Reforming .30-06 brass to 8x57

[ojibweindian]

I've got roughly a thousand .30-06 cases, and a Model 1905 Turk Mauser (Carbine version with a 21.65" barrel). Unfortunately, I've no 8mm brass.

I was wondering if it were possible to trim .30-06 cases using a hand-held saw, run the brass through a resizer die, then trim the case to the correct length using an 8x57 Lee Case trimmer?

I know the process would be a bit time-consuming and labor intensive, but I can live with that.

Anyway, is the process I've described doable?

 

[ClarkEMyers]

Yes but a case forming die is worth it

I've found that rather than a hand held saw a clamped saw and a hand held case works. Easier to clamp one saw than each case in an improvised fashion. I've also clamped cases into a Forster style case trimmer so the case is held base in the collet and mouth with a pilot and used a hacksaw to do a major trim - making .30 Mauser from 5.56 brass frex.

RCBS Trim and Form Die 8x57mm Mauser (8mm Mauser) Form from 30-06 Springfield - $32.99 at Midway.

The RCBS Trim Die doubles as a visual case length gauge. Run a case into the trim die and if the case sticks out above the top of the die, it's too long. File the case down until it is flush with the top of the die and then debur.

For larger quantities many people do use the forming die but hacksaw off anything sticking up - use a fine tooth blade and reserve it for cutting brass - keep it sharp and the cut goes fast - try for a single stroke - then finish the trim with a case trimmer to square the mouth and then deburr.

 

[highlander 5]

Sure is you'll need an 8x57 trim die,hacksaw and a good file.
Lube the case well run it thru the trim die use the hack saw to cut off most of the excess file to clean up and deburr.
you might want to get a tapered expander ball for the full length
sizing operation as not to crush the case.
Years ago I had a 7x57 Mauser and no brass or ammo was available so I made it from surplus 30'06 brass.
Just remember to reduce loads by 10% and work your way back up

 

[ojibweindian]

Clark

I've got a Lee No. 2 shell holder. Could I chuck the shell holder into a drill, insert the case into the shell holder, and then quickly trim it using the fine-toothed saw blade?

After doing that, I could then "fine-trim" the case using the Lee Case Trimmer, couldn't I?

I'm not worried about occasionally trimming a case too short, as I litterally have more .30-06 brass than I know what to do with.

Trying to do this all on the cheap.

 

[ReloaderFred]

I've made hundreds of 8x57 cases from 30-06. It takes less time to do it than it does to tell you how to do it. I just lube the case and run it into the 8x57 size die, then run it into the 8x57 trim die and cut off the excess. I use a Dillon electric case trimmer for the final trim.

You'll end up with a small crease in the neck, where the old shoulder used to be, but don't worry about it. They will work just fine.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Springfield_1911SS]

instead of using the RCBS trim die, could i just use the lee case lenth gage and cutter with an electric drill?

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

If the gauge pin will enter the flash hole before the cutter hits the mouth, that ought to work fine. If not, it still might work, but you'll have to be careful until you get it trimmed down enough for the pin enter the flash hole.

I wouldn't do it that way by hand, it would be too slow. Use a drill or drill press.

Andy

 

[fatelk]

Another way that works for me is to run the '06 shell through the 8mm die, then scribe a line around the neck at the length it needs to be, then turn on the bench grinder with a coarse wheel and quickly grind the neck off. For me it's easier and quicker than cutting. I will then finish trim the brass with the Lee case trimmer set up in a drill.

I've made a lot of 8mm brass from '06 myself.

 

[Springfield_1911SS]

let me see if i get this right?

step 1) size .30-06 brass in a 8mm full length sizing die(ie: lee sizer die)
step 2) cut brass using RCBS trim die
step 3) use lee case trimmer to make clean cut then chamfer and debur
step 4) proceed to load as 8mm(prime, charge, seat bullet, ect.)