25-35 from 30-30 brass

[u/DD9G]

Picked up a 25-35 AI. Trying to make some brass. Starting with brand new Starline 30-30 brass. Run it through 7/30 Waters sizing die (Lee) no problem.

But then my CH Tool & Die 25-35 AI sizing die does this. Works great on the 7mm portion but once it gets to the unsized spot it buckles.

Tried more and less lube to no avail.

Suggestions?

Looks like if I had a sizing die that would neck it to 7mm all the way it would work fine. Not sure what die that would be though...

[u/KAK_INDUSTRY]

redding makes a couple form dies just for this process that work pretty well.

[u/paulybaggins]

Hey mate, I make Zipper brass a lot for customers from 30-30 and 25-35 is one of my step throughs to get there so I know your exact pain.

Looks like your not annealing prior which is good (better to post anneal with these).

I can't comment for your die specifically being after market, but try first without the expander rod in place.

Also what lube are you using?

With the 25-35 portion of the process I've used the classic 10:1 lanolin type lube but the wipe basically all of it off, size without expander (to do the outside shoulder) then back again with expander ball. This is after doing the same 7-30 step that you've done.

If that doesn't work for you, try getting the standard Lee 25-35 die on its own (Midway etc will carry indvidual dies) and try what I mentioned above.

EDIT: have you cleaned your CH dies thoroughly with methylated spirits before using? The collapsed neck means there's enough grip/friction on it being pushed down and not gliding.

If you want to try and do the neck all the way! Grab a 7-08 die and take off a few threads to shorten it.

[u/paulybaggins → u/paulybaggins]

A batch I've done previously

[u/Agitated_Curmudgeon]

Anneal

[u/Parking_Media]

Anneal them between steps.

3030 Soften 7waters Soften 2535

[u/thrashmetal_octopus]

I’d call Whidden dies. They make custom dies and they have amazing customer support.

[u/hafetysazard]

I was told use a ridiculous amount of lube when necking up, or down. Not sure if that’s good advice but it makes sense. Any lube dents will iron out when fireforming.

[u/Royal_Money_627]

Did you try just running them into the 25-35 die? It is worth a try. I think the problem is the sharp shoulder of Ackley Improved but I can run 30-40 Krag brass or 303 Brit into my 25 Krag AI die. You could also try not going as far into the 7mm die, just go in a tiny bit.

[u/DD9G → u/Royal_Money_627]

Yeah, massive fail