32-20 to 25-20

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bamboo633

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After a fairly exhaustive search for 25-20 brass, I have decided to make my own from 32-20.

Having never done this before, I could use some advice on the best method.

My research has lead me to believe that there are 3 main methods:

1. Resize the 32-20, anneal the brass, resize using a 25-20 resizing die. Works for some, not for others.

2. Resize the 32-20, use a modified 270 die to bring the shoulder and neck size down, resize with 25-20 die.

3. Resize with Redding trim die (very hard, maybe impossible to buy in Canada), resize with 25-20 die.

All steps require Imperial sizing wax.

Has anyone actually done this? Any advice on a method that works? I have Lee 25-20 dies and RCBS 270 dies already but I can buy what I need.

I can afford to lose some cases in the process. I am getting desperate to shoot my Winchester 92...
 
My understanding is that this usually does not go very well as the 32-20 brass is very thin. That being said... I may just do that anyways.

I am just thinking that if I need to order anything with the brass I may as well get it at the same time.
 
I have been converting 32-20 brass to 25-20 for sometime now for my wifes Husqvarna single shot. I use a 25-20 file trim die I bought from CH4D awhile back. The brass is thin as noted so I usually start with the die backed off a few turns and then make multiple passes by turning the die down a half turn or so at a time. When I started with the die screwed down all the way to the shell holder I found I was losing too many case to neck folding if I tried to form them in one pass. Once formed in the file trim die I run them through my full length sizing die and then trim to length if needed.
I originally tried forming the 32-20 brass in my full length sizing die but with the RCBS dies I have the spindle assembly was messing things for me,your Lee dies may work better for you, only way to know is to try a few cases in them, working slowly as billdick noted above.
 
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Thanks! I have never heard of CH4D until today. They have a lot of hard to find items.

Do you run the 32-20 through a resizing die before you try to bring it down to 25 caliber to ensure it is perfectly round before starting or do you just go for it?
 
bamboo633 said:
Thanks! I have never heard of CH4D until today. They have a lot of hard to find items.

Do you run the 32-20 through a resizing die before you try to bring it down to 25 caliber to ensure it is perfectly round before starting or do you just go for it?
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Bamboo...….. I go straight to the trim die, whether using once fired or new 32-20 brass. You'll figure out what works best for you as you go, have fun with it. And the great thing about CH4D, if you wish to buy any of their products is they are very easy to deal with and ordering direct cuts out any middleman markup on stuff which can be considerable on some items these days.
 
I suggest using Starline 32-20 brass. I haven't converted it to 25-20 but I have used it to reform to some other oddball cases. Starline worked better than anything else I used. Avoid Remington 32-20 brass.
 
I hammer mine into a 270 die then aneal with a little torch then size to 25 20. I tried a 6.5 die but the 270 works better
 
A&Shuntr said:
I can't see the logic of all that work, Higgingson Powders sells new Winchester .25-20 brass for .50 cents each
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Iffen it where only that easy, as this was the prompt reply I received earlier this morning.
Rob

**ggi**on Powders Inc.

6:10 AM (8 hours ago) (03/25/19)

Unfortunately, we don’t have any of the 25-20 brass in stock, it is on back order with Winchester and they haven’t provided an delivery dates yet.

Regards,

**ggi**on Powders
 
Thanks for all the replies so far. I checked Higgingson Powders and they don't have any of the brass.

I will be using Starline brass. I watched a video on YouTube where someone used two 7/8-14 X 2.5 inch bolts as dies. They bored a 7mm hole in one and a 7.5mm hole in the other with a lathe and used them to step down the neck diameter in a press.

The cost is very low and it seems like this will likely work so I am going to try it. I will let people know how it works out. If it fails, there isn't really much downside to it.
 
bamboo633 said:
Sorry FLHTCUI, I didn't see your post until mine was already up. I bet they are wondering why people are interested in 25-20 all of a sudden.
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Yeah, beating my head against the brick wall searching.
But, the 32-20 will have to do and Starline it will be.
Actually have some factory from Ellwood Epps and a few contacts for cast and Starline Brass.
I do recall the guy and the lathe and homemade dies...
Good Shooting bb663.
Rob
 
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