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Posted: 8/26/2011 7:34:34 AM EDT
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So now that ive got me a wilcat round, where is a good forum? Im a member on most loading forums. already some good info on makig cases from others, how to modify dies.
Thanks Pat |
Wow i reread my post, Damn phones make you look stupid LOL.
Jumped on the band wagon with a 25-223, seems like an "easy" one to start with. Biggest thing is dies. (they are available but like hens teeth) The case dimensions are the same as a .223 but has a .257 neck. What i am trying to find out is there a way to modify a 223 die to body/shoulder size correctly and have it size the neck to 257? Or should i stick to my plan and get the dies made? After i have the initial ones run up and shot i figured i would just get a neck sizer and every 2 reloads FL size again. Am i on the right track so far? Id like to figure this out now before i try something more complex. This will also be the first caliber i truly will devote some working up with. Did a little for my 7.5 swiss and got real nice load so goin to take it a step farther with this one. Thanks |
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scatterbrains,
I too am a .25-223 owner, albeit with a set of CH4D dies. A few scattered thoughts: There is virtually no information on the broader internet, outside of ARFCOM, on this cartridge. Basically all of the users are within the 'AR Variants' forum, and there is some good information in the 25-223 thread about using other available dies as makeshift neck sizers. Modifying a .223 die seems very difficult, unless you're an expert-level machinist. Have you talked to 320pf or other 25-223 posters about the timeline on the custom dies? It would seem much easier to get one of these sets of custom dies or 'rent' (by paying shipping both ways) someone else's 25-223 dies for a weekend or something when you have a bunch of brass to process. That's happened before, I know. Experimentation, tinkering, careful testing, and a lack of 100% certainty are the hallmarks of wildcatting. My grandfather was running .257 wildcats in the 50s and 60s, and here I am doing the same 40 years later. It's a great feeling though when things come together in terms of putting the rifle together, load testing, and real-world performance. Definitely a sense of accomplishment. |
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Wombat, ive been in and out all the threads here on it, and have spoken to 320 off and on. Im just tryin to skin/beat/ slaughter the cat another way LOL.
I actually may have found dies in stock im waiting for an answer now. 
I am more interested in the wildcat thing on a broader scale so i can play with other ones that i can dream up get into or bring back from the dead. 
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Roger that.
Maybe I'm alone in my thinking here, but information on the internet about wildcatting generally is pretty scant. There simply isn't as much as you would expect...due I believe to a number of factors: 1. The enormous selection of factory-loaded cartridges and reloading data available to the modern shooter. There just simply isn't the need for new wildcats the way there was 50 years ago. 2. The generally reduced interest in high-performance hunting cartridges, which is what wildcats usually are. 3. The fairly technical nature of the hobby, which makes the available information less accessible than the standard internet 'OMG LOLZ' discussion fare. 4. Liability concerns. Shooting and reloading are safe hobbies, but not without risk. Wildcatting ups that risk by some degree. Best advice for understanding basic principles and that kind of thing would be to look at some of Ackley's books and similar. Lot of good information still available on dusty shelves somewhere. |
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