Reforming .308 to .243

[35Wailin]

It seems like I will be acquiring a .243 in the near future. I will pick up a few boxes of ammo for it at that time, but I also have about 150 pieces of .308 range brass.

What steps would I need to take apart from running them through the sizing die to new down the .308 to .243?

Will I need to turn the necks?

I know they will probably need to be trimmed to length after.

Is it just easier to sell off the .308 brass and buy .243? I neck up .270 and .30/06 all the time for my .35 Whelen, but I have never attempted to neck down.

 

[notsorichguy]

Depending on the brass you may have to turn the necks, but I doubt it.....

As you stated, you will have to trim the cases.

308-243 should be a very simple operation. Use enough lube..... Especially inside the neck and you should be GTG!

 

[Cleftwynd]

I went from 308 to 7mm 08 then to 243 when I did it. I didn't have to turn the necks either, just trim.

 

[Eagleye]

I went from 308 to 7mm 08 then to 243 when I did it. I didn't have to turn the necks either, just trim.

This is actually a good idea, since you are not changing the size so dramatically in one step, but with 2 steps.
Dave.

 

[Potashminer]

About 30 years ago I came into several hundred once fired IVI 7.62 NATO brass. I ran a bunch through my RCBS .243 full length die - was a crunch, but I did up at least 100. Checked case length. Seated 85 grain Speer SPBT and checked for neck clearance in chamber - all turned out good to go. I still have and occasionally use at least 40 of them. I have read that sizing down can result in neck walls being too thick, but I have not yet experienced that.

 

[35Wailin]

Good to hear.

I ended up picking up a savage axis from the hock shop with a bushnell 3-9x scope and sling for $337 out the door.

 

[222Rem]

Use a good case lubricant outside and inside necks .