Re-fireforming

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Vaterslote

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I was gifted some 218BEE and in the mix i found 8 pieces that have the measurements of 221 fireball but a 218BEE headstamp. It looks like these have been annealed. To avoid cnfusion i was wondering if these can be resized BACK to 218BEE to match the headstamp. Any insights? Weighing cost and availablility of the 218BEE vs confusion of headstamp vs just getting rid of the 8 pieces.
 
I would not anticipate any problem with bringing those "fireball" cases back to Bee dimensions.
Lube, but do not over lube, or you may introduce folds in the brass. Dave.
 
There were some folks that were making their own version of an "Ackley Improved" 218 Bee.

It's quite possible the cases you mention are one of these versions.

The versions I've seen will not usually interchange or chamber in other versions for one reason or another.

It won't take a lot of effort to take Eagleye's good advice and try to resize one case.

If I were doing it, I would likely re anneal the case as well before proceeding.

218 Bee cases can have issues with split necks because of metal hardening from repeated use.

In all honesty, if you only have 8 pieces to do, it's hardly worth the effort, unless you're into a bit of a learning experience, which may come in handy for future endeavors.

218Bee brass isn't that hard to locate. I purchased a bunch last fall from SFRC and INTERSURPLUS, both banner advertisers.
 
Sort of similar to OP, I had bought a batch of previously fired Weatherby 7 mm Magnum brass - was likely from an estate. When sorting through them the first time, I discovered that several had head stamp "270 Weatherby Magnum" - they were all previously fired, but not re-sized - a 7 mm bullet slid into the necks of those brass with case head stamped "270". So, either the former owner did not know the difference and fired the 270 in his 7mm, or had re-sized and altered 270 Weatherby brass to work as 7mm Weatherby. Those ones have not been used by me, yet - still in a container, like I received them. And, I noticed - except when I was sorting - and possibly when reloading - but about never when I am out shooting, do I look at head stamps before putting in the rifle - shells come out of the box or container and into the gun.

Is most definitely worth to look and sort, at least once - in some bags of .257 Roberts, was at least two perfect, unaltered 243 Winchester head stamped cases - obviously someone had got them mixed in there.
 
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