, which is widely recommended for reloading.
• When converting brass, pay attention to neck wall thickness and overall cartridge dimensions to ensure proper fit and function in your firearm.