25-06 sizing question

[bloominonion]

It looks like I may have won a 25-06, but while doing a little caliber research, I developed a question.

Can I just neck down a 30-06 case in a set of 25-06 dies and trim to length for some cheap brass? I have more 30-06 brass than I can even use, so it would be a good way to put it to use and save on some ammo while I am at it.

Thanks

 

[GooseGestapo]

Theoretically yes, but in practice it might be a bit problematic.

I've not ever done it, but I have other cartridges such as 8x57Mauser to .257Roberts. And the 7mmMagnum to .257WbyMag.

If you have a .30/06 die set, start by resizing them all in it. Then, if you have a .270 sizer die, size it to that (however, the cases will be short for use in the .270. Then run through the .25/06 sizer. The OAL of the .25/06 is the same as the parent case so you will probably not need to trim but do check for neck-thickness. Measure the outside diameter of the loaded rounds and make sure they don't exceed .290"

You may still need to ream the case necks and possibly fire-form the cases.

I'd try to find some OFB on the internet or just by some new cases. They aren't all that expensive. The reforming process might not be worth the effort .

 

[gamestalker]

Yes, just resize and trim to length and your good to go. They both are the exact same length to both the shoulder and mouth, same shoulder angle, same head diameter.
Case length on the 30-06 is exactly the same as 25-06, but once it has been resized it will need trimming back to 2.494" . Because of the larger diameter mouth on 30-06, resizing will cause the case to get longer because the extra brass has to go where it can, which is neck length.
You can also use .270 brass. It may require a little more triming, because it is .046" longer prior to resizing than is 25-06.
* 25-06 case is 2.294"
* 30-06 case is 2.294 prior to resizing
* .270 Win. is 2.340 prior to resizing

 

[bloominonion]

I've got noting but time, and no money. I do have places to get OFB (got 1000 45ACP for $65), but I may not even be able to pay the taxes and FFL transfer to get my free gun, so ammo has to be REALLY cheap. Since I have a plethora of 30-06, I don't mind using it up.

gamestalker, that is exactly what I was thinking, so it is good to make sure it will work. Now to find some cheap dies. (hopefully some used carbides or something)

 

[JimKirk]

Making 25/06 out of 30/06 brass is simple ...lube the case with Imperial case wax and run into a 25/06 sizing die...trim to length according to the specs called for.

I got my 25/06 in late 1969 not long after it was introduced as a factory round... it had been a wildcat for many many years before that. Brass was kinda of scarce in those days and I got my hands on a good supply of '68 LC Match 30/06 brass...which I turned into 25/06 with no problems. That brass was loaded so many times that I lost count. I still have some of if today.

You won't find carbide dies for the 25/06 .... I have several sets of RCBS and Redding that have served me well! You can get carbide expander balls for those two...mine have them.

Jimmy K

 

[huntershooter]

One tip on sizing .30-06 to .25-06;
As said use a light film of Imperial Sizing Wax
Remove the decapping assembly from the sizing die to reduce neck to .25 caliber. This way, WHEN you stick a case-it is simple to remove.

 

[NoAlibi]

GooseGestapo - "And the 7mmMagnum to .257WbyMag."

How complicated is that?

Thanks.....Doc

 

[65nut]

I do it all the time. All my buddies shoot 30-06. Havent had to buy a piece of brass yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I works great. size, trim, shoot, enjoy. 75 grain hornady vmaxs at 3700 fps is an amazing little number. Pretty violent.

 

[joed]

I've never had to size .30-06 brass, just lucky. I stock piled enough when it was cheap. I may have paid $12 for a bag of 50.

With the price of brass today if you have cases you can resize I say go for it. Shouldn't be a problem other then the neck thickening.

 

[JimKirk]

Remove the decapping assembly from the sizing die to reduce neck to .25 caliber. This way, WHEN you stick a case-it is simple to remove.

That seems odd as I have resized a heck of a lot of them and never stuck a case that was lubed! Now unlubed ones are a different story. I also use a carbide expander ball in my dies too.

Lube the cases and brush a little lube in the necks... you will be OK !!

Jimmy K