338 Edge Case sizing the proper way ???

[Horsemen]

I've be learking in the background and studding all the ways to make the 300 RUM into the Edge. Seams everyone does it a little different. When you guys start necking up the case. I noticed some of you use a Neck Expander die. (Like the Sinclair one that I use for sizing the necks for turning) And some of you use the FL die to do the same thing. Which is the more effective method. From studding the differences seams most of the problems accrue with the FL die.
And don't you have to set up the die, several times, though out the process? Also what is your preferred Die set? Sorry for 100 Questions, I'm thinking about a new barrel for my Savage 300 RUM. But before I order it, I would like to get a good idea of the best tools for the Job.

Thanks Mike

 

[TMR]

I use the FL sizing die and haven't had any problems. I think some guys have problems if they don't have the expander far enough down in the die. I did have a problem with the die itself. Cases kept sticking in it...even new brass that I was forming. A little polishing with 1000 grit paper took care of that problem and now it works fine. If you use the FL die, run the expander/decapper as far down in the die as you can.

 

[davewilson]

personally i wouldn't use the expander ball on a FL die to push brass out from 308, which is actually a little smaller, to 338. it wasn't intended for this and i think it's asking for trouble. use a mandrel type expander like you mentioned and things will work much better. with new brass i run them over a 308 first and then a 338.

 

[TMR]

Dave,

I might have to give that a try also. My Redding FL die has a taper expander ball that is pretty much the same degree of taper at my 6mm Sinclair mandrel. I might have to pick up a 338 mandrel and give it a try also.

 

[180pilot]

I think there will be a problem with the Savage's magazine and "Edge" length and heavy bullets, especially the Barnes. One of the reasons Rem made the .338 shorter, (.091), then the .300 was the case mouth would reach over the Ogive on the long .338 bullets when limited to the 3.6" OAL. If you plan on using the magazine, take .338 case and measure it with the .338 bullet you plan to use.
With my Savage 116, which was made for the 7mm RUM, and with a Pac-Nor .338 RUM switch barrel, the case mouth comes to the most forward groove on a 225 grain Barnes TTSX at 3.6" OAL, if the case was longer it would be trying to grip air over the Ogive. For me the .338 is for long heavy bullets like the new Barnes TTSX 225 Boat Tail, which Barnes has not figured the BC on yet, it's very high.

Photo:

http://home.earthlink.net/~pilot180/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/338rum.jpg

 

[davewilson]

TMR, i'm not trying to tell you what to do, merely making a recommendation. the expander ball on a FL die is held by a threaded rod. a not so big threaded rod. when it's in normal use, it's being pulled back up through the case in tension. when you're pushing a 308 neck out to 338, you're using it in a compression situation. in this function, it won't take anywhere near as much loading. my dad always used to tell me to get the right tool for the job. in this case, a 338 mandrel is the right tool!

180, how long is that 338/225 gr TTSX bullet?

 

[180pilot]

TMR, i'm not trying to tell you what to do, merely making a recommendation. the expander ball on a FL die is held by a threaded rod. a not so big threaded rod. when it's in normal use, it's being pulled back up through the case in tension. when you're pushing a 308 neck out to 338, you're using it in a compression situation. in this function, it won't take anywhere near as much loading. my dad always used to tell me to get the right tool for the job. in this case, a 338 mandrel is the right tool!

180, how long is that 338/225 gr TTSX bullet?

1.552"

 

[davewilson]

thanks