All I can say is WTF on this one...
- Thread starter vancouverbc
- Start date
I am thinking that the resizing die the OP has is not really a FL 375 H&H die, or possibly, is of very generous dimensions.
Sizing dies vary considerably, even FL dies. I have 5 FL sets of one particular chambering, but only one will size fired cases from another
rifle enough to fit one specific rifle I have in that chambering.
Regardless, I would be checking that die out very carefully.
Cheers, Dave.
Sizing dies vary considerably, even FL dies. I have 5 FL sets of one particular chambering, but only one will size fired cases from another
rifle enough to fit one specific rifle I have in that chambering.
Regardless, I would be checking that die out very carefully.
Cheers, Dave.
The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know. Thanks all for the input.
This is a "new" 375 H&H Lee die set that came with the rifle and has a Wholesale Sports sticker on it - it didn't come with the 1968 cases. The sizing die doesn't actually have N or FL stamped on it but rather "375 H&H E3" on it. Of course there is no good manual, that I am aware of, to teach you all of these minor details you need to learn as you go. I have several books and none of this was mentioned! I have no idea what E3 is but I am assuming it is not an FL die. Not that these 40 pieces of old brass are really worth worrying over...but since I ran into this situation I am grateful for the learning experience.
This is a "new" 375 H&H Lee die set that came with the rifle and has a Wholesale Sports sticker on it - it didn't come with the 1968 cases. The sizing die doesn't actually have N or FL stamped on it but rather "375 H&H E3" on it. Of course there is no good manual, that I am aware of, to teach you all of these minor details you need to learn as you go. I have several books and none of this was mentioned! I have no idea what E3 is but I am assuming it is not an FL die. Not that these 40 pieces of old brass are really worth worrying over...but since I ran into this situation I am grateful for the learning experience.
I had 375 H+H Sako rifle a few years ago that someone had rechambered into 375 Wby and didn't remark the barrel. I didn't know about this until I had a neck separate after reloading it once. Looked like your case. I don't know about some of these so call "Gun Smiths" I'd dump that brass and move on. Certainly wouldn't rechamber your rifle.
Centre die is neck only. It looks like the brass has been fired in an "Improved" chmber, blowing out the walls and neck to a new caliber.
Your factory ammo is good to go. Your neck only die will re-size the factory brass. You still need to buy a FL die.
Your factory ammo is good to go. Your neck only die will re-size the factory brass. You still need to buy a FL die.
Yes, it does the neck only and even then the operating method is completely different than a normal FL die.
You will need a FL die eventually, even when you use the proper cases. When you get that, there is a good chance that the improved cases will be able to salvaged. If not, it isn't the end of the world.
a quick question if I may
when you first discovered your brass wouldn't chamber, but a FACTORY round would, did you lay them side by side and LOOK at them?
I'm just surprised you didn't realize the rounds looked different...
when you first discovered your brass wouldn't chamber, but a FACTORY round would, did you lay them side by side and LOOK at them?
I'm just surprised you didn't realize the rounds looked different...
The picture looks like one of the improved versions of the 375, so even though the brass is stamped 375 H&H, doesn't mean that is what it now is. - dan
I was never keen on the idea of making one type of case from another, now I know why – because fire forming and otherwise tweaking the brass does not update the head stamp.
No doubt doing this is safe and effective in the hands of someone who knows what they are about (these would be the wildcatters), and it has brought us many interesting cartridges, some of which have gone on to become "factory" cartridges, others not.
But wildcatting and similar activities can also cause confusion and potential hazard to those who purchase, inherit or otherwise acquire these items.
My own preference is to stay with calibers and components that are what they say they are, and that come from trusted sources.
Glad to see this sorted out, it is great to have lots of very experienced and knowledgeable shooters and reloaders here.
Snapshot
Unless you are taking lets say...8mm rem mag brass and making 416 rem out of it,the calibre doesn't change. If you are taking 375hh brass,loading a fire form load in it to make it oh lets say a 375 WBY...the calibre is still the same...just the internal dimensions and case capacity has changed..Improving a cartridge,doesnt change the calibre of it..
I am not sure I understand the point of your question. Are you trying to determine my IQ level or?
I went to a local dealer and used one of their cartridges real quick to check the gun. I did not have them to compare. I'm inexperienced with reloading, not retarded. Unless you ask my wife.
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