Brass forming
Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2025 1:08 am
Forming brass for obsolete or wildcat cartridges is a process that allows shooters to create ammunition for rare or custom firearms. This guide will walk you through the steps to form brass for these specialized cartridges.
Preparation
Before beginning the brass forming process, ensure you have the following:
• Parent brass cases (compatible with your desired cartridge)
• Reloading dies specific to your wildcat or obsolete cartridge
• Case lube
• Annealing equipment (optional, but recommended)
• Reloading press
• Calipers for measuring
Step-by-Step Process
1. Select Compatible Parent Brass
Choose a parent case that closely matches the dimensions of your desired cartridge. For example, .30-06 brass can be used to form many wildcat cartridges due to its versatile dimensions. The best reference in my opinion is “The Handloader’s Manual of Cartridge Conversions” by John J. Donnelly. I have a copy as well as others in the group.
2. Anneal the Brass (Optional but Recommended)
Annealing softens the brass, making it easier to form and extending its lifespan. Heat the neck and shoulder area of the case until it reaches a dull red color, then allow it to cool slowly.
3. Lubricate the Cases
Apply a thin, even coat of case lube to the entire exterior of each brass case. This reduces friction during the forming process and prevents cases from getting stuck in the dies.
4. Resize the Brass
Use a full-length sizing die to begin reshaping the brass. This step may need to be repeated several times, depending on how much the brass needs to be reformed. I use a turret press with a series of reducers or expanders from Sinclair to do the job. I prefer a heavy duty press so I use the Herters model 234. Doing it gradually reduces the chance of slitting a case.
5. Trim the Cases
After resizing, measure the case length and trim as necessary to meet the specifications of your desired cartridge.
6. Form the Neck and Shoulder
Use specialized forming dies to create the proper neck diameter and shoulder angle. This may require multiple passes through different dies.
7. Fire-Forming (If Necessary)
Some wildcat cartridges require fire-forming to achieve their final shape. Load the partially formed brass with a light charge and fire it in the chamber of your firearm to complete the forming process.
8. Final Sizing and Inspection
After fire-forming (if required), perform a final full-length resize and carefully inspect each case for proper dimensions and any signs of stress or damage.
Tips for Success
• Start with new brass when possible to ensure maximum case life and uniformity.
• Work in small batches to perfect your technique before committing to large-scale production.
• Keep detailed records of your forming process and any load data you develop.
• Be patient and take your time. Proper brass forming is crucial for safety and accuracy.
Remember, creating wildcat or obsolete cartridges requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of reloading principles. Always prioritize safety and consult multiple sources before attempting to create any new cartridge..
Preparation
Before beginning the brass forming process, ensure you have the following:
• Parent brass cases (compatible with your desired cartridge)
• Reloading dies specific to your wildcat or obsolete cartridge
• Case lube
• Annealing equipment (optional, but recommended)
• Reloading press
• Calipers for measuring
Step-by-Step Process
1. Select Compatible Parent Brass
Choose a parent case that closely matches the dimensions of your desired cartridge. For example, .30-06 brass can be used to form many wildcat cartridges due to its versatile dimensions. The best reference in my opinion is “The Handloader’s Manual of Cartridge Conversions” by John J. Donnelly. I have a copy as well as others in the group.
2. Anneal the Brass (Optional but Recommended)
Annealing softens the brass, making it easier to form and extending its lifespan. Heat the neck and shoulder area of the case until it reaches a dull red color, then allow it to cool slowly.
3. Lubricate the Cases
Apply a thin, even coat of case lube to the entire exterior of each brass case. This reduces friction during the forming process and prevents cases from getting stuck in the dies.
4. Resize the Brass
Use a full-length sizing die to begin reshaping the brass. This step may need to be repeated several times, depending on how much the brass needs to be reformed. I use a turret press with a series of reducers or expanders from Sinclair to do the job. I prefer a heavy duty press so I use the Herters model 234. Doing it gradually reduces the chance of slitting a case.
5. Trim the Cases
After resizing, measure the case length and trim as necessary to meet the specifications of your desired cartridge.
6. Form the Neck and Shoulder
Use specialized forming dies to create the proper neck diameter and shoulder angle. This may require multiple passes through different dies.
7. Fire-Forming (If Necessary)
Some wildcat cartridges require fire-forming to achieve their final shape. Load the partially formed brass with a light charge and fire it in the chamber of your firearm to complete the forming process.
8. Final Sizing and Inspection
After fire-forming (if required), perform a final full-length resize and carefully inspect each case for proper dimensions and any signs of stress or damage.
Tips for Success
• Start with new brass when possible to ensure maximum case life and uniformity.
• Work in small batches to perfect your technique before committing to large-scale production.
• Keep detailed records of your forming process and any load data you develop.
• Be patient and take your time. Proper brass forming is crucial for safety and accuracy.
Remember, creating wildcat or obsolete cartridges requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of reloading principles. Always prioritize safety and consult multiple sources before attempting to create any new cartridge..