[Bezoar]

if your nagant needs a bullet in the .311 diameter and all the factory dies for 7.62x54 are rigged up for .308 bullets, is it safe to use a 32 mag die set to work the rifle neck adn seat the bullet?

[brentwal]

IIRC RCBS 7.62x54 dies have both a .308 & .311 sizer

[ants]

Measuring the OD at case mouth on the H&R 32 Mag and the OD at the neck of one of my 308 rounds using a caliper, both measured 0.337". I looked up the spec on the 32 Mag in the Lee Handbook and it does say .337" for the straight wall case. So maybe it would work.

If you're asking because you want to neck size your Mosin brass, why wouldn't one use the full length 7.62x54R die for neck sizing? It is commonly done. Use a shim the thickness of a nickel to set the full length sizing die slightly high, and use it to neck size only.

[MMCSRET]

I have done this several times over the years with different cartridge combinations. The one that comes to mind first is using 38 special dies to neck size and crimp 35 Remington. Experiment!!! you're not going to hurt anything. A very good book for this subject is " Handloading for Handgunners" by Geo. Nonte.

[Vern Humphrey]

I have used .38/.357 dies to necksize my .35 Brown-Whelen cases with perfect success.

[goon]

It might work but it's also not a big deal to change the expander to a .311. You can get a .311 expander ball separately then just screw the .308 off and screw the .311 on. It's no different than replacing a broken decapping pin. A five minute job tops.
You may not even have to switch if you're using boat-tail .311 bullets.

As far as safe, I don't see anything unsafe about it.
Generally, you can screw up just about anything up until you start putting primers and powder in the casings and the worst you'll get from it is an excuse to invent some new swear words.
If you decide to try it, just do your sizing first and see if the empty chambers OK. Then load a dummy round and see if it will hold an .311 bullet good and tight. After seating, put a little pressure against the bullet and TRY to push it back in the casing.
If you can't move it you're probably good to go to try some loaded ammo.


Should you take my advice, bear in mind that I am currently at my wit's end because of a .30-30 that just doesn't want me reloading for it. :banghead: