Just wondering if anyone does this? I have done quite a bit of research and it seems most do it without issue other than short necks. I tried a couple and the virgin Winchester 7mm REM brass came out 2.49". Appears .05" short as expected from reading. I am really happy with how the Weatherly rounded shoulder turned out with one pass. Also I know most said not to use fired brass but I tried one and it looked great other than the overall length was closer to 2.496". Any info on how these shoot without fireforming first. Do they need fireformed? Any issues with being .05 short?
Forming .257 weatherby brass from .7mm rem
- Thread starter shorttrac
- Start date
I've done quite a few of them, and we still use those ones in my son's .257. Since the price of Weatherby ammo in .257 is so reasonable now, I just use the saved brass in mine. The two different headstamps would theoretically help keep the ammo separated, but I've noticed that after he shoots up all his shells he just starts in on mine anyway. Kids.
I have made 100s of 257 from W-W 264 WM, I bought 500 or so a while back as I shoot a 264 as well. No you do not have to fireform them before working loads, they are all but perfect the way they come from the sizer die. Don't worry about the neck lengths as it just means you'll never have to trim them.......My primer pockets give out before I ever have to trim my 257 brass......
But seriously, I fireform them all while working up loads and then I trim them to all the same length and never have to trim again.......I just do this for consistency. If you use 7mm RM check your neck thickness as some rifles will be too tight and you may need to neck turn to get adequate clearance, never had this issue using 264 WM brass.
I love the 257 Bee and have had several over the years, but the new powders have made it a "Super Bee"..........You might wish to try RL 25 and 110-120 gn bullets......mine exceeded all my expectations with 110 ABs and RL 25 and shoots consistently 1/2 moa and that is from a sporter weight fluted 700 Rem, 26" barrel.
But seriously, I fireform them all while working up loads and then I trim them to all the same length and never have to trim again.......I just do this for consistency. If you use 7mm RM check your neck thickness as some rifles will be too tight and you may need to neck turn to get adequate clearance, never had this issue using 264 WM brass.I love the 257 Bee and have had several over the years, but the new powders have made it a "Super Bee"..........You might wish to try RL 25 and 110-120 gn bullets......mine exceeded all my expectations with 110 ABs and RL 25 and shoots consistently 1/2 moa and that is from a sporter weight fluted 700 Rem, 26" barrel.
I would rather have a short neck case than using longer cases when forming and have to turn the thicker necks and end up with donuts. And just remember to clean/brush the neck of the chamber well if switching back to .257 Wby brass and get rid of the carbon ring.
- Location
- Calgary, AB
I have made 257 and 270 from 7RM plenty of times. No issues.
Thanks for the info. One thing I have no experience with is neck turning. Is it a guarantee to have to do this with all rifles or just a select few chambers? Don't have the rifle yet to check. It is a vanguard and brass is older virgin win super w-w.
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Never needed to do it for the Vanguard that I owned.
ST.........It's a hit and miss proposition, one never knows until one tries it. Even in the same make of rifle, you might be OK when the manufacturer starts a new reamer but after sharpening several times you may have to neck turn...........that's why I always use 264 WM. I hate neck turning.............
I think Finding .264 brass would be harder than .257 Weatherby most likely. I have lots of 7mm so I will try that and see how it goes. Have to track down some Hornady factory ammo or similar. New Weatherby ammo shows discontinued on Cabelas site. Anyone know who all makes .257 brass?
