Shortening cartridge cases on a lathe

J

JRB

Guest
Can any one please shed some light ,
I have some .222 rem cases i would like to cut back to make some .221/ mach IV cases.
Can some one explain the easiest way to achieve this,

I have tried by setting a case in a power case holder in the lathe chuck, and using a parting bit, and end steady, but the bit cuts a little then grabs as it completes its cut, and messes up the case mouth!!
I have tried three cases with all three the same result.

Many Thanks
Jim
 
Push back the shoulders

JRB said:
Can any one please shed some light ,
I have some .222 rem cases i would like to cut back to make some .221/ mach IV cases.
Can some one explain the easiest way to achieve this,

I have tried by setting a case in a power case holder in the lathe chuck, and using a parting bit, and end steady, but the bit cuts a little then grabs as it completes its cut, and messes up the case mouth!!
I have tried three cases with all three the same result.

Many Thanks
Jim
Click to expand...

And then shorten with a single point bit. I use a bit that is square to the chuck and 60* on the off side. A bit that is meant to turn a square shoulder in front of the chuck. Works great for forming 30x44 from .308 brass.

David
 
Butch Lambert said:
Rick, The Wilson case trimmer is slow and gums up. Try this Harbor Freight unit. It will cut them as fast as you can feed then. Just fix a stop and cut.
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-cut-off-saw-61204.html
Click to expand...

Hey Butch,
I'm sure you are correct, but I've done a ton of 20 Vartarg and 17MKIV with the Wilson and never had a problem. One reason I like it is that I don't have to trim to length as a second operation. I can't imagine the Wilson being seen as slow with an electric drill attached, but maybe I've missed something.

Rick
 
IMAG0168.jpg


This is the most expedient.

Adam
 
If you have a mill, that's the easiest way to shorten cases. When making .22 PPC .100" short, I'll use a Wilson shell holder with a V block to hold the case vertically in a machinist vise and then pull the quill down with an end mill in a collet, cutting the neck back to the point I want it and set the quill stop at that point. Fast and repeatable. Size of end mill doesn't matter as long as it larger in diameter than the diameter of the neck.
 
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