Swaging .323 bullets to .318 questions

[North of 58]

I recently bought a J.P. Sauer "Oberndorf mauser" made in 1912. It is in 8x57 with the original .318 bore diameter. A .318 swaging die came with the rifle, along with dies and some loaded ammo. Swaging bullets is too much for my Dillon 450 and I was wondering what types and brands of press would be suitable for the job. It would only be used for swaging these bullets. I've never done this before so any advice on proper equipment and procedures would be appreciated. Also, does anyone knows of a supplier of .318 bullets in Canada? I know Woodleigh and Buffalo Arms make that diameter but I haven't been able to find them in Canada. Thank you.

 

[Andy]

I have swaged Speer 338 bullets down to 329 through a Lee sizer die in my RCBS Rockchucker without problems. Lubed up well with Imperial Sizing Wax and away I went.

You need to choose open base bullets of simple construction (i.e. thin copper jacket over lead) and keep it to a few thou for it to work, otherwise you will get jacket separation.

Course you could always use cast bullets sized appropriately - cheaper and easier on the bore to boot.

 

[North of 58]

Thanks Andy. I'll find a Rockchucker and give it a try. I might pick up some .321 bullets for the 32 special for targets and save the swaged .323 bullets for hunting. I don't think I want to get into shooting lead bullets if I can help it.

 

[doubleman]

North of 58
Any strong single stage press will work but like Andy said lube em and Imperial
sizing wax is the best just use a very light coat and you should have no trouble. Thats only .005" in size reduction and most 8mm slugs have thinner jackets. Good luck

 

[Rick Teal]

RCE (www.rceco.com) makes an excellent press that can be used for swaging jacketed bullets.

Another option would be to keep your current press and contact C-H tool and die (www.ch4d.com) and buy a draw die that you could use to draw .321 or .323 bullets down to .318.

 

[MiG25]

now i remember ross seyfried recommending paper patching .308" bullets for use in the .318 I bore.

 

[Whelen B]

I've sized .366 down to .358 in one go thru a lee sizer die - well lubed of course. They were conventional cup and core type and they shoot accurately on paper targets.

 

[North of 58]

Thanks guys. I bought a Herters 3A Super Swage press off the reloading classified page. I'll give that a try. If I have to I'll pick up a .321 sizing die and do it in stages.