#1
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Forming 17FB from 221FB and die preference
(Also posted on 6mmbr.com)
For you veterans of forming 17FB from 221FB, what is your preference? 2 basic differences between 17FB and 221FB are the shoulder angle (30 vs. 23) and the shoulder diameter (17FB is ~.005" larger). Use the 221FB bushing die and leave the shoulder a sloppy fit, or finish with the 17FB die and let the shoulder mushroom? Is there a consensus on the best method? Last edited by GrocMax; 05-04-2019 at 11:40 PM. |
#2
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All I do is form 221fb cases down in my 20vt bushing die, getting the .224 neck down to 204. Then I size those down to 17 fb by running them into my 17fb sizing die. load and shoot them to fit the 17fb chamber. Bill K
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#3
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BillK-
Thanks. I'm trying to leave the cases full length, but its sorta kinda looking like its impossible and a final pass in the 17FB die is necessary to bump the upper shoulder area. The 221FB die the upper case is a little better supported and shortening is lessened a bit during the neck down steps. All I have is RCBS 17FB and 221FB FL bushing dies. |
#4
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Quote:
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#5
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I like to go in about .015"-.020" steps, takes 3 steps in this case. Have bushings.
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#6
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I did virgin 221, decap/expander out of the 221 die and run full length cam over.
Then into the FL 17FB die with decap/expander out. I did as you mention and kind of snuck up on the neck a few steps at a time until I got to FL in the 17FB. My chamber is pretty snug. Time will tell on case life. FYI 6TCU rig makes me happy every outing. :-) Jeff |
#7
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I started mushrooming the shoulder even with lotsa lube and small neckdown steps in the 17 die, was a little concerned. Seems to work pretty good to neck down in the 221 die then bump the top of the shoulder as a final step in the 17 die. Fireformed one about 30 min ago looks good, won't need to turn necks, no donut, only lost ~.010" in case length.
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#8
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Slow and steady and just adjust your die/s and you will learn and have it going and then you will be all set. Bill K
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#9
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I had a heck of a time finding ammo boxes for the Fireball, don't like the tall 223 style that empty brass falls out of the slots. Berry's 50 count Hornet/30 carbines are perfect for fireball.
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#10
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I have a set of 17Mk4 forming dies I would be willing to loan you.
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