There is a thread on the Forgotten Weapons sight about a blown up Winchester Lee Navy Rifle. It appears that the shooter was using 30-40 Krag cases that had been converted to 6mm Lee by resizing and cutting an extractor groove in the head. This left the web of the head of the case too thin and the case failed. Google "winchester lee navy safety" for a report.
Safety of Cutting an Extractor Groove in Rimmed Case
- Thread starter green
- Start date
If you cut the extractor groove incorrectly you will create a dangerous case. Done correctly it is safe. ALWAYS cut a sample case open from your batch of new brass after you cut your extractor groove and check to make sure what you are doing is not removing too much brass.
If that's true, the base of the .30-40 Krag is .457" while the 6mm Lee is .443" and you will have to remove A LOT of material at the base of a 30-40 Krag case to make it fit in a 6mm Lee Navy, so don't wonder why the thing blew up (if that story is true).
The case to use to make a 6mm Lee is the .220 Swift. Not worth trying to play alchemists in the reloading "business".
The case to use to make a 6mm Lee is the .220 Swift. Not worth trying to play alchemists in the reloading "business".
